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Who are we?

We are the official statewide organization for TBF (The Bass Federation) and FLW Outdoors affiliated clubs. We are a non-profit (501 c6) membership organization. Our purpose is to take a leadership role among our members, the general public and youth in education and development of: fishing and boating safety, strategy and ethics; respect and protection of the environment; and an appreciation of basic rules of sportsmanship.

What do we do?

We currently publish six full color pages in the Badger Sportsman magazine monthly and have a site on the world wide web, www.wisconsinbass.com. We hold nine state tournaments annually in Wisconsin, including qualifying to send a 12 man team from Wisconsin every year to compete in the TBF Northern Divisional Tournament against other Midwest states, and send two anglers each year to compete in the TBF National Federation Championship tournament. We hold a State Convention each winter, and have Club Representatives meetings three times per year. We fund and qualify two youth to go on to the FLW Junior World Championship. We also participate in lobbyist and educational efforts to support conservation issues. With additional funding, we would like to conduct more statewide youth and conservation projects. At the local level, each of our clubs also conduct their own tournaments, as well as their own youth, conservation, and community service projects. Some of our clubs have even won national awards for their projects.

How are we different from other tournament organizations?

Although catch and release bass tournaments are a part of our Federation, they are not the only aspect. This is a grass roots organization designed for beginner anglers, as well as the advanced. One of the most important aspects of our clubs is that the experienced members fish with new members teaching them the sport of bass fishing while they compete. Even the most experienced bass fishermen learn new ideas each year by fishing with other anglers during competition. All our members compete as individuals, not pairs, so that our anglers fish with quite a variety of other people throughout the year.
Our tournament locations change every year, moving all around the state, so that our members learn new waters and new techniques. Participating in our Federation is much more affordable for the average angler than the big money circuits. Although money prizes may be involved at various levels, the money is not the primary focus of competition, and generally is of smaller value than other competitive circuits. However, there is still the opportunity for some members to do very well monetarily in the upper levels of competition. Our Federation is also about promoting the sport of bass fishing among the youth. Each of our clubs are required to do at least one hands-on youth project each year, and we participate in state and national youth projects as well.

Another main focus of our Federation is preserving the bass environment, and promoting conservation issues within our state. We participate in political awareness, work with our state DNR, and try to have influence on state legislature. In general, we are about teaching, fun, conservation, kids, sportsmanship, and competition; many other circuits are just about tournaments and money.

How does our tournament system work?

There are 6 levels of tournament competition in the Federation system in Wisconsin:

1. Competition begins by fishing tournaments in a local club. The number of tournaments varies per club. The top 100% (have to catch at least one fish) of each club goes on to the next level the following year.
2. Wisconsin is divided into four zones. Each zone holds a two-day qualifying tournament in the spring or early summer. With the top 50% from each zone tournament goes on to the next level.
3. Wisconsin holds our State Tournament each summer. This is a two-day event, featuring the best anglers in the state. The top 12 finishers at this tournament comprise our State Team, going on to the next level.
4. The Wisconsin State Team competes against seven other States in the TBF Northern Divisional Tournament the following fall. The location of this tournament rotates between the states each year. The Wisconsin members compete together as a team to win prize money, however, the top two finishers from Wisconsin will go on to the next level the following year.
5. Two Federation members from each state team compete in the TBF National Championship each spring. The county is divided into six divisions, and the two best finishers from each Division will go on to the next level.

How do I join?

The way to join our organization is by joining one of our local clubs. Click here to see the list of our clubs, and contact the member listed. You may want to contact several clubs in your area to compare, because each club is run a little differently. The best time to join a club is usually between December and March; however you can join many clubs any time during the year. All Wisconsin Federation members also must be members of FLW Outdoors and TBF. This membership is separate from joining a club.

Any questions please email Mike at mdstrucking@charter.net