THE BASS FEDERATION
to get more participation , we decided to split our federation into two divisions : the Coastal and River divisions . Because anglers now had the option to fish in a division outside of the river , that really started to drive up our participation and membership numbers .”
In just one year , the Oregon federation saw membership increase by 30 percent with 11 total events : four Coastal Circuit National Semi-Final Qualifiers ( held on inland lakes like Siltcoos and Tenmile ), four River Circuit National Semi- Final Qualifiers ( held on the Columbia ) and three Open events .
Fast-forward to the end of 2021 : Membership increased to 151 members with the same number of events .
Thanks to sponsorship dollars from companies like Minn Kota , Humminbird , Lowrance and Ranger Boats , the Oregon federation was also able to pay entry fees for 56 of its adult members , as well as the entry fees for all their Oregon Student Angler Federation teams in 2021 alone . The number of anglers and students that the Oregon federation can support continues to grow under Hartshorn ’ s and Harral ’ s leadership .
As another fishing season ends and Hartshorn reflects on his third year as president , he can ’ t help but appreciate the opportunity that is afforded to him and other local anglers who get to enjoy the bass-rich waters of Oregon while also striving for even higher goals down the road .
Douglas Derrick and Patrick Johnson with a haul of smallmouth from the River Circuit of the Oregon federation , which has enjoyed tremendous growth the past two years .
“ I really think that TBF is a great avenue for grassroots anglers ,” Hartshorn said . “ It gives your weekend anglers the opportunity and the chance to fish in a big-league tournament . Knowing you can earn a spot in the National Championship by winning your state , perhaps win that tournament , get to fish in the BFL All-American and maybe one day become a pro is such an enormous opportunity , all from just being a TBF member .”
If you would like more information on how you could join the Oregon state federation , visit TBFOregon . org . To find out how to join a federation in your respective state , visit BassFederation . com .
84 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | DECEMBER-JANUARY 2023