Vaughan Members Place in the 9^th Land of Lincoln Bass Tournament

On May 19-21^st the chapter once again hosted this spectacular three-day event at Rend Lake near Mt. Vernon, IL. The PVA and our chapter joined forces to promote the LOL as the third stop on the PVA Bass Tour which is sanctioned by the Bass Anglers Sportsmen’s Society (B.A.S.S.). Many B.A.S.S. Federation clubs were very helpful in that many of their members took time off and participated as boat partners in our event.

Without the aid of many local volunteers, donors, IDNR, and participants this event would not have been a success. The event brought participants from all across the country. The first day began with a step outside event in which everyone with or without disabilities was afforded the opportunity to try their skills in skeet shooting for free. Later on in the evening an anglers meeting was held to discuss tournament rules and different changes to the PVA Bass Tour. After the meeting, the registration and partner pairing ensued. The chapter also conducted a raffle of items to help make the event more fun for all and offset some of the costs.

After anglers were paired and discussed strategies for two days of complete competitive fishing and recreation, they retired for the night to get a fresh 4:30 a.m. start.

The event had an Open Division with 138 competitors (half were anglers with disabilities) and the Bank Division had 13 disabled anglers who fished each day for cash prizes including a fully equipped bass fishing boat. Our chapter was represented at this event as 5 members competed in the Open Division and an additional 7 members fished the Bank Division.

Competition was very tough throughout the weekend. In the Open Division on Day 1 only disabled anglers fished against one another. Chapter member James Snyder placed 5^th with a catch of 4 bass weighing in at 6 lbs. 4 oz. total. The next closest chapter member weighing in was Robert Arciola who placed 29th with 1 bass weighing 1 lb. 10 oz. On Day 2 each Open Division angler paired with the boat partner to compete against other teams. Chapter member Charles Johnson and his teammate finished the highest by coming in 2^nd overall catching a 5 limit of bass and combined weight of 11 lbs. 4 oz. Robert Arciola and his teammate also caught a limit and finished 5^th with a total weight of 7 lbs. Charles Willis just missed the top ten finishing 11^th by catching 3 bass with a total weight of 5 lbs. 6 oz.