For the past three years I have participated on the committee to arrange our Minnesota B.A.S.S. Nation banquet. The most challenging aspect is always gaining a speaker. You want a speaker who is engaging, will be desirable by your members, attract new members, and affordable. We have been fortunate in past years to have James Lindner (In-Fisherman), Jerry McKinnis (B.A.S.S. principal owner), Brad Leifermann, and Jon Stewart (B.A.S.S. Nation). However this year we may have our biggest speaker yet on January 3rd!
We are fortunate to have Rapala and B.A.S.S. pro Mike Iaconelli. He is engaging and sometimes controversial, but never boring! Mike started out as a bass club member of Top Rod Bassmasters (New Jersey Federation Nation). He was a weekend warrior like myself and spent all his spare time fishing. He rose through all the amateur ranks and reached the pinnacle by winning the 2003 Bassmaster Classic. This is equivalent of other sports pinnacle events such as Indy 500, Daytona 500, Masters, or Wimbledon. In the waning moments of the 2003 Classic Mike caught a pivotal bass and shouted "Never Give Up. Never Give Up".
He has been a professional angler for 15 years. Mike's accomplishments include:
- 62 top 10 finishes; 9 wins
- $2.61 million dollars in career earnings
- 15 Bassmaster Classics
- 2 FLW Championships
- 2006 B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year
- 1999 Federation Nation Champion (Red River)
- 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion (Louisiana Delta)
Mike's sponsors include: BassCat, Berkley, Lowrance, Power-Pole, Rapala, Tackle Warehouse, Toyota, and Yamaha.
After many years of dedication Mike is a big name in the bass fishing and succeeded at all levels. Some days I wonder if I can ever get there. I will keep trying and trying...never give up!
Join us and B.A.S.S. Elite pro and Bassmasters Classic Champion Mike Iaconelli on Saturday, January 3, 2015. We have a full program that includes highlighting our youth programs and of course guest speaker Mike Iaconelli. Also we will have an assortment of silent auction items including:
MinnKota Fortrex (80lb thrust) trolling motor
Humminbird Helix 5
UMBCS 2015 paid entry fees ($1250 value)
I can't wait--this is open to everyone so come join us! For more info visit http://mnbfn.org/banquet.html.
