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Cabela’s Signs on as the Arizona BASS Federation Nation

The Arizona BASS Federation Nation is proud to announce Cabela’s as the State’s official outdoors store. Since Cabela’s signed on as BASS’ National Casting Kids sponsor and the Arizona Cabela’s has supported numerous youth and Federation nation events it was a logiacll choice to align with Cabela’s. They will also be hosting the state’s Casting Kids finals.

The Secretary’s Scoop

Well we are mid way through another season, however we still need your help in updating the information in the system. If we could have every club send an updated roster to Kip Pollay as soon as possible.

The President’s Cast

Hope everyone is still finding some time to hit the lake in our off season. I know, for me, spare time has been hard to come by. The Federation Nation Executive Board has been using this time to resign sponsorships, plan schedules, search for a trailer, and fine tune the machine. As a Federation, we continue to grow in numbers and have established a very workable bank account in the past 14 months of the rebuilding effort.

The only change in our sponsorships that you will notice is in the arena of outdoor merchandisers. Cabela's is now our official state sponsor, replacing Sportsman’s Warehouse. We are grateful for the role Sportsman’s Warehouse played in our rebuilding efforts, and wish them the best. The decision was made partly to the fact that Cabalas is now the B.A.S.S. National Casting Kids sponsor and we will be holding events there on a regular basis. Cabela's has also offered more to the Federation and is very excited about our presence being at many of their outdoor related activities.

As I have mentioned in a previous update letter to you all, we are requesting a member from each club be present at the upcoming September and October Federation Nation meetings as we will be discussing any possible changes to the bylaws and tournament rules. We can only change on an annual basis and the time is now. Remember we meet on the first Tuesday of the month at Iron Works (one block north of Bell Rd. on 45th Ave.) I understand that this location may not be the best for everyone but we are up to suggestions for a future location. One such possibility is Cabela's.
Cabela's has offered a room and has easy access from any freeway.

Adventure Bass, Scratch and Claw Bass, and Valley Bass will be traveling to the Red River in October to fish in the Bass Club World Championships where they have a chance to win six fully-rigged Triton/Mercury packages valued at $250,000. The best of luck to all three clubs!

The 2008 tentative schedule is available at arizonabassnation.com in the August meeting minutes. Be sure to visit the site as Joe Michaels has been doing a great job with it. The next Federation Nation Qualifier is scheduled for October 20th at Lake3 Pleasant. Hope to see you all there.

Don’t forget the next meeting, Sep 4th at Iron Works, one block north of Bell on 45th Ave., beginning at 7pm. I would like to see someone from each club at these meetings if at all possible. Until then keep your lines wet and your boots dry.

Kip Pollay AZBFN State President

Youth Director’s Digest

In the heat of the summer most fishing turns to night where the temperatures are cooler. However the Jr. BASS clubs didn’t slow down. They continued to drive forward and hold their club qualifiers, that will culminate on Oct. 7th at Lake Pleasant with the State Jr. Championship, with the two winners going on to represent Arizona in South Carolina in Feb.2008. Casting Kids events were also hot this summer, as local clubs and the 2007 Arizona State Team conduct several events. The two Arizona champions will be crowned on Sep 23 at the Glendale Cabela’s store, and moving on to the National Semi Final in Nov 2007. Boats and volunteers are needed for both events. You can contact Kip or myself to volunteer.

Thank you to all members that made these events for the kids successful. For more information on youth activities contact me at youth@arizonabassnation.com. Or call me at my new cell number 520-255-3839.

Conservation Corner

Dear Arizona and Utah ACT Members:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has a very unique volunteer opportunity for those that have an adventurous spirit! They need volunteers to assist with hoop net sampling in the Little Colorado River, Grand Canyon area. Accepted volunteers will be required to spend 10 days in the Canyon and work under rigorous conditions. However, the educational aspects of the project, combined with the extraordinary scenery and the once in a lifetime opportunity may be worth it for some.

To find out more information, go to Bassmaster.com/conservation, or to volunteer for this Grand Canyon adventure, please contact:
Sandy Reith Volunteer Coordinator Arizona Game and Fish Department Phone: 602-789-3680 Email: sreith@azgfd.gov

2007 AZBFN State Team Profiles

Ron Johnson


Age- 34
B.A.S.S. Club- Surprise Bass
Federation Member– 3 years
Favorite Lake– Roosevelt
Favorite Lure- Jig/Baby Brushog
Favorite Technique– Pitchin
Boat– NA
Motor– NA
Electronics– NA
Sponsors- Gambler, Eagle Claw, Fig Rig Rods, Navionics, Sun Devil Auto, Gamma, Yo-Zuri, Nitro Bait, Strike King Lure   Co., Props Plus LTD .
Accomplishments- 2006 State Team TBF,TBF 2006 Co-Angler of the Year, 2006 ABA Championship, 2007 State Team B.A.S.S.Federation Nation, 2006 Co-Angler of the Year  B.A.S.S.Federation Nation


Gerald Kimzey

Age– 50
B.A.S.S. Club– SEA Bass
Federation Member– 6 years
Big Bass- 8.5 lb. largemouth
Favorite Lake- San Carlos or Mexico
Favorite Lure– Buzzbait
Favorite Technique– Top Water
Boat– Skeeter
Motor- Mercury
Electronics- Lowrance
Sponsor- K & H Outdoors, Bandit Lures, Daiichi Hooks, Ardent Reels & Phenix Rods
Accomplishments- 2007 BASS Federation Nation State Team, 2 time ABA Super-Team Championships, WON Tri-State Championship and Local Bass Club Angler of the Year.

Tournament Trail

The second Arizona BASS Federation Nation Qualifier of the 2007 season was held at Alamo Lake Apr. 21st. The team of Ray Noble & Larry Larabee won with a weight of 14.41 lbs. The complete results are shown below.

See the Alamo Results

Current Year-to-Date Standings