DISTRICT 1 NATIONAL SEMI-FINALS GEORGIA AND FLORIDA

The Bass Federation (TBF) held its National Semi Finals Championship this past weekend, September 27-28 on Lake Blackshear, Cordele, Georgia. Three (3) days of practice started on Wednesday, September 24.  Practice for the competitors proved to be challenging with sunny weather, light breezes and the largemouth bass choosing not to participate in this event.

Anglers from both states blasted off from the Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park with weigh-in starting at 3:00 p.m. for Saturday and 2:00 pm on Sunday. Weather conditions on both days were sunny with some light breezes.

Day 1 results had Jesse Tacoronte of the Florida Bass Federation leading on the Boaters side with five (5) bass weighing 15 pounds 1 ounce.  David Perry of the Florida Bass Federation lead the Co-Anglers with two (2) bass weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces

Day 2 results had Boater Patrick Brown of the Georgia Bass Federation coming in with five (5) bass weighing 16 pounds 4 ounces and Co-Angler Kevin Watson from the Georgia Bass Federation weighing in three (3) bass totaling 8 pounds 6 ounces.

Overall winners for the 2025 District 1 TBF GA-FL National Semi Finals were Jesse Tacoronte of the Florida Bass Federation with eight (8) bass weighing 21 pounds 8 ounces on the Boater’s side and Gene Willis of the Georgia Bass Federation with five (5) bass weighing 11 pounds 11 ounces on the Co-angler’s side.

Top Boater and Co-Angler from the Georgia Bass Federation was Jason Cheek and Gene Willis.

Top Boater and Co-Angler from the Florida Bass Federation was Jesse Tacoronte and David Perry.

Big Fish for the tournament was caught by Brian Rodriguez of the Florida Bass Federation weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces.

A total of 177 bass were weighed in with a combined weight of 409 pounds 6 ounces.

The top Boater and Co-Angler from each state advances to The Bass Federation National Championship in 2026, where they will test their skills by competing against the winners of the other state federations.  Date and location of the 2026 The Bass Federation (TBF) National Championship TBA.

State Pride honors went to the Georgia Bass Federation.

Members of the Georgia Bass Federation (GBF) recently participated in the Keeping Georgia Wild Family Festival

Members of the Georgia Bass Federation (GBF) recently participated in the Keeping Georgia Wild Family Festival at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (CEWC) near Mansfield, Georgia. This annual Keeping Georgia Wild Family Festival, is a community event promoting outdoor recreation and conservation education. Co-hosted by the Georgia Wildlife Federation, Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, FCA Outdoors, and Georgia DNR-Wildlife Resources Division, this free public event invites families to spend the day outdoors together while discovering Georgia’s vast recreational opportunities and learning about the importance of conservation. The event featured free admission which included an array of activities that focus on Georgia wildlife, conservation, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Event attendees tried their luck archery, fishing and shooting sports, plus K-9 demonstrations from the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement. Additionally, they attended live animal presentations, created some arts and crafts, experienced solar viewing with the Charlie Elliott Astronomy club and visited numerous exhibitors displaying wildlife or environment-themed booths.

Charles Newton Elliott (1906–2000) lived in Covington, Georgia and served as the first Director of Georgia State Parks in 1937–1938. He became the Commissioner of Natural Resources in 1938–1941 then was the first Director of the Game and Fish Commission (now known as the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division) in 1943–1949. Elliott also was Southeastern Field Editor for Outdoor Life magazine from 1950 until his passing. His dedication to the conservation of the natural world and wildlife was evident to those who knew him personally and those who read his many writings.

What an incredible day at the Christian Catfish Hole in Lithia Springs, GA!

“What an incredible day at the Christian Catfish Hole in Lithia Springs, GA! The Atlanta Tightlines Bass Club was proud to host our Kids Fishing Derby, and we couldn’t have asked for a better turnout or better memories.

A huge thank you to the owners of Christian Catfish Hole for welcoming us and providing such a beautiful space for the kids to enjoy. The excitement on the faces of the children—and even a few adults-who caught their very first fish was priceless! It was a day full of laughter, learning, and new experiences that families will remember for years to come.

We also want to extend a special thank you to the @Lawrenceville-Duluth Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for your support and involvement. Your presence made the event even more impactful.
Thank you to all the parents, volunteers, and smiling young anglers who made this day so special. Tight lines and see you at the next one!”

 

2025 GBF State Championship Clarks Hill Lake

Michael Wilder, Central Georgia Bass Club, Grabs Clarks Hill Lake Win

The Georgia Bass Federation (GBF) spent the week of 19-23 March, 2025 on Clarks Hill Lake, Appling, GA. in order to determine who would walk away with the title of Georgia Bass Federation 2025 State Champion. All three practice days were almost perfect. Mornings started out to be a bit chilly, but they warmed up as the day progressed. One day called for rainy conditions, but thankfully there were more clouds than actual rain. Water conditions were dependent upon which direction you went. Crystal clear conditions were found, but you could also find cloudy/stained water. Water temperatures ranged from the mid-50’s to 60 degree water as it got later in the afternoon. Day 1 proved to be a great day. Out of the fifty (50) teams participating, there were thirty-two (32) five (5) fish limits on the boater’s side and twenty-six (26) three (3) fish limits on the co-angler’s side. Top boater was Michael Wilder from the Central Georgia Bass Club with five (5) bass weighing 18-07 pounds and the top co-angler was Bijon Blazeski from the Roswell Bass Club with three (3) bass weighing 9-12 pounds.

Day 2 proved to be a bit tougher than day 1. There were twenty-six (26) five (5) fish limits and twenty-two three (3) fish limits were weighed in. Michael Wilder weighed in a second five (5) bass limit totaling 14 pounds 5 ounces to go along with his day 1 finish of 18 pounds 7 ounces to capture the overall first place honors and winning the honor of the Geogia Bass Federation 2025 State Champion. Bijon Blazeski had another solid day with three bass totaling 8 pounds 7 ounces winning him the honor of the Georgia Bass Federation 2025 State Champion on the Co-Angler’s side.

Overall Big Fish for the event on the Boater’s side was Aaron Conatser from Backlash Bass Club with 6 pounds 10 ounces and overall big fish on the Co-Angler’s side was Bijon Blazeski from Roswell Bass Club with 4 pounds 8 ounces.

All in all it was a great experience for all involved. The Butts Bass Club took home the Club Pride Trophy honors with a total weight of 83 pounds 3 ounces.

Many, many thanks go out to the GBF volunteers for the planning and execution of this event. Accommodations provided by the staff at Wildwood Park made our GBF anglers feel right at home. All members of their staff were courteous and helpful throughout the entire event.