Emotions ran high today in a dramatic close to the 2011 TBF National Championship, which was held concurrently with the Chickamauga FLW Tour Major. It literally came down to ounces and Allen Boyd emerged victorious.
As the champion boater, Boyd pocketed the $100,000 Living the Dream prize package that includes cash, fully paid entry fees to the FLW Tour as a pro, use of a custom Living the Dream-wrapped Chevy truck and wrapped Ranger boat for the Tour year, a travel stipend for each event, plus a berth in the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup.
The seven divisional champions each received a pro berth in next month's BFL All-American at Shreveport, La.
Boyd, from Salem, Ind., was 13th overall after day 1 and just 3rd in his division. On day 2 a good bag and a 6-06 kicker helped him climb to 3rd overall and 1ast in his division. Today, Boyd clinched the win.
"It's textbook fishing," he said. "I used two crankbaits the whole tournament. That's it – crankin'. That's what I like. This lake is just full of fish. We caught fish everywhere, but those were the most consistent spots. They were key because big fish were consistently there. It was just getting them to eat.
"One hundred percent, no questions asked, I'm going to fish the Tour," Boyd added. "When I was a little kid my grandpa got me a boat when I was 13. I'd fish all day - every day until dark every summer. I just don't seem to get tired of it for some reason. This is a great thing. You guys need to join your clubs and start doing this."
Kenny Beale from Virginia, who represented the Mid-Atlantic division, was leading the first 2 days of the tournament. He was the highest-finishing Ranger Cup qualifier and won a brand new Ranger 198VX.
The following divisional champs qualified for the BFL All-American. Note that official standings do not specify the division each angler represented.
Allen Boyd -- Salem, Ind.
James Biggs -- Bedford, Texas
Kenny Beale, Jr. -- Danville, Va.
Larry Hardy -- Tonto Basin, Ariz.
Don Boeger -- Caldwell, Idaho
Ryan Latinville -- Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Gregory Hoskinson -- Louisville, Ky.
