An Open Letter to the NHBF
By Dave Andrews
July 10th, 2007

We are roughly half way through the 2007 season, and this is as good a time as any to look back at where we've been and where we are headed as an organization. It has been a little over a year since we voted to take a leap of faith and leave BASS and partner with The Bass Federation and FLW Outdoors. This was a difficult decision and one that was not taken lightly. As it did in a lot of States, the split in Federations caused a lot of hard feelings in New Hampshire. Many long-standing and faithful Federation members decided to call it quits, choosing not to participate in either Federation. Many were just tired of all the politics and all of the BS.

There has been some healing, for both organizations in NH. The Federation Nation of NH has formed under BASS rule and NHBF/TBF has started anew with a fresh partnership with FLW Outdoors. I wish the best for both organizations. We need both to succeed in New Hampshire. The NHBF is much smaller then before the split. In many ways it feels like it has returned to its roots. We grew quite a bit in the late 90's and exploded under Rob Frye's Presidency in the last 5 years. With the growth came a new set of problems. We outgrew some of our favorite lakes and rivers and frequently had to leave New Hampshire for our STQT. Frequently Federation meetings would last late into the night and there were many disagreements over what to do with the increased funds we had in our bank account.

Following the split, NHBF numbers have returned to a more manageable level and things are definitely looking up. However, we are again having a similar set of problems that existed back in the old days. Simply put, we need volunteers. We presently have an outstanding core of leaders in the NHBF, but are currently looking for a new Youth Director and will soon need to replace our outgoing President as well. Getting involved in the leadership of the Federation can be very rewarding. I realize that time is short for all of us, but taking a term in office will be a way to give back to the NHBF and help ensure the future for this outstanding organization. After years of "just fishing" in the New Hampshire Federation, I ran for Vice President and spent five very rewarding years in office. When my kids get a little older and my other commitments reside just a bit, I look forward to returning to a position within the Federation.

As many of you know, I've recently participated in the first TBF/FLW National Championship. In case you were wondering, it was a first class event run by a first class organization. Each State Champion was treated like a Pro and made to feel that way by all of the members of TBF and the FLW staff. As a bonus, the second place angler at the Regional qualified to fish the Co-Angler division at Nationals as well. I wasn't sure how this would work, but all of the co-anglers that I spoke with had very positive things to say about fishing the event as a co-angler. We (NHBF) are clearly welcomed by this organization and the future for this partnership is extremely bright. By winning the Championship and being the first to "Live the Dream", I am humbled and honored to represent all TBF members during the 2008 Tour season.

Part of the spoils winning the Championship were berths into the BFL All American and also the two million dollar FLW Championship. The All American was another unbelievable experience. As wonderful as the TBF National Championship was, the All American was even better. What a show! Again everything was taken care of by the FLW staff and all the contestants had to worry about was the fishing. As I write this letter, I am preparing for the FLW Championship in Hot Springs Arkansas. What a dream for a weekend angler from New England!

The road to the Championship all started with the NHBF STQT (State Team Qualifying Tournament). Making a Federation State Team is a challenge, but very do-able for all current members of the New Hampshire Bass Federation. From there, fishing a Regional Championship can be the highlight of a fishing career. It is an awesome event. This coming September 8th and 9th, 2007 the STQT will be held on Lake Winnipesaukee, Ames Farm. The 12-member State Team that qualifies this September will be fishing a very special TBF Regional Championship. The 2008 Eastern Divisional will be held in our home state. What an opportunity to fish a Regional in our home waters and perhaps be part of a winning Regional Team. Also, the top hook on the NH team will advance to the TBF National Championship from this event. The entry fee for the STQT is only $115 and includes an STQT T-shirt and a cookout following the first competition day. Rosters for each NHBF club need to be submitted by the August Federation meeting. Many club rosters for this event have already been set, but I encourage all NHBF members who might be on the fence to come fish the Fish-Off on Winni. It can be the start of an incredible journey.