Congratulations to Clint Johanson.

Clint will be representing Washington State at Nationals for B.A.S.S. He fished aggressively, and was able catch fish in heavily pressured water on a tough and small venue.

Noxon Reservoir Montona is a cool lake though. Before the fish got pressured, you could really hone your wood fishing skills. It would be a Great Lake to go to for a fishing vacation. Totally under fished in its remote location.

Sean Minderman, and Mitch Ratchford also finished in the top 10 displaying the Washington talent level. Chase Ratchford fished well, and Gene Batey would have finished in the top 10 if not for some day 1 bad luck. Chris Lambert also fished well, and overcame boat issues and distractions.

Cully Scroggins and Plank fished smart, and admirably and showcased the future of the sport from the high school level. Thanks to Gary Stiles for teaching them and me about more than fishing.

What a great time it was hanging out with everyone. A cold beer with kelvin Ratchford is always a great time.

I took the last place finish....which was not optimal, although I learned a lot about too many things to list. I will say that in this format on a small lake I learned to trust the water you found in practice. If it was good in practice, then it doesn't matter how much pressure it gets.... Fish want to be there, so don't give up on it. Unfortunately I quit on my spots, and I'd later see guys catching Em with 6 boats all fishing within 20 feet of each other. Noted.

To those who aren't giving this a shot, you are missing out. Keep making your spy bait videos. Keep posting your pond swim bait "hawgs and donkeys." Keep posting your "tourney partner wanted" ads. But if you really want to grow as an angler.... There's a better and bigger way. Everyone has an excuse to not get involved.... Right up until they decide not to make excuses.

B.A.S.S does so much for bass fishing. Instead of making excuses to not partake, maybe we consider that participating is a way of giving back to the fish and the sport. In my mind that is a good reason to act.

Hope to see new faces next year, and old ones.