(The Bass Federation photo)
Lance Freeman, a former student at both Lyon County and Caldwell County high schools, is a National Champion on The Bass Federation tour.
The Bass Federation’s top anglers from across the nation and Canada traveled to Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Grove, Okla., this week for the 2020 Federation National Championship, which culminated on Saturday.
Over 100 TBF anglers had their sights set on the National Champion titles, lucrative “Living YOUR Dream” boater and co-angler champions prize packages, Ranger Cup contingencies and cash prizes in the events $380,000-plus, cash and prize payout.
Freeman, who now lives in Murray, held on to Friday’s lead to be named the 2020 Federation National Champion boater.
Freeman had five-fish limits all three tournament days with 14 pounds 14 ounces; 19 pounds, 8 ounces; and 19 pounds 15 ounces to make his winning total of 54 pounds, 5 ounces.
“It’s truly a blessing. From the second cast this morning to the last; it’s been a wild ride,” Freeman told the crowd gathered at Grove Saturday. “I am blessed beyond belief. On my way to Oklahoma I had this feeling. It’s an unrealistic feeling, surreal, God feeling that something was going to go my way. Practice was tough but then the first tournament day everything went right. The whole week to here it was just like tunnel vision.”
Freeman was awarded the “Living YOUR Dream” boater prize package valued at over $125,000 including a 2020 Ranger Z520L with Evinrude 250 G2, fully loaded with Power Poles, MinnKota trolling motor, Lowrance electronics, TH Marine locker bar and a custom Ranger trail trailer.
The package also includes $20,000 cash, $5,000 entry fees into affiliated circuit of choice, entry into FLW Series Championship which has a $200,000 top prize, a reserved slot in the 2021 FLW Pro Circuit and berth in the 2020 BFL All-American with travel and housing stipends and guaranteed payout with $100,000 top prize at that event as well as clothing package and more.
“Today was a miracle. On the last cast of the day I was just fishing stuff that looked good around Elk river even though I caught most my fish on the south end of the lake and caught the great big ole fish there,” Freeman said.
“It was about 6, 6-1/2 pounds. It’s like you look and its the ten seconds of eternity you have. One of those moments the sun was shining on you. The biggest breaths of fresh air. I’m speechless in so many ways and so thankful for you guys.”
Freeman and President/CEO Robert Cartlidge spoke on stage about the caliber of angler that stands the test over and over again. The kind of angler Freeman is and the style he’s displayed since he adapted fishing over 13 years ago when he started fishing TBF’s junior program.
Fish your strengths, fish the way you like and, number one, have fun doing it. A style he still puts in play today.
“I’m not the big guy wearing the jersey pushing around – everyone look at me – I’m just a boy that likes to go fishing. I had a blast with all of my co-anglers. Every day, it was about having some fun and fishing, making the most of every moment.
“Today, we caught our limits about 20 seconds apart around 9 a.m. and then we were just sitting there having the time of our lives in the pouring rain.”
Freeman joins the ranks of TBF success stories across the nation. He started in TBF’s junior program at 11 years old and still remembers his first TBF tournament. He also advanced to the TBF Junior World Championship. Now, 13 years later, he holds the title of Federation National Champion.
“For the first time in my life I think I’m speechless. I’ve been calling every fish a blessing all week,” Freeman continued. “Thank you so much TBF. I grew up with this support and I love this sport for what it is, fishing.
“I’m still in shock. I mean, to look out in the crowd and see the people that literally brought me up in the same organization, to be sitting right there, the guys who took me out fishing when I was little. Words can not describe that feeling.”
Freeman started winning fishing championships at an early age. As a junior at Lyon County in 2011, Freeman captured the Bassmaster Junior World Championship in Monroe, La.
(Information for this story came from a TBF news release. Read the entire release at https://www.bassfederation.com/freeman-and-pendleton-crowned-2020-federation-national-champions/)
