Annual NEPVA/AEBA Bass Tournament

NEPVA Tournament Roger Williams Park Zoo
By Jim Marino

The fourth stop on the NEPVA Tournament trail, found bright sunny skies, high water levels and Blue Bird conditions at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence RI.

First place was NEPVA angler Frank Vogeli, (he is standing with 2 white leg braces) and his partner Scott Basasco.

First place was NEPVA angler Frank Vogeli, (he is standing with 2 white leg braces) and his partner Scott Basasco.

The Roger Williams Park Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the country, and has entertained and delighted Rhode Islanders since it opened in 1872. The interconnecting ponds that wind through this park provide miles of shoreline structure for the fishermen. Over the last 30 years, Roger Williams Park Zoo (http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org) has become one of the finest zoological parks in the nation. The uniqueness of Rogers Williams Park is the trolling motor only rule, while the pathways and roads surrounding the ponds allow spectators to actually enjoy the tournament while visiting the park.

During morning registration, coffee and donuts were provided by the The Bass Federation of RI. The Boat Captains and PVA anglers also received commemorative NEPVA tee shirts, fishing towels and tackle packs. Rhode Island Federation anglers, both TBF and BASS Nation, were paired with members of the NEPVA Bass Trail in a random drawing, then anglers were loaded into their boats. The Tournament began at 7:45 am with a short meeting and a shotgun start.

According to TBF Federation President Joe Cinguegravo, the two federations pool their resources when it comes to helping organizations such as the NEPVA. Rhode Island's The Bass Federation (TBF) www.tbfri.com Second place was NEPVA angler Lloyd Jones (in wheelchair) and his partner Dave Breault.

Second place was NEPVA angler Lloyd Jones (in wheelchair) and his partner Dave Breault.

and the BASS Federation Nation www.ribassfed.org compete for tournament lakes and permits, memberships, as well as sponsorship dollars. However, when it comes to opportunities within the Ocean State of Rhode Island that are beneficial to others such as the NEPVA, we have collectively pulled our resources together as one to get the job done. TBF liaison John Candelmo got the necessary permits, coordinated with the Park, and was on hand all day to keep things running.

Not only was the tournament date moved from the October to July, but also there was a change in the way we weighed in the competitors. In the previous two years, the boats were pulled out and escorted to the weigh in site in front of the Dalrymple Boat House, where the fish were taken out of the boats and weighed in. This year the weigh in was held right on the dock behind the boat house, where the anglers were unloaded and their catch was weighed in as they pulled up to the dock and checked in. Cold soda and water (by the TBF of RI) and Pizza donated by Casual Catering & Deli of Barrington, RI were served during the weigh in.

Tournament Director Tiny LaFontaine started the results of the days fishing with a recap of what the NEPVA Bass trail is all about. “This trail is dedicated to the memory of Ken Medeiros, Past President of the NEPVA, and two disabled anglers John Walls and Larry Grainger who fished the trail, as they will always be remembered for what they, in the short time they were with us, brought to the trail”.

Third place was NEPVA angler Larry Harris (standing) and boat captain Greg Mazur.

Third place was NEPVA angler Larry Harris (standing) and boat captain Greg Mazur.

Starting off with 3rd place, with four bass for a total weight of 4.10 lbs was the team of boat captain Greg Mazur from Ct. and PVA angler Larry Harris. They caught their fish on Berkley power tubes and spinner baits. Both Larry and Greg
said all but 4 of their bites turned out to be short of the 12” minimum as they caught fish during most of the day.

Second place went to the team of Dave Breault and Lloyd Jones with three keepers weighing in at 6.87 lbs. They used Yamamoto Senco’s to lure their fish into the net, and also encountered many short fish.

First place, and winning by less than a ½ lb, was the team of Captain Scott Basasco and PVA angler Frank (yes I can fish) Vogeli with four fish for 7.23 lbs.
Scott and Frank used Yamamoto Senco’s and Berkley power worms fishing structure along the shorelines of the ponds. They also encountered those pesky 11 ½ “ bass throughout the day. Big fish Lunker award went to Dave Breault for a nice 4.37 Roger Williams Largemouth.

The trail directors would like to thank the following sponsors, for without them this tournament would not be able to function: The Bass Federation of Rhode Island, The BASS Federation Nation of Rhode Island, The Roger Williams Park Zoo, Casual Catering & Deli of Barrington RI, GE Aviations Good Neighbors Fund, Riverworks Lynn, Gary Yamamoto Baits, Harmonix Rods & Reels, Skeeter Boats, Nam Knights of America, Northern Bass Supply, Winchester Co-operative Bank, Rockland Eagles, Erickson’s Bait &Tackle, Reservoir Dogs, Mayo’s Hand Poured Baits, Marine USA of Worc. and Campbell Post 101.

All NEPVA Bass Trail Tournaments are totally FREE to ALL participates and open to all individuals with disabilities whether veterans or non-veterans! Individuals interested in fishing the tournaments may contact Tournament Director Tiny LaFontaine @ 1.781.935.2480. As a non-profit organization the tournament trail is funded only by generous donations from its sponsors, with all sponsor donations being tax deductible. For information on becoming an NEPVA sponsor, contact the NEPVA office @ 1.800.660.1181 or visit their web site www.nepva.org.