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Vermont Ice-Fishing Heats Up as the NAIFC & Icemen Television Series Comes to Bomoseen
Guy Mitrano
Burlington Boatyard
Three hundred of the best ice fishermen in the US will square off on Lake Bomoseen this March, as Vermont hosts one of eight North American Ice Fishing Circuit qualifying events held across the nation's ice belt. Taking place March 6 th -8 th , 2009 at the Bomoseen State Park in Castleton, it will be the first time the NAIFC, or Trap Attacks as they were formally known, will have ever been this far east.
This will be the final qualifying event of the 2009 season, giving 150 two-man teams their chance to catch their way to the World Championships. Outside of being a hard-core hard-water tourney, the NAIFC is responsible for producing some of the most advanced ice fishing techniques in the sport. It here where many anglers compete for the fish, but work together to share, develop and test new ideas so as to educate each other and better the sport overall.
"As a competitor in Silver Lake, NY last year, I would have to say this was the most enjoyable and educational tournaments I have ever attended on the ice." said Fair Haven native Shawn Hayes, an avid fisherman and member of the Champlain Crappie Crew. "With minimal equipment, basic strategies, short money and a little luck anyone can compete."
Some suggested equipment in addition to tackle would be GPS, portable fishing shelter and some form of transportation such as an ATV or snowmobile.
Boundaries are set on the water which mark the areas to be fished, as well as makes a level playing field for all competing. Enhancing this concept of a fair, balanced and safe beginning to the day, officials allow all anglers a head start to their spots, and maintain that everyone begins and ends their fishing at the same time. This philosophy maintained by officials and participants is a testament to this being about the anglers and their skills, rather who has the most sponsors and faster means of getting set up.
Tournament Director Mike McNett remarked, "We don't want these events to be intimidating for beginning competitors. We are also very watchful of any potential cheating as well. There is no favoritism, and it comes down to the skill and knowledge of each competitor."
An attractive characteristic about this tournament in particular is that it is relaxed and educational. Top teams will never refuse the chance to help out beginners and impart some helpful tips to use not only for the day, but take with them in their ice fishing experiences. Also, the pros will spend time contributing to the community while in town, as they spend time doing in-school seminars at the local schools, Kids Ice Camp on the lake, and teaching local volunteers tactics and tips about the sport.
McNett spoke to this in saying, "The most important aspect of the event is the education element. The seminars, classroom visits, and the Kids Ice Camp are the highlight of every event. This is for the communities we visit and for the future of our sport."
To sum up all of the exciting aspects of the NAIFC, here is a quick checklist of events, dates and important information:
- In-school seminars will be held on Friday, March 6th at Rutland Public Schools.
- Friday evening seminar at the Holiday Inn Rutland/Killington conducted by Scott Brauer of Maki Plastics . Scott makes some of the worlds finest hand poured, Made in America' micro fishing baits.
- Saturday, March 7th from 10am - 2:00pm, the On Ice Kids Ice Camp will take place, where children and their families will fish and visit with the Pros. Free drinks and food provided for the children.
- Saturday evening will be team registration and rules meeting at the Holiday Inn Rutland/Killington starting at 6:00pm.
- Sunday will be the actual tournament with teams showing up as early as 6:30am. The official start will be at 7:30 and fishing will begin at 8:00am, ending at 1:00pm.
- The Sunday Tournament will be immediately followed by weigh ins and the awards ceremonies. Food and drinks will be available.
- The event in its entirety will be televised and aired on the Sportsman Channel. It will be titled, "ICEMEN TV".
- Special Lodging Reservations: 800-462-4810
For more information about the NAIFC, visit www.NAIFC.org , or contact Shawn Hayes at fishwhisperer66@hotmail.com . Feel free to also leave comments on this article below, n the Burlington Boatyard Blog.
Article submitted Friday, October 10, 2008
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