Takumi Ito moved his base to the United States in 2019. In 2021, just two years after his first entry, he made his first victory at the Bassmaster Elite Series in the competition’s final round. In addition to the elite series, Ito has competed twice in the Bassmaster Classic, widely known as the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing, and will compete again this 2023 season.

“We’re excited to team up with Ito as he challenges the top global contenders in these tournaments. Inspired by his passion and a can-do spirit, Ito shares the same attributes that are part of our winning formula at DHL,” said Mike Parra, CEO Americas and Global Head of Sponsorships. “DHL will continue to support Ito in his mission to connect fans in Japan and the U.S., inspiring them through his performance in these professional fishing tournaments.”

“I am honoured to receive the support from a global company like DHL. It has been my dream since childhood to participate in this competition in the United States, the home of the professional bass fishing sport,” says Takumi as he prepares for the first tournament in February. “I will do my best this 2023 season, aiming to win one Bassmaster Elite Series event and the Bassmaster Classic, as well as increase my annual ranking from last year.”

“We decided to sponsor Ito because he’s a top player, growing beyond Japan to an international stage,” says Tony Khan, President and Representative Director of DHL Express Japan. “We are truly delighted to support such motivated Japanese talent in his quest for the best performance.”

Lane, an insurance professional from Kansas City, Mo., was one of 45,581 people to enter the sweepstakes at Bassmaster.com and looks forward to breaking in his new Toyota 4Runner on a big adventure alongside his wife Lauren, two young daughters and Rosie, their Boxer puppy.  

“We do not have any set plans just yet, but the wheels are in motion,” said Lane. “We have family up in the Chicago area, so our first thought is to head that way for a long weekend this summer. Or maybe we will road trip to the Grand Canyon and really put these gas cards to use? The opportunities are endless!”

Lane credits his grandfather with fostering his love of fishing and the outdoors from a young age, something his family is continuing. 

“For as long as I can remember, my family spent a week up in northern Wisconsin as part of our summer vacation,” he said. “My grandpa was an avid fisherman and found a small house on Lake Chetek, so we would visit him and my grandma each summer.” 

Lane will be picking up his 2023 Toyota 4Runner in early February at a Kansas City-area Toyota dealership.

“On behalf of Toyota and the Kansas City Area Dealers, we’re delighted to help Stephen and his family tackle the outdoors with this new 4Runner,” said Adam Benlon, marketing manager for the Kansas City region.

For more information on current sweepstakes, visit Bassmaster.com/current-sweepstakes.

Up to $15,000 will be awarded in July 2023 to the selected applicants. Applications for the scholarship are now being accepted at https://www.bassfishinghof.com/scholarship.

“Within many fishery management agencies, there is a definitive need to fill vacant positions with qualified individuals who understand and have a passion for both the sport of bass fishing and the science needed to manage those fisheries,” said BFHOF Board president John Mazurkiewicz. “Spearheaded by Gene Gilliland, Casey Shedd, and our Conservation Committee, this new scholarship program fits in ideally with the Hall’s mission of celebrating, promoting, and preserving the sport by supporting those whose future career path will focus on healthy fisheries, needed access, and clean rivers, lakes and reservoirs.”

Gilliland notes that scholarship applicants must be a high school senior who has committed to enroll or be an undergraduate and graduate student currently enrolled in a four-year college, university, or accredited graduate program. They must declare or have declared a major in biology, aquatic ecology, fisheries, marine science, or a closely related natural resources field. “We’re also asking every applicant to submit a short essay explaining their goals for a career in natural resources and to describe their dream agency job, along with proof of membership in a recognized bass fishing organization or provide a copy of a valid fishing license,” said Gilliland.

The BFHOF Fishery Management Scholarship Program form outlines all the application requirements. Gilliland also mentioned all applications will be reviewed by an independent panel that includes individuals involved in fishery management issues in both the U.S. and Canada, including Phil Morlock, Director of Government Affairs with the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association; Chris Horton, Senior Director of Fisheries Policy with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation; Ross Self, Chief of Inland Fisheries for the South Carolina DNR; and Dr. Mark Rogers, Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit Leader at Tennessee Tech University.  

The application deadline is May 31, 2023 and the scholarship winners are notified by early July. For student financial aid requirements, the monetary award from the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is considered a stipend for use by the student for any school-related expenses.

For more information on the BFHOF Fishery Management Scholarship program, visit https://www.bassfishinghof.com/scholarship

“We are excited to continue our sponsorship of B.A.S.S. and further strengthen our long-standing relationship with this iconic fishing brand,” said Dave Dunn, Garmin senior director of marine and RV sales. “The Bassmaster Tournament Trail embodies the spirit of our brand, and it’s a great place for us to showcase our award-winning products and technologies to anglers and fans of all ages and skill levels.”

As a sponsor, Garmin will have an opportunity to engage with avid fans during the Bassmaster Outdoors Expo at Elite events and live weigh-ins for the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors and Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship.

Additionally, just for being the highest-finishing Garmin angler, competitors can win $500 in the Bassmaster Opens and B.A.S.S. Nation regional championships or a $500 gift card in College and High School Series events thanks to the Garmin Tournament Rewards program. 

The relationship between Garmin and B.A.S.S. is already strong, with 22 members of the brand’s national pro team competing on the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series, ranging from veteran angler Todd Auten to the winners of the last three Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classics, Hank Cherry and Jason Christie.  

“B.A.S.S. is excited to partner with Shimano on the Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarship. This partnership provides an outstanding opportunity to honor the incredible legacy and impact that former B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier had on the entire sportfishing industry. Over the past few years, women’s participation in fishing has grown significantly and we’re seeing more young female anglers on our youth tournament trails. Supporting this scholarship is a wonderful opportunity to encourage and support driven female anglers as they look to take their fishing to the next level,” said Chase Anderson, B.A.S.S. CEO.

According to a report by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, women now account for 37% of anglers in the U.S., the highest level on record. This participation trend is reflected on the tournament trail, where talented women have more opportunities than ever to leverage their passion for fishing into real money for college and potentially a competitive career.

In 2022, B.A.S.S. and Shimano partnered to award the first Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarships to Elizabeth Eastman of Fairhope, Ala., and Dixie Morris of Valley, Ala. Eastman plans to attend Louisiana State University, where she will compete on the fishing team while pursuing a degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture. Morris is a freshman on the Southern Union Community College Bison Fishing Team with plans to complete a pre-veterinary bachelor’s degree at Auburn University before veterinary school and a master’s degree. 

Scholarship applications are being accepted until June 16, 2023, and will be reviewed by a panel of judges from Shimano and B.A.S.S., including Sevier.

“I’m honored my name is associated with the scholarship,” said Sevier after reviewing the 2022 scholarship nominees. “All (of the applicants) are impressive and all deserving. I wanted to vote for all for one reason or another!”

Sevier, just the second full-time member of B.A.S.S. hired by founder Ray Scott in 1970, was a pioneer at all levels of the organization. During her 31-year career at B.A.S.S., Sevier oversaw a boom in membership — the organization boasted more than 600,000 members when she sold it to ESPN in 2001 — as well as the expansion of Bassmaster’s media operation to include seven magazines and two television shows, including the iconic TV program, The Bassmasters. Sevier was also instrumental in recruiting young people to the sport through the innovative CastingKids program. In 2004, Sevier was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, and her induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame came in 2018.

“Winning the Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarship has meant so much to me,” said Morris. “I was already looking forward to fishing on the Southern Union fishing team, but now I am even more excited because this helps to show women and young girls that they can achieve great things in a male-dominated sport. This has really encouraged me to step out and try for more scholarships and things that seemed unachievable.”

“Shimano is excited to continue in support of the Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarship in 2023,” said Sarah Harper Burke, senior marketing manager, Shimano North America Fishing. “In celebration of the influence Helen Sevier’s career has had in the fishing industry, this scholarship will help ensure future ‘pioneers’ have support and recognition in their endeavors to compete at the college level. The next generation of female anglers is a clear path to growing and promoting the sportfishing industry as a whole.”

To be eligible for the Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarship, the female angler must be either a rising senior or high school graduate and B.A.S.S. member with plans to fish competitively or must be currently fishing competitively at a four-year college or university, two-year college or university or vocational school.

More information on the scholarship requirements can be found at Bassmaster.com/Sevier-Scholarship or by contacting scholarship@bassmaster.com.

Since 2020, the Hall has provided more than $50,000 in grants to fund conservation efforts focused on enhancing fish habitat, tournament fish care, better public access, cleaner water, and similar projects that promote stewardship.

“We are also encouraging youth-oriented conservation projects that benefit local fisheries,” said Gene Gilliland who chairs the BHFOF’s Conservation Committee. “Projects we will support with these grants must have the endorsement of local fishery management agencies and be the right type of investment that coincides with the Hall’s mission.”

Past BFHOF conservation grants recipient efforts have included habitat enhancement work on lakes within Tennessee’s Bill Dance Fishing Trail, at Lake Belton in Texas, and also in Goose Lake at the Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area in Illinois. Grant funds have also assisted in building a ‘mobile fish care trailer’ used at high school tournaments in Alabama. Additional grants over the years have been used for projects in Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, and Virginia.   

“While many fishing clubs around the country have the boots – on – the – ground volunteers to initiate very worthy conservation projects, it’s the financial component that at times keeps them from being implemented,” said BFHOF Board president John Mazurkiewicz. “Thankfully due to the financial support the Hall has received from Hall of Fame inductees, fishing and marine industry companies, professional bass anglers, tournament organizations, and the general bass fishing public, the BFHOF Board is afforded the opportunity to recognize these grassroots conservation efforts and to provide the needed funding to see them through to completion. Everyone with an interest in bass fishing benefits.”

All proposals submitted for the BFHOF conservation grants will be judged by a qualified panel including members of the BFHOF Board and its Conservation Committee members. For more information including the grant application, visit https://www.bassfishinghof.com/bass-fishing-hall-of-fame-grant-program. Questions can be directed to BHFOF conservation chair Gene Gilliland at ggilliland@bassmaster.com.

“This is a great first step,” said MN-FISH president Ron Schara. “Now, the legislature needs to join with Governor Walz and pass this historic reinvestment in fishing.”

“This is huge news,” said MN-Fish executive director Mark Holsten. “The main goal of MN-FISH since it was launched was to work on behalf of Minnesota anglers and improve the quality of fishing throughout the state. From day one, several members of the state’s fishing community have volunteered to bring anglers’ voices to the state capitol through the organization MN-FISH, and it is working.”

“It’s clear Governor Walz understands the importance of fishing and its $4.4 billion annual economic impact in the state,” added Schara. “Now, the question is, will our lawmakers step up as well to shorten the time between bites?”

Mark Holsten, former Minnesota DNR Commissioner stated, “Governor Walz’ budget demonstrates that he listens to and reacts to real challenges. This is a big first step to ensure Minnesota continues to offer great fishing now and into the future.”

“Today marks a significant investment in rebuilding our state’s hatcheries and public water accesses,” said MN-FISH Communications Director Steve Pennaz. “Looking forward, there will be a continued need for similar investments. This is just the launch point, but a very significant one.”

Surveys and state licensing statistics reveal that 25% of Minnesota’s population consider themselves anglers—roughly 1.4 million persons. Historically, Minnesota has made significant public access and fisheries-related investments, but that has not been the case over the last decade or so. Today’s announcement demonstrates re-dedication to a very defining aspect of what makes Minnesota such a great state.

“Fishing is a huge part in our identity as Minnesotans. Through this recent funding, the state recognizes the importance of reconnecting the public to that, as well as keeping our vital $4.4 billion angler-driven economy going,” concluded Holsten.

MN-FISH would like to thank the diverse Minnesota angling community for their continued support and voice in making these advances possible. Their engagement has been critical in our mission to keep fishing strong in Minnesota.

The Non-Profit MN-FISH Foundation was founded in 2018 by a volunteer group of dedicated anglers concerned about the future of fishing in Minnesota. For more information, or to join, visit MN-FISH’s updated website: https://mn-fish.com/.

Get kids fishing!

2022 brought with it the introduction of The Ike Foundation Youth Tournament Trail. This included a three series fishing event at lakes in New Jersey and Delaware. 50 young anglers interested in the competitive side of fishing from a bass boat attended. Anglers that participated were between the ages of 8-18. The event was made possible by volunteer boat captains and donations of rods, reels and tackle by sponsors. Prizes were awarded to the top three winners at each event.

Hook’em early events

• The Ike Foundation® hosted kids and their families from the Boys and Girls Club and YMCA to Northeast Maryland to the 7^th Annual Ike’s Pro Am Bass Tournament on the Chesapeake.
• 20 kids attended a fun morning of fishing at South Park Lake in Vineland, NJ. This event was with the Vineland Police Department and officers were volunteers.
• 25 kids and their families fished at Daretown Lake in NJ with the Pittsgrove AGventure Club. This was a competitive bank fishing event.

Fishing gear donations

• Donated rods, reels, tackleboxes and fishing tackle to over 25 kids fishing groups across the country. This included several high school fishing teams, police sponsored community groups, Scout groups and elementary school age fishing clubs.

Conservation

The Ike Foundation® works hard to instill a love for the outdoors in children and their families. With that in mind, we are committed to conservation and stocking as many lakes as possible with the support of our partners and donors.

• Daretown Lake, Elmer, NJ and South Park Lake in Vineland, NJ were stocked with 150 Bass and Blue Gill
• Giving Tuesday campaign raised money to stock Veterans Pak lake in Jenks, OK with 275 Bass and Blue Gill You can see the news story here: https://www.newson6.com/story/639c76379cca390722537d57/pond-at-veterans-park-in-jenks-stocked-with-trout-thanks-to-donation

College scholarships

$10,000 in college scholarships were awarded to five high school seniors after a rigorous application process that included an essay, submission of grades with GPA greater than 3.0 and a description of how they have been involved in fishing or impacted outdoor conservation.

The Ike Foundation® Scholarship Program is funded entirely by the Annual Scholarship Dinner. This is the premier social event of the year with almost 300 people in attendance. Please consider joining us and fellow supporters of The Ike Foundation® at this adults only event on Friday, January 27^th, 2023 at the Grove at Centerton in Centerton, NJ. There will be dozens of auction baskets with products from all your favorite fishing brands as well as some special baskets for the ladies. This year we’ve added more excitement with the addition of casino table games as well! Details and tickets are available here: https://theikefoundation.org/upcoming-events/the-ike-foundation-2023-scholarship-dinner/

Follow The Ike Foundation® on Facebook and Instagram @TheIkeFoundation and on Twitter @FoundationIke for additional details and updates on all of our programs and events. The Ike Foundation® appreciates the generous donations from individuals and sponsors, including Toyota, Abu Garcia, Bass Cat Boats, Hobie, Yamaha, Flambeau, AFTCO, Pro-Guide, Rapala, Tackle Warehouse, Gumout and many more. A full list of sponsors can be found at https://theikefoundation.org/sponsors.

Founded in 2014 by professional bass angler Michael and Becky Iaconelli, the mission of The Ike Foundation® is to get more kids fishing and in the outdoors, especially youth in areas where those activities are not readily available.  We support youth fishing clubs, civic groups and charitable organizations that promote the sport of fishing, the ecology of the outdoors and the responsibility each person has to maintain our planet’s natural resources. The Ike Foundation® is approved by the IRS as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. The Ike Foundation® is a non-profit organization and all proceeds from events go to The Ike Foundation®’s mission. Tax-deductible contributions are welcome and can be made on the website via credit card.

Welcher joins a team that includes past Bassmaster Anglers of the Year such as Gerald Swindle, Davy Hite, Mike Iaconelli and Seth Feider, as well as Bassmaster Classic winner Ott DeFoe, and Jacob Wheeler, generally considered to be the hottest bass angler on the planet right now.

Welcher is particularly excited to offer his R&D ideas and to swap information with his fellow pros. “We’re going to talk through things and it’ll be a team effort,” he explained. “Most of us are on the same page about the value of Rapala’s high quality, even if we have our own styles on the water.”

About Kyle Welcher

As he enters his fifth season in the Elite Series, Kyle Welcher has quickly established himself as one of the top up-and-coming pros anywhere, with two Bassmaster Classic appearances under his belt. The Alabama pro, who will turn 30 this February, was the runner-up in the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” in 2022. Perhaps more impressively, he’s finished in the money in 27 of 34 B.A.S.S. events, just under 80 percent. A lot of those checks have been earned on the back of Rapala products.

“In the south, the DT6 has been a staple in the winter and then in the early part of spring, that and the Shad Rap,” he said. “I’ve weighted in a lot of bass on Rapala products over the years, including at Pickwick in 2021 when it was flooded and on the Tennessee River in Knoxville.”

He considers himself a connoisseur of balsa baits, but knows that many of the handmade or lower grade versions are unpredictable. “It’s hard to get any sort of consistency out of balsa,” he explained. “That’s the biggest hurdle. And that’s why I rely on Rapala, because I know that somehow they’ll be consistent and run right straight out of the package.” He looks forward to working with the company on new projects, certain that they’ll all be innovative and dependable.

“I’m fired up to add Kyle to our team of pros, said Rapala’s Director of Field Promotions and R&D Dan Quinn. “We have a dream team loaded with the best of the best and Kyle will fit right in. He has a bright future ahead and we have some exciting projects in the hopper that he will be a part of!”

For more information about Rapala, go to www.rapala.com

For more information about Kyle Welcher, go to his youtube channel

Johnson spent 15 years with Anderson Merchandisers, a leading provider of in-store service and sales solutions. Johnson rose through the ranks as Field Execution Director, Senior Program Manager and Divisional Director. Most recently, he served as the Vice President, Walmart Account Executive, where he led the company’s rapidly growing Special Projects Division.

“We are excited to welcome Phillip to the B.A.S.S. team,” said Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. “I’ve personally had the pleasure of working with Phillip previously and look forward to the strong work ethic, strategic vision and leadership he will bring to supporting our members, sponsors and associates, strengthening our processes and expanding the Bassmaster brand.”

In addition to sales and business development, Johnson will also oversee marketing, licensing, events, communications and membership.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to support an iconic brand with passionate fans at Bassmaster and work to enhance the experience for all our members, sponsors and associates,” said Johnson. “I look forward to the launch of a successful 2023 tournament season and expanding the brand through strategic partnerships and evolving opportunities that create value for everyone associated with B.A.S.S.”