Bobby Barrack (Captain)
Charles Bean
Rod Brown
Tom Clark
Gary Haraguchi
Bruce Harris
Danny Peluso (State Champion)
Mike Rold
Ralph Santos
Dean Sault
Cameron Smith
Cris Vanclef
Mark Smith (alternate)
Archie Steele (alternate)
These guys should be able to teach the rest of the Western Division a lesson!
This season we have had a couple of changes in the Sacramento Region and I would like to personally thank Dean Sault for coming on board as the Tournament Director for that Region and making it happen. We've also had to close the Shasta Region after only two tournaments because of lack of participation. There is a possibility that we will combine those regions next season.
A lot of changes have been going on at B.A.S.S. since they were acquired by E.S.P.N. and a lot of rumors have been floating around. Yes, the B.A.S.S. Western Opens have left us for 2003 but look for them to return in the new Pro/Am format the following year. With the new format there will be 3 tournaments and members of the Federation are guaranteed 50% of the amateur slots in those events. Nothing else has changed for Federation members. The division tournaments will still be held each year with the top angler from each state in those division tournaments going to the Federation National Championship. The top anglers from each division at the FNC will then go on to the Bassmasters Classic. The Federation still has it's road to the "Classic" intact.
At this years Federation National Championship the federation presidents voted to form a Presidents Council, which consists of a representative from each division, that will meet with E.S.P.N. and the B.A.S.S. management at least 4 times a year to discuss Federation business. I am proud to announce that I was elected as the Western Division Representative. We have already had 3 meetings with management and they went very well. Look for great things to come out of this new relationship in the near future.
Keep Fishing and Enjoying It,
Gary B. Bradford
President
