2010 Tournament Draw
The 2010 Tournament draw is in the books…actually, keeping track of tournament locations, dates, types and other particulars requires the use of a Microsoft Access database these days. Mark Ostermann of Maine IFW did an outstanding job, as usual, ensuring that the 229 tournaments requested by 61 various organizations were recorded accurately. Director of Fisheries Peter Bourque, Sue-Ann Brann of the Fisheries Department as well as Fisheries Biologists Joe Dembeck, Bobbie VanRipper, Jim Lucas and Scott Davis were also on hand as well (volunteering their own time) to make sure that all Maine Bass Anglers were able to schedule next year’s fun. I know I speak for everyone when I say how much their work is appreciated by the Maine Bassing community.
Mr. Bourque likes to open each year’s draw by relaying important news regarding bass angling and this year was no exception. Apparently, there is bill request within the Maine Legislature designed to “Prevent the spread of invasive plants and protect Maine’s lakes”. Otherwise known as LR 2111, this legislation, would do only one thing if enacted; ban all bass tournaments, without exception, on all lakes listed with the Maine Department of Conservation as those having populations of invasive plants. You may be asking yourselves; “how is banning JUST bass tournaments going to limit the spread of invasive plants?” or “why just us, why not ALL watercraft?” Well, it makes no sense to us either. Her contact information can be found here. Why not give her a call and ask her? Make sure you let her know if you are a resident of her district. We’ll keep you posted with any more information as we get it.
Also discussed was the possibility of IFW moving to a total computerized lake draw system (like the moose lottery) next year. Wouldn’t that be great? I didn’t think so either. I’m not sure if this tactic is designed to end the whole “Ghost Club” issue. Year-after-year, IFW reminds everyone that ghost clubs are not allowed…it is printed the permit application..and year-after-year there are a few organizations that ignore this overt “hint”.
