I do have to say…I was gone, but I am back now.  I recently moved to West Jordan.  This should be a once in a lifetime event with the amount of junk I have collected.  It seems you don't realize how much there is until you have to move it.  I have gotten the move "under my belt" and I am ready to get the issues facing the Federation moving.

I hope that cost of fuel doesn't keep on the rise, as it will affect many of our recreational activities.  AAA predicted earlier this year that the cost of fuel would not keep people from traveling, recreating, and buying the stuff needed to have fun.  I didn't originally agree.  However, I have not seen any drastic drops in tackle sales.  If the trend in energy costs continue we will probably see people traveling less.  

Hopefully, our members will still continue to support our events.  We have a Buddy/Team Tournament coming up on September 10^th and a Qualifier September 24-25.  We will again do a bar-b-que and will raffle off many great prizes.  Please plan on attending!

As far as permits go, we have made good progress with the Forest Service.  Walt, when he went to the Nationals, planted a bug in Noreen's ear about our problems (Noreen is the BASS Conservation Director).  Noreen has great rapport with the Director of the Forest Service in Washington D.C.  When she called them it started a chain reaction all the way down to the Vernal Supervisor's office.  Evidently, this is the first time the "Big Guy" has called direct.  They didn't like it very much, and told me so.  I had a chance to meet with the Forest Service Biologist in Vernal, Mr. Dan Abeyta.  We discussed the problems we have been having in getting permits.  Dan seemed genuinely interested in resolving the problem.  The points I outlined to Dan were: we should be able to have more than one major tournament per month (a major tournament is one having more than 75 participants) going out of different marinas; there should be no preferential treatment to other organizations (I told him that some groups have been able to get a permit within a week of requesting one); and that if they "Grandfather" tournaments, then we should be one of the first.  The only tournament going longer than us is the Hub Derby. 

The Junior Bass Clubs are going like gangbusters.  I don't see any end in sight (and don't want to).  The kids are the ones that will be paying tournament entry fees in the near future - that is if we treat them right now.  There has been a shortage of boats for their events.  Pony up!!  I'm beginning to think we should be called The Utah "Grumpy" BASS Federation.  Here's a chance to help the next generation of tournament anglers.  Speaking of help, I will be holding a tackle sale (I hope to have details at the Federation meeting) to generate funds for the junior program.  All of the proceeds from the stuff I sell will be put into the Junior Fund.  I have 7-10 boxes of discontinued Berkley plastics that I will be selling, as well as rods, reels and other items.  I know Dan English will be there as I am going to throw in some Berkley Dropshot Worms.  If you want to help - let me know.  I will do a flyer so you can tell all of your friends about it.

We are having the Federation Christmas Banquet a little early this year.  November 19^th is the date.  It will be held at the usual place - Classic Choice Catering.  We will be doing things differently this year [think Ducks Unlimited Banquets].  There will be a silent auction, a verbal auction, and a raffle.  We can keep the price of the meal the same if we get more people to attend.  Last year we had about 50 people.  Why can't we get 100?  The price last year was $20.00 per person.  There was an open bar (free) with a bartender.  It was a fun event and a great way to visit with fellow anglers in a non-competitive setting.  Please plan on being there.

Enough for now, we'll see you soon,

George Sommer

President,

The Utah Bass Federation

Strawberry C.A.S.T. Event

By George Sommer

It was another great year with the C.A.S.T program at Strawberry.  We had quite a few special needs people show up.  One family, the Jamison's, brought 12 handicapped kids that they care for.  If you haven't experienced this event you need to.  For most or all of these people, this is the only chance they have to go fishing.  It gives us the opportunity to touch someone's life and to be touched.  Sometimes I think that the volunteers are touched more than the participants. 

I need to thank the following people for their help: Wayne Crowder, Dan English, Paul Geertson, Scott Harvey, Eric and Jamie Inman, Shane Johnson, Cal Kener, Rick Kinross, Mike Risen, Carl, Don, and Susan Robertson, Cliff Sackett, Jerry and Carrie Schlief, George Sommer, Dave Wilbert, and Tommy Zupfer.

Unfortunately, this being a joint Utah Bass Federation and Bureau of Reclamation event, we did not have enough boats to take care of all of the anglers.  Without the help of Strawberry Anglers, Rocky Mountain Anglers, and the Bureau of Reclamation employees, we would have been short-handed.  I would to thank the people from these organizations who helped us out.  I strongly encourage you to plan on participating in this event next year.  The Utah Bass Federation only does 2 such events a year, Catch-A-Cure and C.A.S.T.  Surely, we can find enough time to participate in a good cause.

Valerie Harrison, the C.A.S.T. Coordinator, will be at our next meeting to find out what they can do to make it a better event.

Again, many thanks to those who volunteered their time and money to this great event!!!

George Sommer

President,

The Utah Bass Federation