Bass Fishing Apr - May 2020 | Page 86

THE BASS FEDERATION Editor’s note: Upcoming tournament dates and qualification metrics described here are subject to change due to the evolving COVID-19 situation in the United States. The information here is as accu- rate as possible as of press time in March. FREEMAN AND PENDLETON CROWNED TBF 2020 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS GRAND LAKE PLAYED HOST TO THE EVENT, WHICH BOASTED MORE THAN $380,000 IN RECORD-BREAKING PRIZE POOL The Bass Federation’s top anglers from across the United States and Canada traveled to Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Grove, Okla., for the 2020 TBF National Championship. More than 100 TBF anglers set their sights on the titles, which included lucrative “Living YOUR Dream” boater and co-angler champion prize pack- ages, sponsor contingencies, cash and other prizes – a $380,000-plus payout overall. Kentucky’s Lance Freeman won the boater division with five-fish limits all three tournament days: 14-14, 19-8 and 19-15, respectively. His winning total was 54-5. “It’s truly a blessing,” says Freeman. “From the second cast this morning to the last, it’s been a wild ride. I am blessed beyond belief. On my way to Oklahoma, I had this feel- ing. It’s an unrealistic, surreal, God feeling that something was going to go 84 my way. Practice was tough, but then the first tournament day, everything went right. The whole week to here, it was just like tunnel vision.” Freeman was awarded the “Living YOUR Dream” boater prize package valued at more than $125,000, includ- ing a 2020 Ranger Z520L with a 250- hp Evinrude outboard, Power-Poles, Minn Kota trolling motor, Lowrance electronics, T-H Marine accessories and a custom Ranger trailer. The package also included $20,000 cash, $5,000 in entry fees into an affil- iated circuit of his choosing, entry into the Toyota Series Championship, a reserved slot in the 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and a berth in the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine All-American, travel and housing stipends, and a clothing package. “Today [the final day] was a miracle,” Freeman adds. “On the last cast of the day, I was just fishing stuff that looked good around Elk River, even though I caught most of my fish on the south end of the lake and caught the great big fish there. It was about 6, 6-1/2 pounds. It’s like, you look, and it’s the 10 seconds of eternity you have. One of those moments, the sun was shining on you. I’m speechless in so many ways and so thankful for you guys.” Freeman and TBF President and CEO Robert Cartlidge spoke on stage about the caliber of anglers that stands the test over and over again, the kind of angler Freeman is and the style he’s displayed since he got into bass fishing more than 13 years ago when he start- ed fishing TBF’s junior program. He fishes his strengths and stresses fishing the way you like – and most of all, having fun doing it. It’s a style he still puts in play today. “I’m not the big guy wearing the jer- sey around,” he says. “I’m just a boy that likes to go fishing. I had a blast with all of my co-anglers. Every day, it was about having some fun and fishing; making the most of every moment. Today, we caught our limits about 20 seconds apart around 9 a.m., and then we were just sitting there having the time of our lives in the pouring rain.” FLWFISHING.COM | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING.COM | APRIL-MAY 2020