The Bass Federation (TBF) announced today that it is expanding its adult qualifying program from seven TBF division championships to a TBF National Semi-Finals program comprised of more than 20 “close-to-home” events.
“It is time,” was the theme heard throughout the 2015 state presidents’ conferences, which were held in conjunction with the Forrest Wood Cup in August in Hot Springs, Ark.
The 2016 season will mark the final year that the TBF framework of seven division championships will serve as the process by which anglers qualify nationwide into the biggest events. Both programs (the division championships and the new National Semi-Final events) will run concurrently for the 2016 transition year so that no one is left out.
The basic structure of TBF’s current adult program was voted into place in 1990 by the state federation presidents. The new TBF National Semi-Finals Program is designed to make competing less costly and more rewarding financially, with travel costs reduced and cash payout to the individual anglers increased.
"As an industry leader in grassroots fishing, we have a responsibility to look ahead to the next 25 years, recognize the world is a different place than it was in 1990 and build a program that fits today's lifestyles and economy," said TBF president and CEO Robert Cartlidge. "Most federation members do not want to fish professionally full-time, but they all would like the chance to try their skills against other members, have some fun, earn their share of a nice prize pool and possibly advance to fish the biggest events in all of fishing once in their lifetime. This program provides every club member with that chance.”
No longer will TBF members have to travel across the nation to attempt to qualify for the Federation National Championship, the BFL All-American or the Forrest Wood Cup, or to compete on the FLW Tour via the "Live the Dream" program.
All National Semi-Final events will take place in two- and three-state groups, so travel will only be “next door." Each state will send a minimum of 12 anglers to a National Semi-Final, with larger-membership states receiving more berths.
Full details and outlines will go out to the state presidents and membership in the coming days and weeks and will be posted to BassFederation.com.
