First College National Championship

[everythingthatswims]

This past week I was in Bemidji, Minnesota, for the BASS College National Championship. It was an awesome experience for sure. In addition to competing in the event, I got to take over bass nation's snapchat for the first day of the event, received some cool new products, and met several pros (including Jordan Lee). The fishing on the lake where they had the event (Bemidji Lake) was not exactly something I am glad I drove 1300 miles for. We placed 44th out of 90 teams with 5 fish for two days, a total of 9lbs and change I believe. That alone should be a statement as to how tough the fishing was. Tough fishing doesn't bother me, it's the fact that we were so crowded, that when you fished something, you would probably be the 5th-10th boat to do so on that particular day. There was one area of about 5 acres of water, that I guarantee 30 boats were sitting on during the 2nd day of the event. My partner and I found good fish in practice, and had 4 good waypoints that we knew held fish. On the first day of the event, right after blastoff, there were 4 or more boats on each waypoint! And this is shallow water flipping/frogging!

 

A few boats did put together some respectable limits, and they surely earned them, especially the leaders who pretty much blew it out of the water, even with only 4 fish on day one. I am looking forward to competing at these events in the future, hopefully we will have a little more room next time, feeling crowded is the worst way to fish a tournament IMO.

 

I will say that there are some PHENOMENAL fisheries in Minnesota. Every place we heard about had nothing but good reviews from other anglers (aside from the lake the tournament was held on). My partner and I fished Cass Lake, about 10 minutes down the road from Bemidji, and it was absolutely stellar all three times we went there. Shallow water, heavy vegetation, up close and personal with heavy rods and straight braid, it was a blast! You would pretty much have 12-14lbs within the first 5 bites you had, the fish up there are built like footballs! There were also thousands of crawfish all over the bottom, the water had about 10' of visibility so you could see them scurrying around when the trolling motor spooked them.

 

Here are some pictures of some Cass Lake studs!

[MIbassyaker]

Great fish! I grew up in MN, and fished both Cass and Bemidji as a kid a couple of times (alas, for panfish) on family camping trips.  It would be fun to go back and chase largemouth with what I know now.  It's Walleye Country, so the bass get ignored by most anglers!

[Sam]

Outstanding!

 

Proud of your accomplishment.

 

Just get that degree and keep fishing!

[everythingthatswims]

2 hours ago, Sam said:

Outstanding!

 

Proud of your accomplishment.

 

Just get that degree and keep fishing!

I would be lying if I said my degree isn't my "safety net" plan

[A-Jay]

Nice Job ~ 

A-Jay

[Glenn]

Well done!

[RichF]

I saw pics of you on Bassmaster.com during the tournament.  It's super cool, you guys got to fish out there in that event.  Great job man!