2009 Maple Bassmasters Mr. Bass Winner

So what does it mean to be Mr. Bass?

Mr. Bass is the premier title position for the Maple Bass Masters club. It is the culmination of an entire year of fishing hard to gain the most points and weight from each tournament and attendance at each meeting and event held throughout the year. It is the most challenging and the most rewarding title to attain within our club. It is almost always hotly contested by several of our top fishermen.

The Mr. Bass title is measured by adding up the total points that an angler has amassed over an entire year. At every tournament a member will receive 8 points for attending and 1 point for each ounce of fish weighed in. Each member will also receive 8 points for each meeting and special event that they attend. These special events are determined throughout the year and are generally fundraising events for the club such as the Tinley Park show and our Chicago Land Classic Tournament.

So what is the reward? Mr. Bass gets bragging rights for the upcoming year and gets to be chased hard by the rest of the club in order to retain his crown! Believe me it is no easy task to repeat as there are some really good sticks here at Maple! In the last 4 years, no member has repeated.  At our December meeting the Champ will receive a very nice plaque and his following years dues paid in full. In addition he will become the Team Captain for Maple’s 6-man team that will represent us at the State Championship. This is probably the greatest prize although it comes with some high expectations and responsibilities. The Team Captain is expected to plan, coordinate and guide the Team to success and bring home the top club award at the Championship Tourney! It also gives him a chance to qualify for the BASS Bassmasters Classic and perhaps the chance to start a career as a professional fisherman!

So who is our reigning Mr. Bass?  Jim Keating is our new champ! In a hotly contested race for the crown, Jim was able to overcome all obstacles and take the lead at our year-end classic by surpassing several top sticks in the club! Jim’s skills at catching quality fish were evident throughout the year as he placed well and won several tournaments.  These skills kept him in the running throughout the year and had him on top a couple of times. But it was his ability to catch lock jawed fish that ultimately gave him the crown at the end!  During a Classic at Lake Barkley that was plagued with poor fishing and bad weather, Jim was able to find some quality fish and out distance the field by several pounds for the title. Not only is Jim the “Best Stick in the Club” but also throughout the year he has done an excellent job as our Membership Director. Jim has brought many new members to the club and does a wonderful job of helping them learn the ropes and fit in seamlessly with us all. He also has a wealth of knowledge regarding our sport and is always willing to give tips regarding his techniques and his “Secret” spots! Well…at least you can get some help with the techniques! Congratulations Jim on a job well done and good luck in 2010! The rest of us will be keeping a close eye on you and your “Secret Spots!”.

By: Mel Hedrick