For the first time in history Georgia Bass Federation (GBF) anglers will converge on Lake Blackshear, Cordele, Georgia to compete in the annual Georgia State Championship bass fishing tournament. The Cordele-Crisp County Chamber and Commerce is hosting the prestigious 2024 event in conjunction with Georgia Veterans State Park and the Georgia Bass Federation. Anglers from this event qualify to advance to the next step to the Federation National Championship, The Bass Federation (TBF) District 1, National Semi Finals in October 2024 at Lake Toho in Florida.

The Georgia Bass Federation (GBF) is one of the first of 47 federations organized under the umbrella of The Bass Federation, Inc. Founded in 1970 we remain a 100% member owned not-for-profit corporation in The State of Georgia. Serving nature loving families in Georgia for over fifty years GBF is a 100% volunteer-operated organization. Ongoing support for Youth, Conservation and Angling anchor our founding principles. Those core endeavors, with emphasis on serving our members, caring for our shared outdoor resources and the communities we live in continue to be focal points of our federation.

Lake Blackshear is named in honor of American Revolution General David Blackshear. The Crisp County Power Dam, also known as the Warwick Dam, represents the first county owned, constructed, and operated power dam in the United States. Built between 1925 and 1930 this concerted effort created a man-made lake on the Flint River. Geographically, Lake Blackshear borders five counties and contains approximately 8,700 acres of surface water that propels a hydroelectric power system that has generated clean reliable electric power for the surrounding community since August 1930, under the authority of the Crisp County Power Commission.

During these past 94 years, not only has the lake served Crisp County residents with dependable renewable power but it has also become a valuable wildlife sanctuary in southwest Georgia. Available recreational activities include boating, skiing, trophy fishing, paddle sports and other seasonal water sports. Many bass fishing tournaments are hosted annually at Georgia Veterans State Park. The Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club boasts an 18-hole Disc golf course, outdoor fitness center, swimming beach and a model airplane flying field. They are recognized by Southern Living magazine and throughout the region for fine and casual dining options.

For additional local information see Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce (visitcordele.com) and  https://www.lakeblackshearresort.com/.

The Bass Federation Inc. (TBF) National Semi-Finals represent a close to home opportunity for amateur anglers to advance to a higher stage. Combined with TBF anglers from Florida, TBF anglers from Georgia will compete in Division 1 competition to qualify the winning Boater and the winning Co-Angler from each state to the 2024 TBF Federation National Championship.

Affiliated with Major League Fishing (MLF) TBF remains a strong independent company, 100% owned by its members, that is constantly re-investing in its programs and watching every year as they grow and prosper. Each TBF Federation National Championship angler receives an unprecedented opportunity to “Live YOUR Dream.” There are more advancement opportunities through TBF than any other program in the fishing industry. Anglers across America can qualify for their respective National Semi Finals either through a state federation event or directly through their TBF-affiliated local club in good standing.

More information about The Bass Federation is available at www.bassfederation.com.

The Georgia Bass Federation (GBF) spent the week of 22-26 March, 2023 on Lake Eufaula to determine who would walk away with the title as Georgia State Champion. Dropping lake levels during practice days showed that the weights might be tough to come by, however, when the first bag came to the scales on Saturday afternoon newfound hope emerged. A solid 8-pound 7-ounce fish was the first to be weighed in. It was a beautiful fish though weights and results from other teams verified it was still a rough go from there. Only eight 5 fish limits were weighed in during the first day of competition. Top boater was Brent Tullis from Marietta Bassmasters with 16-11 pounds and top co-angler was Anthony Gaskins from Okefenokee Bass Anglers with 13-06 pounds.

Changes made during the second day made it seem as though that the anglers better determined what the fish might be doing during these changing water conditions. Day 2 had fourteen 5 fish limits weighed in anchored by a whopping 8-pound 10-ounce largemouth. Brent Tullis remained steady as he weighed in another 5 fish limit, weighing 17 pounds 1 ounce for a two-day total of 33-12 pounds; winning the honor of the Georgia Bass Federation 2023 State Champion. Earl McQuaig from Current Anglers weighed in an incredible 5 fish limit totaling 16 pounds 8 ounces giving him a two-day total of 21-03 pounds winning him the honor of Georgia Bass Federation 2023 State Champion on the Co-Angler side.

Altogether it was a great experience for everyone involved. The Current Anglers took home the Club Pride Trophy supported by that wonderful finish by Earl McQuaig (21-03) and another consistent performance by Tyler Wilson (30-10) combined for a winning 51-13 pounds.

Big movers or comeback anglers during this two-day tournament were Fred Link and Tim Vaigneur. Fishing on the Boater side Fred improved 24 places with a fine bag weighing 16-08 pounds. This took Fred from 35^th place on Day 1 to an 11^th place finish on Day 2. On the Co-Angler side Tim improved 20 places with a big sack that went 12-14 pounds. This took Tim from 24^th place on Day 1 to finish in 4^th place on Day 2. For full results and more photos CLICK HERE.

Many thanks go out as planning and execution for this event could not have been easier. Accommodations provided by The Eufaula Barbour County Chamber members and the wonderful staff at Lakepoint State Park our GBF anglers felt right at home. Many anglers and family members reported excellent dining and shopping opportunities available throughout the week. This tournament was held out of Lakepoint State Park, an excellent venue for any event.  The Eufaula Chamber of Commerce and Alabama State Park officials were outstanding from start to finish.  The Lodge at Lakepoint State Park is an outstanding resource.  We found every member of the staff to be courteous and helpful. The Lakepoint State Park accommodations were also comfortable; some having a balcony with beautiful lake views.   The fully staffed restaurant was open throughout the day and served excellent off the menu and buffet style breakfast and dining options.  The restaurant bar provided the perfect place to relax at the end of the day.

Coinciding with the 50^th Anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division/Georgia Department of Natural Resources held several free to the public Outdoor Adventure Days. For one of these events the Georgia Bass Federation (GBF) was asked by The McDuffie Environmental Education Center (MEEC) to participate at the McDuffie Public Fishing Area (GeorgiaWildlife.com/mcduffie-pfa). Kids ages 3-15 could participate in educational exhibits, try their hand at archery and also participate a fun day of fishing!

This event required a responsible adult companion for the children – but the fishing was just for the kids. They could each bring their own poles, tackle and bait. Those that wanted harvest a few fish could bring a cooler as each child was allowed to keep 5 Catfish from the McDuffie Public Fishing Area provided put and take ponds!

At this McDuffie Environmental Education Center (MEEC) Adventure Day held on Saturday September 24, 2022 nine Georgia Bass Federation volunteers provided a knot tying class, a Reel Kids casting contest, water, artificial lures and various fishing related items to each interested child free of charge. GBF anglers also patrolled the two ponds for water safety and to assist families with casting instruction, baiting and handling the catfish caught. Approximately 150 children with their guardian companions attended this event.

About The McDuffie Environmental Education Center

The McDuffie Environmental Education Center (MEEC) is one of seven regional education centers operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The MEEC is a collaboration between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the McDuffie County Board of Education, the Watson Brown Foundation, and the Central Savannah River Area – Regional Educational Services Agency (CSRA RESA). This project provides teachers a unique site to take students for hands-on outdoor experience. Lessons address the dimensions of the Georgia Standards of Excellence in this diverse biologically rich area with activities available for PreK through seventh grade. The McDuffie Environmental Education Center provides students with stimulating, outdoor learning experiences about the ecology of our wildlife, water, soils, and forests and the stewardship of these important natural resources.

 About The Georgia Bass Federation

 The Georgia Bass Federation (GBF) is one of 47 independent state and provincial bass Federations affiliated with The Bass Federation, Inc. (TBF). GBF is a coalition of independent TBF affiliated bass clubs within The State of Georgia. The Georgia Bass Federation is 100% member owned and is managed by an all-volunteer Staff and Board of Directors. Holding the same core values as TBF the GBF supports ongoing efforts in Conservation and Youth. The GBF promotes the future health of the sport of fishing, and the clean family values that are associated with it. These are our only goals, along with providing fun experiences for our members and support to the many communities we serve.