
New Jersey Bass Federation Meeting 2/12/10
Submitted by Secretary Bruce Stovall
Meeting was called to order by Vice President Mike Hart, in the absence of President Tony Going (who is still recovering from hip replacement surgery) at 8:13 pm.
The following clubs were not in attendance: (those in parenthesis were excused by contacting any board member). Back to Back Bassmasters; Bass Assassin Six; Bass Kickers; Bergen Bassmasters; Berkley Bassmasters; (Castaway Bassmasters); Clearwater Bassmasters; Cullin Bass Six; First Generation Bassmasters; Hawg Heaven Bassmasters; and North Jersey Bass Anglers.
Following opening remarks Federation Secretary Bruce Stovall read the January meeting minutes, a motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes as read.
Federation treasurer then read the treasurers report followed by a motion and second to accept this report.
Federation Tournament Director Al Purdy reported that the there would be No Off-Limits period for the 2010 team tournament on Lake Champlain. Al, further stated that until the official practice day members can fish with whomever they desire, however beginning Saturday, June 19th 2010 only competitors entered in the event are allowed to be on the tournament waters. That is your 6 man team and your alternate. No more than 6 boats from any team may be on the water during the pre-tournament practice period (19-23 June). Exception “Immediate family members” Children under the age of 16 may pre fish and your spouse, all others are to be cleared by the TD competitors during pre tournament practice. Any club/individual one not honoring this policy is subject to disqualification of both individual and his team.
Team final rosters are due at the April Federation meeting, be sure to annotate your final rosters to reflect your teams 3 boaters first followed by the three riders. This makes putting the boater listing easier if everyone follows this direction. Team Final Rosters” must be accompanied by copies of Insurance Declaration page that includes $100,000 minimum coverage and the policy expiration date. AL also stated that he will be looking closely at each insurance form submitted. No valid insurance means no opportunity to fish from your boat. Also list any other boats your club will have on-site at the team tournament.
Please, help Al and Patti, by notifying them early with any changes that occur on your final rosters as early as possible, no later than 1 week prior to the team tournament. This helps them administer the tournament pairings. A drawing for back-up boats will be held to determine order of use should they be needed.
A question from the floor tipped of a short discussion about this years tournament schedule and Greenwood Lake. The tournament schedule stands as printed in spite of new legislation that was signed into law last month. The effects of that legislation, is not expected to be felt on Greenwood lake until the 2011 season. The 2011 tournament schedule will likely take the federation to other waters.
Mike Hart introduced Harvey Knight of North Jersey Marine to the membership, as if he needed an introduction. Harvey opened by providing an update to the status the Genmar Boats Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Ranger Boats is now a stand-alone company purchased by Platnium Equity’s a west coast investment firm. Also purchased was Stratos and Champion line of boats that will be managed by Ranger Boats. Randy Hopper will continue at Ranger and has a vested interest in maintaining Ranger Boats product and services at the same high standards Ranger owners have come to know. Ranger Cup program is alive and well in 2010, details of this years program is forthcoming. It is expected to remain at last years level or better. FLW is still owned by Erwin Jacobs and is working with Ranger boats and the TBF on incentives for the 2010 season.
Harvey Knight and North Jersey Marine have supported the NJ Bass Federation for over 30 years. In 1986 Harvey established the North Jersey Marine buyer contingency/incentive program. This program rewards the top finisher in a NJBF tournament with a monetary incentive for the owner of a North Jersey Marine purchased boat. 2009 NJM incentive checks went to Mike Hart (2), Mitch Pearson (1), Chris Lee (1), and Daren Pincus (1). Congratulations to all recipients! Harvey also provided a marine safety flare kit to raffle off. Harvey offered that the Lakes Association at Lake Hopatcong is against fees that would go into the NJ state General fund. They would prefer to collect fees and administer them. For additional information on the Lake Hopatcong Lakes Association go to their website: www.lakehopatcong.org .
From the Board and the entire NJBF membership: Thank you Harvey, North Jersey Marine and your staff for all the support you provide to the NJBF and its members.
Millinium Bassmasters Youth club is under new management (Jim Bartolloto), a letter from Federation President Tony Going welcoming them along with hats was presented by Mike Hart.
A roll call vote by the members present, approved a plan to offer the College team a free 2010 State membership into the New Jersey Bass Federation. It is up to their members to accept or decline.
Joe Poms gave a show report. Next show is the Philadelphia Outdoor show 25-28 February. Joe needs help contact him if you are interested in helping out at the show. His phone # is posted on the website homepage.
PJ Bartolotto to give Conservation Report, discussion concerning the free registration to the National Saltwater Registry. If you fish the Delaware River, Tidal Waters of the upper Chesapeake or the Potomac River where species of fish travel up-river to spawn, you will need to register. It is Free see details on NJBF website.
Additionally, A Sport Fishing License can be obtained from the Potomac River Fisheries for $7.50 at www.prfc.state.va.us where you can download your mail-in application. This license is good for Potomac River and the Flats. Check it out!
Several items are available for purchase through the federation:
-HD5XS Lowrance Unit
-Minn Kota 80 lb thrust, 24v 45 in shaft
-Minn Kota Onboard Battery Charger, MK-345, 3 Bank x 15 amp
Contact a board member if you are interested.
The last 30 Minutes of the meeting was used to present 2009 end of year Awards and they are as follows:
-Chapter of the Year, Bergen BassMasters (Nick Albano)
-Persons of the Year (Elliott Liardo, Doug Peabody)
-Rookie Co-Angler of the Year (Ken Merlock
-Co-Angler of the Year (Al Hudson)
-Co-Angler Lunker (Scott Debrigard 5.90 LM, Greenwood Lake)
-Boater Angler Lunker (Rich Boyko 7.94 LM, Greenwood Lake)
-Mr. Bass 2009 (Derick Olson)
Late September 2010 TBF Mid-Atlantic Division 12 Man Team - Susquehanna Flats
Derick Olson Scott Weiland Sean Loll Nick Angiulo
Doug Peabody Scott Kirkpatrick Manny Cruz Mike Keller Chris Pentz John Carpenter Mike McMahon Aaron Melnick
NJBF 2009 Six Man Team Tournament Kerr Reservoir (May 7-8)
Winning Chapter United Bass Anglers
John Garbarini Manny Cruz Bill Kanwisher Scott Cocioppo
Shawn Helbig Jon Rosner)
NJBF 2009 Top Six Team Tournament Kerr Reservoir, May 7-8
1st place Manny Cruz2nd place Mike Keller 3rd place Aaron Melnick,
4th place Chris Pentz5th place John Carpenter 6th place Mike McMahon
Raffle took in $52.00
Meeting was adjourned at 9:28.

NJ Bass Federation Minutes
By Secretary Bruce Stovall