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.
