The Utah Bass Federation kicked off the 2007 TBF/FLW tournament year for the youth program with a two day event on two Utah lakes, East Canyon May 19^th and Echo Reservoir May 20^th and excitement was in the air as many new faces flooded the playing field Saturday morning at a 5 A.M. kick off meeting to get things rolling. 
 

      The smallies at East Canyon had a rude awakening Saturday morning as several of our young fishermen tore the covers off and ripped them out of their spawning beds for a short boat ride to the weigh in. (DAY 1) Ryan Mezenen (5lbs 15oz) reeled in three fish throughout the day to take the lead by only 7oz. over Alex Fishback (5lbs 8oz) who brought in three fish of his own. Cody Pierson (3lbs) followed close behind and looked forward to day two with hopes of giving the other kids in the 11 to 14 age group a run for their money. 
 

      (Day 1) For the 15 to 18 year olds, the seasoned angler Sunny Hawk ripped lips tallying over twelve pounds (12lbs 1oz) to take the lead over 4 – Time Champion Zach Alexander, who brought in a full limit himself including “Big Fish” of the day for a total of 10lbs and 9oz. Casey Storey (8lbs 5oz) and Zach Pierson (6lbs 5oz) followed close behind as well in hopes of putting some pressure on the leaders come day 2. 
 

      (Day 2) Ryan Mezenen kept his focus clear and wrapped things up in record time for the 11 to 14 age group by bagging a full limit of fish at Echo in just 45 minutes of fishing time to bring his total weight to 16lbs 3oz. and taking home the 1^st place trophy. Alex Fishback hung on to 2nd place with a total of 5lbs 8oz with Colton Bodily latching on to the last trophy for 3^rd place and a total weight of 4lbs 4oz. 
 

      (Day 2) Casey Storey said….” I’ll take that 3lb 3oz Big Fish”, as he threw it in with four more for a full limit totaling 17lbs 2oz. for a come from behind situation only to take the lead and the 1^st place trophy for the 15 to 18 age group. Zach Alexander sneaked past best friend Sunny Hawk as well with another full limit of fish and a total weight of 16lbs 5oz for the 2^nd place trophy. Sunny may have struggled day 2, but had enough weight at 14lbs 4oz. to take the 3^rd place trophy and give a fair warning …”I’ll be back”. 
 

      A beautiful weekend and the best group of kids possible brought the first tournament to an end…….We look forward to the seeing you at the next event, which is scheduled for June 9^th and 10^th at Pelican Lake (Day 1) and Steinaker Reservoir (Day 2). 
 

      A very special “Thank You” goes out to all the boat captains for supporting the youth and volunteering their time, efforts and dollars. Thanks to: Cliff Sackett, Mike Risen, Rick Culver, Curt Cochran, Joe Cole, Dave Wilbert, Adrian Alexander, Roy Madsen, Barry McCormic, Nick Ferman, Travis Bodily, Greg Kemp, Mike Elnicky, Kent Hale, Alex Favolli, Shane Hammer, Howard Harmston and Jody Wise. 
 

      Always remember……Keep a Sharp Hook and Don’t Forget to Take a Kid Fishing ! ! ! ! 
 

      Thanks,

      Youth Tournament Director,

      Roger Mezenen

Results Here