Ive been saying for years that Michiana has become the spawning grounds for very good bass fishermen and recent angler accomplishments have validated that again.
For example, North Liberty, Ind. angler Andy Buss started his pro career with the Bassmaster circuit by finishing 23rd at Lake Champlain, N.Y. recently, earning him $2,967.
The event was a Northern Open, the Triple A league of Bassmaster events.
Buss caught 15.15 pounds the first day and 15.8 the second day. He used Xtreme Bass Tackle Tubes and Poor Boys Erie Darters rigged with Ds Jigs to catch his fish. The Erie Darter and Ds jigs are made in Michiana.
In another event, two southwest Michigan anglers qualified for the Michigan State B.A.S.S. Nation team that will compete in the Northern Divisional Championships next year in Minnesota. Four Flags Bassmaster members Jeff Bostic of Dowagiac and Mike McCallie of Three Rivers finished fifth and sixth respectively in the state championship on Lake St. Clair last week to earn a spot on the 12-man Michigan team.
Meanwhile, Brian Hensley of Edwardsburg not only made the Indiana B.A.S.S. Nation team, but he made the Indiana Bass Federation state team for the FLW Championship. To clarify, B.A.S.S. Nation is the club division of Bassmaster championships while The Bass Federation (TBF) is for clubs affiliated with the FLW pro circuit. Both conduct state events to form state teams that advance to divisional and national championships.
Hensley finished 8th in the B.A.S.S. Nation state championship on the Ohio River last June and 9th in the Bass Federation state event on Patoka in late July. TBF will have its regional event in Illinois sometime next year.
Hensley is no stranger to the Indiana B.A.S.S. Nation team, having made it three previous years. Hes also the first to ever qualify for both B.A.S.S. and FLW state teams in one season.