Since the inception of Androscoggin Bassmasters in 1985 the
Lewiston, Maine-based bass club members have tackled many unique
conservation and youth projects.
Examples include organizing an instructional
building class on bat houses for a local 4H Club, assisting the
Auburn Water District in legally transporting bass from a small
pond to the other side of the highway and into Auburn Lake, so
repairs could be made to the dam; and taking part in a livewell
study with Maine biologists.
Club members were even on hand to assist in
the removal of milfoil from Dingly Brook. And we also hold an
annual Auburn Lake cleanup.
These are just some of the challenges we have taken on over the
years and look forward to confronting new ones in the years
ahead.
Our youth functions include three kids fishing
derbies, a kids’ casting
contest and the Pine Tree Camp for Handicapped Children Fishing
Day (where club members treated over 100 kids to a boat ride and
some fishing). With many hours of hard work and dedication
members Jim Weston, John Volkernick and Mark and Brenda Swett
drew up the plans on the second Maine Junior Bass Club—the L/A
Junior Bassmasters. At 12 members they competed in four junior
tournaments and learned all there was to know about bass clubs,
fishing and conservation.
We give special thanks to Maine BASS
Federation (www.mebass.com) President Scott Bradford, who helped
with acquiring the many sponsors needed and to the public
relations efforts of Jack Collins, who volunteered his many
hours as well. It couldn’t of been as successful without the
help of everyone involved including boaters, parents and
sponsors.
Our biggest event, of course, is our annual
Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Benefit Open on the
Androscoggin River. CMN has been the recipient of thousands of
dollars that have been donated from this tournament. The Open is
known as one of the top fishermen-friendly events in Maine, and
with paybacks down to 20th place it’s no wonder. The open
averages 60-85 boats each year.
Our club tournaments have a four-fish limit
and total six a year with the best five tournaments counting
towards Mr. Bass.
As you can see the members of Androscoggin
Bassmasters are very busy throughout the year including during
the short fishing season we have in Maine. The 16-member club
meets once a month. For more information or to sponsor us in any
way please check us out on the web at
