N.H. BASS Federation Holds Annual Awards Banquet
January 18, 2003

The New Hampshire BASS Federation held its annual awards banquet at the Executive Court in Manchester, New Hampshire on Saturday, January 18, 2003. Over the years the annual Federation banquet had perhaps gotten a little stale and was in need of an overhaul. The 2003 banquet got a complete facelift from President Rob Frye and his staff of hard-working volunteers. Some major changes included a change in venue to the posh Executive Court Banquet Facility, a fabulous new DJ (Ernie Houle of Locomotion DJ), a background Slide Show of the past years Federation events, and a host of special guests.

As a result of the banquet facelift, a record number of 230 guests attended this year's event. The 230 attendees are nearly four times as many guests as the previous year! The evening started with cocktails at 6:00 p.m. President Frye was at the door to greet the guests as they arrived and to present each lady with a long-stem rose (smooth move Prez). Coming out of the frigid New England air, guests were warmed up by the tropical sounds provided by DJ Ernie Houle (I never get tired of listening to Jimmy Buffett). A slide show, set up behind the dance floor, provided out-takes from the 2002 fishing season and played continuously throughout the evening. Special guests arrived early and included National BASS Federation Director Al Smith, Northern Bass Supply Owner Sandy Oja, Bryan Delaney from Red Bull, and the entire Rodonas family including the National Casting Kids Champion Rex Rodonas.

The overwhelming number of guests sent the staff at the Executive Court scrambling for extra seating as dinner was served beginning at 7 p.m. Many fish stories were swapped over cocktails and dinner as good friends reunited for this celebration. Throughout the evening, President Frye would take the microphone and announce a string of winners for the many, many door prizes that were given away that night. Some of the big winners included Neil Shelton who walked away with a $1000 Motorguide Tour Edition Trolling motor, and Jack Henry who won the $275 NBS Tournament entry fee, and just about everything else! All told, the Federation raffled off over $7600 worth of prizes. A big thank you is due to our loyal sponsors for their generous donations.

Following dinner, the awards presentations began. Eight clubs took advantage of the opportunity to recognize their individual winners and several special awards were also handed out. The 2002 State Team plaques were handed out to all 13 members who incidentally finished in second place at this past year's Regional Championship. The 2002 Club Angler of the Year was awarded to Jim Hanatow of the Manadnock Bassmasters, the 2002 Angler of the Year was awarded to State Champion Rob Frye, and the Team of the Year plaques were given to the team of Scott Parker and Scott Canelas. Lunker Largemouth of the year went to Brian Soucy and Lunker Smallmouth went to Scott Leppanen. First year club, NH Hook-setters also received Conservation Club of the Year award for being pro-active in keeping the ramps clean at all their tournaments by providing a volunteer trash removal service. The 2002 Man of the Year was awarded to longtime Federation member Jim Flanders for all his hard work and commitment to the Federation.

When all of the awards had been handed out, it was time to hit the dance floor. Fresh off his recent dance lessons, Windham Hill's Alan Denise led the charge to the dance floor and many couples followed suit to boogie the night away. All too soon, the clock struck midnight and this very successful event came to a close. Almost all of the Federation members and their guests were there until closing time and all seemed to have a great evening.

So it is back to the Ice Age for a few more months until friends can gather again to kick off another Tournament Season. Special thanks for this year's event go out to Federation Treasurer Jim Wolford and Bass Caster's President, Ted Curtin and also to Melanie Cole, Reggie Goulet, and the vivacious Lynn Anderson. Look for next year's banquet to be even bigger and better and start even earlier in the evening! Next years banquet is already scheduled for January 17, 2004. Contact Rob Frye if you are interested in being part of the Banquet Committee especially if you have any ideas or suggestions for next year's location.