Day Two Not Good For Ontario BASS Federation Angler in Oklahoma

At BASS Federation Championships

Wil Wegman,
OBF Conservation and Media Director

How tough was it Friday/ Day Two of the CITGO BASS Federation Championship on Keystone Lake OK ? So tough that a mere two fish moved Pennsylvania's George Acord into the lead with a two-day total of 15 pounds, 3 ounces. Day 1 leader Russ Lane was skunked, but only fell to second. Unfortunately for our Canadian representative, Jamie Janzen was also blanked today and fell to 33 rd spot from yesterday’s 20 place with his 2.04 lb weight.

Even more unfortunate for Jamie is that the Indiana angler is part of the Northern Division made up of nine BASS Federations, including Ontario … And only the top placed angler from each division at the end of the event tomorrow will move on to the Citgo Bassmasters Classic this summer.

Weather continues to play a major role this week down in the tornado-ridden state. Ernie Janzen, Jamie’s well known uncle reported that “Tuesday at the hotel where BASS staff, media and the anglers were staying, they asked everyone to go the lobby because of Tornado warnings. Once in the lobby they announced that the tornado had just turned and was coming straight at the hotel. They asked everyone to go to the basement and remain on the outside wall. The Tornado touched down east of the Hotel, and the  Lake is 20 minutes west. Needless to say Jamie was shaken Tuesday night. They have had more warnings since, but Jamie is much more relaxed about it now.”

With one day left, in this three day event, tournament anglers know that anything can happen. Keystone does have the potential for some big weights, say local experts and any Canadian angler who knows Jamie’s determination and skill with a flippin stick, will tell you he has what it takes to get the job done.

Tomorrow will be the final day of competition for all 55 anglers. Saturday's activities will also include the national semifinals of the Bassmaster CastingKids program presented by CITGO, a scholarship competition for children 7-14 who pitch, flip and cast a hookless jig at a target. Ontario BASS Federation secretary Herb Quan from Toronto will also be helping out at this Castingkids event and will participate in the last of the Federation President’s meetings tomorrow in Oklahoma . Herb, is there representing president Bob Peters and the entire OBF.

BASS is the world's largest fishing organization, sanctioning more than 20,000 tournaments worldwide through its Federation. The CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail presented by Busch Beer is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass-fishing tournament circuit and continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism and sportsmanship as it has since 1968.

For more details on Day 2, check out www.bassmaster.com all the results so far are on the bigfatbass.com forum.

For final results of tomorrows conclusion to the Citgo BASS Federation National Championships, keep it tuned right here.