This year in Tournament fishing has been one of the more promising we have experienced in some time. Participation in Pro-Ams has seen attendance records broken to the point of exceeding full fields, over 150 boats. Several Team Circuits have improved in numbers while other Circuits are experimenting with new venues. One of the most promising being the Tin Boat Circuit for the entry level angler. Bass Clubs used to provide a place for this new Tournament angler to learn and compete in a less competitive enviroment. Today most Clubs compete at a similar level to Pro-Circuits, only difference is pay-back and entry fee revenues. For the new Tournament angler this new Circuit will serve at his/her level with the potenial to exceed to more competitive Tournaments.

Another aspect that is encouraging is the way new partnership opportunities have been developed at Tournament sites. I think the best example of this is what has happened with Tournament organization and the Township of Oroville.

As we have explained in previous articles the BBAC has worked with the Executive Director of the Oroville Chamber of Commerce, Lonnie Steedmen, to provide money in her budget to solicit Tournaments as they would any other business. This year for the first time ever they were able to pay WON Bass, Western Bass, FLW, and Newby's Team Spectacular. WON and Western Bass set all time attendance records fpr northern events. We were also able to pertner them with Gold Country Casino a BBAC sponsor. At the Casino sign-up and award ceremonies were held. Western Bass hosted a banquet and weigh-in at the Casino's new entertainment center. These same opportunities will remain available to us into the future.

Along these same lines we have just helped Anglers Choice negotiate a contract with the City of Oroville, The Chamber of Commerce, The Oroville Economic Development Committee, and the Gold County Casino Through these negotiations Anglers Choice will be holding their Western Regional Championships on Lake Oroville for the next three years. These type agreements are beneficial to Tournament organizations, Townships and Tournament anglers.

Just prior to the writing of this article I was contacted by the Feather Falls Casino also here in Oroville. They, like Gold Country Casino, are building hotel and conference facilities. Like Gold Country, they also are now stepping up to the plate and want to get involved with the various Tournament arganizations. Having the support of two Casinos would be welcome, it could eliminate scheduling conflicts in regards to Tournaments and Casino Events.

The BBAC will continue to play an active roll in developing partnerships in other communities. The process in Oroville has taken time and energy, it's been a learning curve. Looking into the future partnerships of this type serve the communities, businesses, and anglers, however the biggest benefit may well be the positive public relations and growth that will insure and safeguard our fisheries and Black Bass Tournaments for our "Generations to Come".