Grand Prize Jackson Coosa Kayak Donated to Illinois Smallmouth Association at July 28 River Bassin Tournament!
Paddle and Trail sponsored the River Bassin Tournament held in Northern Illinois rivers on July 28, 2012. The tournament was based out of the Paddle and Trail of Aurora store in Aurora, IL.
Individual Class Awards:
1st Place = Tom Loo @ 51.75″ (total top-3), biggest fish @ 17.5″, avg @ 17.25″ ($100)
*(Loo donated 1st place grand prize Jackson Coosa Kayak to ISA-IL Smallmouth Assn.)
2nd Place = Paul Biediger @ 49.25″ total, biggest @ 16.75″, avg @ 16.4″ ($75)
3rd Place = Chris LeMessurier @ 49″ total, biggest @ 17.5, avg @ 16.33″ ($50)
Biggest Fish Award:
1st Place = Chris LeMessurier @ 17.5″ ($100 Cash)
*(Jan Panlilio @ 18.0″ & Tom Loo @ 17.5″ did not register for the “Biggest Fish” category.)
Team Class Awards:
1st Place = Chris LeMessurier / Paul Biediger @ 66.75″ (total top-4, 2 each), biggest fish @ 17.5″, avg @ 16.69 ($100)
*(Grand Prize includes 1 night, double-occupancy, at Comfort Suites)
2nd Place = Frand Macikas / Bart Durham @ 57.0″, biggest @ 17.0″, avg @ 14.25″ ($80)
*(3 other teams did not qualify for awards)
Additional Awards include:
“Longest Drive” Mobile Gas Card from Paul & Bills’ Service & Wash = Ray Fesemeyer
“Raffle for a Paddle” = Mark Lutz
“Battle for a Bait Box” = Colin Belle
Event description:
The River Bassin (Fishing) Tournament was a unique conservation minded, paddle-powered or shoreline only fishing event, with a catch-measure-photo-release format that promotes sustainability within the environment. Anglers can fish in rivers or streams in a large region of Northern Illinois (see map) beginning at dawn the day of the tournament, and simply take a photo of their catch on a standard measuring board given to all anglers. After taking the photo they release the fish back into the water for future generations to enjoy.
The top angler Tom Loo received a Jackson Coosa fishing kayak, which he donated to the Illinois Smallmouth Association (ISA). This tournament is intended for all ages and skill levels, both amateur and expert fishers.
Contact Paddle and Trail for further information – .
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I had a great time at the tournament. It was very casual and low-key. Great organization and very friendly. I would definitely do it again! Fun time!
Thanks for participating Eric! See you next year!
Me and my buddy Jim will be participating. We will be defending our title from last year. I encourage any and all river bass fishermen to get involved and fish the tourney. It will be a great time. Thanks Paddle n Trail for sponsoring the event.
Looks like an awesome event. I’m looking forward to participating in it.
It’s going to be a great time and look forward to having you join us at the tournament.