STATE FEDERATION SPOTLIGHT: tHe IDAHO BASS FeDeRAtION
I
t’s no secret that the Bass Federation members around
the country share a passion for bass fishing. to fully
appreciate the level of commitment state federations and
local clubs bring to the table, a closer look at what’s happen-
ing within the organization around the country is warranted.
toward that end, tBF is launching a series of articles high-
lighting individual state federations. We begin with a look at
the Idaho Bass Federation (tIBF), as tIBF President tammy
Shuyler answers questions that shed more light on how tBF
members are making a difference on behalf of all bass anglers.
TBF of Idaho President Tammy Shuyler (right) with Forrest and Nina Wood.
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Q: What are some of the things you’d like fellow TBF members (and
non-members) to know about The Idaho Bass Federation, such as
some of the projects or events you have going on for this year?
A: tBF has always been active with the youth and promoting
youth programs. the numbers have fluctuated over the years,
but our youth director reports that interest grew last year and
the trend continues headed into 2017, with lots of excitement
and buzz about the upcoming championship.
Idaho tBF has also had a strong focus on conservation, and
our goal is to conduct at least one project per year. Working
jointly with Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), we
have improved fish habitat with structure plants in various
waters, and helped rebuild the IDFG release boat utilized by all
the clubs for catch-and-release following the tournaments.
We donated funds in January 2017 to purchase five tagging
devices at a cost just under $1,000 for a smallmouth bass sur-
vey underway on the Snake River in southern Idaho. We are
also working on a project to create signage to educate the pub-
lic about the life of a bass and importance of catch-and-release.
It is our goal to have one conservation project per year.
With the tBF National Semi-Finals format change, our tour-
nament director, eddie Garcia, and the board have created a
statewide tournament qualifier schedule this year to encour-
age member participation across the state. We are hopeful our
participation numbers will maintain and grow with the
increased ability for participation. A lot of strategic thought and
planning went into this year’s schedule, and we hope that we
will see another strong turnout from our membership this year
to fish the state qualifier circuit. We also held our annual tBF
Banquet Feb. 18, which was a very successful fundraiser and
kickoff to our tournament fishing season.
Q: How many tournaments does The Idaho Bass Federation run
each year?
A: Our state schedule includes four one-day qualifying tourna-
ments leading up to a two-day season championship in July.
top finishers from the championship move on to the 2017
Idaho/Montana Semi-Finals at Noxon Reservoir, Mont. We also
conduct special activities, including an annual Military
Appreciation tournament for armed forces personnel, and
assist with the “Scales of Justice,” an event in which youths
within the juvenile court system get to fish a tournament with
volunteer boaters.
Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?
A: the recent economic recession was the worst ever seen in
Idaho. It was hard to see many of our friends and member-
ship make the choice to stop fishing or scale back through no
fault of their own, due to the lack of financial means to fish.
the reality of owning a boat, paying for fuel and maintenance,
and purchasing the tackle and gear to bass fish is that it is
expensive.
In response, the state board is in the process of developing
funding to continue assisting the anglers to help meet their
travel expenses. Developing sponsor relationships following
the economic downturn is ongoing and crucial as well. Many of
our past sponsors are no longer in business, and we are seek-
ing to build new connections with our community and state
sponsors.
Q: How have members responded to the new National Semi-Finals
system?
A: Overall, they like it. Some miss competing against multiple
states, but reducing travel costs and expenses with the new
Semi-Finals format makes sense. Members also appreciate the
chance for more anglers to compete past the state level at the
Semi-Finals. 2016 was our first year, and folks are excited to be
fishing the 2017 state qualifiers this year.
I feel good that we are handling the format change the best
way possible with the help from the tBF national office. I look
forward to a postseason review and considering any adjust-
ments needed to facilitate participation at the state level.
Q: Do you have advice for other state federations hoping to grow
their membership and tackle new conservation, youth or commu-
nity projects?
A: Keep it simple. Do the job well with integrity and passion, no
matter whether holding a tournament, fundraising or partici-
pating in a community event. Volunteers are the backbone of
this organization. they may have limited time and resources,
but will continue helping as long as they feel their time and
energy are well spent and appreciated.
Q: Any other thoughts in closing?
A: We appreciate what the national tBF and FLW do for the
states, and know how much time and energy is spent main-
taining the sponsor connections, keeping the membership
engaged and providing for the organization.
thank you tBF and FLW for promoting and supporting our
passion for Idaho bass fishing.
FLWFISHING.COM I MAY-JUNE 2017