Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:14 - Leverage Landing Nets comes to WMB!

Everyone welcome Leverage Landing Nets as our newest sponsor for 2012. We will be giving away two of their nets this season! Leverage nets are compact and uniquely designed for 1-handed operation - we saw them for the first time at the Ultimate Fishing show and are thrilled to have them on board.

Check it out: http://www.leveragelandingnet.com/

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:48 - Schedules are posted

The 2012 Monday night series for N & S are posted for all to enjoy.

If you have questions about the upcoming season, feel free to contact us at westmichbass@gmail.com

North Division Directors: Justin Keithley, Cyrus Ruel
South Division Directors: Brandon Stanley, Shane Rawlings
Treasurer At Large(no pun intended): Ed Dyer

- justin @ wmb

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:02 - Classic Results

Official Results - (should have pics later this week)
Place/Angler #Fish BB Total $$$
1. Burleson/Lockard 5 4.19 16.58 $1000, $50 1BB
2. Ozinga/Ihrig 5 3.60 13.57 $315
3. Keithley/Ruel 5 3.82 13.21 $60, $15 2bb
4. Hatchew/Mallory 5 2.60 11.10 RAM Crankbaits
5. Dyer/Riemersma 5 2.87 10.96 RAM Crankbaits
6. VanDyke/VanDyke 5 3.12 10.73 Xtreme Solution Packs
7. Mast/Mast 5 2.69 10.67 Xtreme Solution Packs
8. Schweigert/Burns 5 2.80 10.04
9. Losinger/Thoune 5 2.60 9.74
10. Forbes/Stanley 5 dnw 9.62
11. Damoth/Feuerstein 5 2.70 8.77
12. Hurley/Scar 3 dnw 5.29
13. Rawlings/Wellman 3 dnw dnw

Many thanks to all our sponsors who help make this series possible. Please consider them as you consider purchases throughout the year!

Al & Bob's Sports
Bargain Hunter Outfitters
Building Impression, LLC
Gold Star Outdoors (Lake Odessa)
Sign-A-Rama
Crown Trophies (Cedar Springs)

KustomKicker Jigs
Bucketmouth Hand Poured Baits
Nemesis Baits
RAM Custom Crankbaits
Xtreme Bass Tackle
Dominant Buck Taxidermy
Red Dirt Spinnerbaits

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 15:21 - classic info

For those attending the classic: sunrise is at 7:15am. We will launch then, weighin at 3:00pm. Please be there by 6:30, i'd like to have a quick meeting before the day begins. bring 35$ for entry fee and big bass pots for the day.
Cya sunday
-Justin

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:31 - So long 2011

Thanks everyone for a great season. I'm continually impressed with class of anglers (both talent and integrity) that have shown up throughout the summer. I'm really happy to see the South Division picking up boats and hope we can carry that momentum into next season.

As for the classic - I think everyone should be in the know by now, however the official word is 6 boats in each division and 1 wildcard based on overall points. We will have trophies for AOY and big bass per division at the classic. By the end of the week I will have the BB and AOY information passed on to the Sponsor's so that the winners can claim their end of the year prizes.

I would like to send a special thanks to KustomKicker Jigs, Nemesis Baits, Bucketmouth Hand Poured Baits, Red DiRT Bait Company and Xtreme Bass tackle for supplying us with baits and giveaways this season. Please, as you consider you next tackle purchases - check out what these companies have to offer. Personally, I hardly use anything else - these guys are all awesome and innovative and provide baits that are made in our own backyards.

As Hunting season draws in - please also check out our Premiere Sponsors - Bargain Hunter Outfitters, Al & Bob's Sports, and Gold Star outdoors. We all need ammo and arrows and licenses - please try and stop in to any of these great shops and let them know we sent you. Once you shoot something big - call Blake at Dominant Buck Taxidermy and he'll put it on the wall for you.

Now that the season is winding down it's probably also time to tackle that list of stuff you didn't get done around house. Give Greg Damoth at Building Impressions a call and see what he can do to help you out.

If you're not tired of fishing yet - keep an eye out here and on the website for some fall opens. Maybe another on Ryerson.........

Finally - when you see Jeff Forbes and Brandon Stanley, buy them a beer. They went out of their way to really step up the south Div this year. They went way above and beyond at their own expense to really make Monday nights worthwhile south of GR.

Thanks again and great season everyone
-Justin

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:16 - another curveball.....

Looks like Morrison Lake is flooded as well and they have shut down the boat ramp.

Jordan Lake will be the new site for tonight's tournament. Please, if you know anyone fishing tonight - pass this information along. We apologize for the short notice, but just found out last night the ramp at morrison was unavailable.

Thanks
-Justin

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:59 - Unless you have an ARK....

you won't be fishing on Thornapple lake with the S. Division this monday.

The tournament will be held on Morrison due to high water.

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:01 - 2 Updates for Next Monday (N & S)

1. We said next week was at Tamarack last night. That was wrong, next monday (8/1) is on Bass Lake, the following 8/8 monday is on Tamarack.

2. The TBD for the S Div will be held on Thornapple Lake.

Please pass this information along!
Thanks
-justin @ wmb

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:52 - South Division Change for 7/18 - NEXT MONDAY

DUE to a scheduling conflict we will be going to Sessions Lake on 7-18 instead of Thornapple lake im truly sorry for the mix up i looked at the team tournaments at the beginning of the year an not the ONE ON ONE divisions so please let every one know we will be at Sessions lake and NOT Thornapple lake. Please feel free to call me on my cell @ 269 908 8132

-Brandon

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:12 - quick note for Sunday

Just as a followup - to the Ryerson Tournament - due to limited access for most people, the lake is off limits until sunday morning. For those who do have access please abide by this to keep things as fair as possible for sunday - on a different note i have commitment from 6 boats already so hopefully we can get a few more. 10-12 would be ideal.

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:00 - Open tournament - Ryerson Lake (newaygo) - July 3rd - 630-Noon.

COTM North will be hosting an impromptu tournament on Ryerson Lake near newaygo on the 3rd (sunday) from 6:30 am (launch) too noon.

Details:
50$ entry fee: includes - 40$ pot, 5$ big bass, 5$ parking
team format, COTM rules
paying 1 in 3 spots up to 12 boats (max 4 places).
Payout: 60%/25%/10%/5%, 60%/30%/10% at 3 spots, 70%/30% at 2

paying 1 big bass spot

Ryerson lake is phenomenal semi-private lake. It fishes like many other newaygo area lakes but has an abundance of 3-5lb fish. There is a public launch but no parking. We have arranged parking for up to 15ish boats with some homeowners near the ramp. In return we will donate $5 per entry to the lake stocking program. This will be a great spot to fish both for the excellent fishing and the fact there won't be tons of pleasure boaters out during the holiday weekend.

Please email me (jkeithley@gmail.com) if you plan on attending so I make sure we don't run out of parking. Here is a map to the "ramp"

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:24 - Weather for tonight

Just a heads up - weather has the potential to get sporty tonight. We will plan on fishing. If the weather is dangerous at launch time, we will make the call to either delay launch (based on radar) or cancel the event in the interest of safety. Weather models look like the worst will have passed by then so keep your fingers crossed. If you have questions or concerns please contact your director.

For the record - we will not cancel due to rain. Lightning, severe winds, hail etc all pose significant risk to boaters and we will make adjustments accordingly if those situations present themselves. In any case, participants will not be penalized should they seek cover in the interest of safety. In the case the tournament is canceled, money will be refunded. If anyone wants to wait around until it is safe to fish, we can do that - it will not count towards the season points however if the event is officially canceled.

Thanks
-justin @ wmb

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 02:47 - Reeds Lake this SATURDAY (6/18)

This weekend - if you're not at the hookin up heros event and looking for something a bit closer to home - check out the STANK-X dash for the cash event on Reeds lake. The events and dates are listed on the WMB website as the "weekend opens". Check out the facebook page for full details:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200908183259889&view=wall¬if_t=event_wall

Reeds gave up 16lbs monday night.... could be a huge day out there - don't miss out.
- justin @ wmb

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:38 - Results Posted

Added results for both the north and south divisions - a few new pics as well.
See you next Monday
- justin @ wmb

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 01:42 - A few Updates

Everyone probably already knows - this Monday is the kickoff of the 2011 COTM season. The south zone will be at Morrison and the north at Big Whitefish.

For those new to the series, all you need to do to fish is show up, fill out your form and pay your membership fees. We are expecting some really good turn outs so make sure you get there with plenty of time to register, launch and park!

Sponsor news:
I want to extend a special thank you to Sign-A-Rama who made us some AWESOME banners for this years weighins. Brian has been a huge supporter to us. If anyone is in the market for signage for their business or vinyl for your boat or vehicle - he is the guy to talk to. It is our great sponsors that make all the little extras possible and in the long run put more money in your pockets. Please take the time to visit Sign A Rama's website or stop in the store and see what they can do for you. Let 'em know COTM sent you!

http://www.signarama-usa.com


Also - check out these videos from some of our bait sponsors:





Good luck to those fishing this weekend and see you all MONDAY!
- justin @ wmb

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 22:09 - Sponsor page updated

Hey everyone, the website is updated with all the latest sponsors. I encourage everyone to check them out. If you stop by any of the stores, be sure to thank them for their support of WMB!

-justin @ wmb

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:12 - 2011 Sponsors!

Things are all lined up for the 2011 season of COTM - A very big THANK YOU to all of our sponsors who continually help make this possible and support the local anglers who support them. If you have a chance - stop by a booth at the GR Sport Show and thank them too!

North Division:
AOY/Points Winners presented by AL & Bob's Sports - $250
Big Bass For the Year (North) presented by Bargain Hunter Outfitters - $150

South Division:
AOY/Points Winners presented by Gold Star Outdoors - $250
Big Bass For the Year (South) presented by Greg Demoth @ Building Impressions (616 862 9108), LLC - $150

Biggest Bass of the Year (overall) - Replica Mount by Dominant Buck Taxidermy

New this year, every tournament will be sponsored by a bait manufacturer. The 1st place team out of the money will receive a very nice prize pack of high-quality baits from the following sponsors:


Kustom Kicker Jigs
Red Dirt Baits
Nemesis Baits
Bucketmouth Lures
RAM Custom Crankbaits
Xtreme Bass Tackle

Special thanks also to Brian Burmania & Sign Arama for helping us with all of our printed banners and decals!

Sport Show Locations:
Kustom Kicker and Dominant Buck: Camp & Cruise booth
Xtreme Bass Tackle: Xtreme Bass Tackle / Combat Fishing (F.I.S.H) both
Red Dirt Baits: Red Dirt Baits Booth
Al & Bobs: Al & Bob's booth

I believe Nemesis, RAM and Bucketmouth will be around as well - look for them!


Thanks again to all our great sponsors! Bring on the season!
-justin @ wmb

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:13 - Weekend Open Schedule/Details UPDATE!

Due to some recent scheduling conflicts and angler input - the weekend schedule has changed. This will be the final version - sorry for the confusion.
Notable changes:
- No memorial day tournament (moved to late June).
- 5$ per entry will go toward AOY instead of $10 (remainder paid out as part of entry fee).

Please re-check the schedule!
Thanks
justin @wmb

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 20:31 - Hookin Up Heros - Hardy Pond Benefit Tournament

Hello Everyone - there is a benefit tournament on Hardy Pond this summer that everyone should take a long look at.
From Eric Smith

Hookin' Up Heros
The 2011 event will be June 18th at Hardy out of Newaygo State Park. For those who haven't heard of the event, it is a benefit event for disabled veterans and those with brain injuries. They hold a motorcycle poker run and a bass tournament. The bikes will come to the park at weigh in time. Each boater will be paired with a veteran or two for the day of fishing. Fishing will be from 10-3. There will be lots of prizes for the vets, and the boaters sure don't go home empty handed. We are looking for boaters to spend the day fishing with these guys. The park will give each boater a free night of camping if they choose. Should you choose to participate in this event, I 100% promise you will not be disappointed. Spending a day with these guys, talking, fishing, story telling, eating afterwards, etc will be a life changing event. If you are interested in being a boater for the event, or would like more information, please let me know. We are creating a list of interested people so we can keep in touch as the year progresses and keep everyone informed. Feel free to pass this on to anyone you think might be interested in helping out. Thank you.

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:42 - 2011 Schedules and info

Happy New Year everyone. I'm pleased to announce that the 2011 schedule for the North and South COTM divisions have been posted. Also, there will be a series of Saturday opens on Morrison and Reeds Lakes. Details below.
Thanks for checking it out
-Justin @ wmb

A Few Notes:

Weekend Series rules/details
Start Time is 6:30 am to 2pm
($60 Entry Fee) $5 of every entry will go towards the end of the
season point’s chase. Points are based on the number of boats compared
to your tournament finish for example:
Big Bass is worth 2 points second big bass is worth 1 pt.
IF there is 10 boats at the tournament and you finish 1st you will
receive 10 pts if you finish 2nd place you will receive 9 pts, 3rd
place 8 pts and so on.
There will be NO CLASSIC the team with the most accumulated pts wins
the overall points fund. We will be only pay out 1st, 2nd 3rd.
In the instance of a points tie on the last tournament the tie breaker
will be settled on your bag weight for the August 20th Morrison lake
Tournament
This is a 100% payback Series.
Contact Jeff Forbes (616 318 2166) or Brandon Stanley (269 908 7497) for details.

COTM South Tidbits
7/11 Thornapple Lake
If there are high waters on Thornapple Lake Tournament directors will
contact Justin and post and announcement on the
www.westmichiganbass.com were the tournament will be held at. You can
also contact Jeff Forbes or Brandon Stanley on a decision.

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 03:16 - pick up tourney at kimball/pickeral in newaygo

who: you
what: bass tournament
when: Sunday oct 24th - 8a-4pm
where: kimball/pickeral in newaygo
why: why not?
how (much): 40$

team format. come one come all.

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:38 - Classic Results

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:36 - prizes

Special thanks goes out to Brian with Bucketmouth Baits, Jeff @ Mootsies, and the guys at Super Shop. I've got some sweet trophies, lots of great baits and a few pairs of sunglasses to give out at the classic. Jeff is also offering up some 10% off discounts for products in his store. Brian has given us a lot of baits and some giftcards too!

Thanks goes out to all our great sponsors!

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:21 - Sunday Info

Couple quick notes:
1. I'm heading up tomorrow to fish. If anyone needs to reach me my cell is 616 881 9454. I will be drinking a beer and eating something greasy tomorrow evening with a few other guys - so give me a ring if you want to hang out for a bit.

2. Looks like we'll be down to 9 boats. Adjusted payouts are as follows:
1st place: $665
2nd Place: $195
3rd Place: $40
1 place Big Bass - 45$

3. I will run a side critter pot for anyone interested.

4. There was an adjustment of the points for end of the year big bass that affected the original points i posted. 10 pts went to Schewiger/Burns for 5.62 Big Bass and 5pts to Dyer/Riemersma for 5.60 2nd big bass.

5. Adjusted points and launch order:

Ozinga/Ihrig - 321
Mast/Mast - 288
Ammerman/Averil - 282
Keithley/Ruel - 245
Schweiger/Burns - 244
Dyer/Reimersma - 243
Courser/Stevensen - 224
Hatchew/Malory - 214
Hurley/Alksnis - 170

See ya sunday!
-Justin @wmb

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:12 - Classic Payouts

Total Membership funds 830$
Big Bass of the Year = 200$

Based on 10 Boats, 35$ entry fee -
1st place: $680
2nd Place: $205
3rd Place: $45

1 place Big Bass - 50$

Also - just a quick warning for those of you pre-fishing this upcoming weekend. Saturday is opening day of duck season. Duck hunting is not allowed on Lake Cadillac, but there are 2 spots on lake Mitchel (Big and Little Cove) where it is legal. Please use caution and be prudent when fishing these areas. I can say with 100% certainty that there WILL be guys hunting there Saturday morning.