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West Suburban Bass Angler - Monthly Meeting Minutes

January2025 Meeting Minutes

Here is the attendance and notes from our January meeting:

 

ATTENDEES:  Greg G, Kyle B, Mike O, Bill O, Dave H, Nate W, Dave V, Bart P, Mike R, Mike Woll, Mario M, Frank R, Umair F, Ryan S, Tim S

           Guest:  Andrew V

 

NOTES:

  1.  Welcome to WSBA for 2025.

  2. Rules will be posted on our website before the next meeting.

  3. Boaters were reminded to send their updated insurance information to Mike O.

  4. There is a mandatory Boater Safety course that is required by BASS and IBN.

  5. Annual Dues and Fees need to be paid. (To date, 16 members are registered for 2025 = 7 Boaters + 9 Non-Boaters).

  6. The IBN President's meeting is scheduled for February 22nd.  Nate & Kyle will attend.  There is a poker tournament immediately after the meeting.

  7. We requested that Nate ask the IBN what our State dues fund.

  8. We discussed the reason for IBN membership.

  9. Bedford Sales has their annual open house on Jan. 17 - 19.

  10. The Schaumburg Outdoors show is Jan. 23 - 26.  Club members usually attend on Friday and then go out to dinner.

  11. We discussed a possible joint tournament with another club.  Members were encouraged to ask other clubs if they are interested.

  12. We discussed the desire for Co-Anglers to be abler to fish any tournament that they want to enter.

  13. VP Kyle stated that there would not be a 50/50 raffle tonight.  He asked for fishing item donations from members for future raffles.

  14. Greg reported that we currently have an operating deficit of approximately $600.  This was due to the 3-year renewal of our website at the end of 2024 and extra costs for trophies and awards in 2024.  Prior member Dave Radionoff has re-joined the Club for 2025.

  15. Umair reported that he had been contacted by one potential new member.

  16. Mike Woll and Dave H are going to meet with the Palatine PD to discuss this year's Fishing Derby to be held on June 7.  We are also committed to the fishing class held the night before the Derby.  Members were encouraged to procure items for prizes at the Derby.  Palatine PD is going to try to sell table space to retailers/others to offset their costs.  Bass Pro/Cabela's is one possibility.  WSBA stated that we would be OK with this.

  17. Mike O and Dave H presented our 2025 schedule.  Mike Wright will post it on our website.

  18. We discussed possibly fishing "paper" tournaments in the future.

  19. Kyle did a presentation on Wire Tying Jig Skirts.

Greg

January

February2025 Meeting Minutes

ATTENDEES:
Nate,Steven,Matthew (New Member),David Allemna (New Member),Roger,Scott,James,Frank,Bill,Ryan,Rachel (Guest),Umair,Bart,Mike W,Tim S,Dave H, Dave C, Mike Olsen

NOTES:

  1. President's Meeting Saturday; Nate and Kyle will attend

  2. Fantasy fishing starts tomorrow.  Topwater 12

  3. Mike Olson:   "What is the point of the BASS membership if the state tournament."   -- We will ask

  4. When is the deadline for the safety course?  The first tournament?   The State tournament?    It takes a long time to take the test .

  5. Kyle reached out to the River Rats to gauge interest  in a joint tournament 

  6. Cabela  is donating a dozen combos or so for the derby.   Three parties WSBA, Palatine  Park District and  BPS/Cabela's ( Low key participation.)   They are bringing an influencer for the Friday night casting program.  

  7. Permits are good to go for all tournaments.

  8. We have 8 - 10 rooms for Kentucky Lake.  Boaters need to call and put down a deposit and make reservations.  under Dave Homan or WSBA   (Thursday - Sunday morning .   Use Dave Homan West Suburban Bass Anglers)

  9. July Sturgeon Bay.   We have  reservations at a spot in Sister baby.

  10. Please pay your dues,   We have a current roster of 28.

  11. Get your insurance to Dave

  12. Buffalo Grove needs help with weigh-in,   May 3 in Mundelein to help with weigh in.   Ask Nate if you are interested.

  13. Classic Traverse bay most likely October 18th 19thish.    

  14. Bonus Sponsored extra prizes:  Last Year

    1. Angler of the year.    500, Dave Homan boater ,   Kyle did $250 n/b    

    2.  Bart $250  Greg $250 Boat

  15. Braidwood scramble?  Anyone want to organize?

  16. Show and tell:   Nate How to buy a boat  

  17. 50/50 brought in $116.  Kyle donated some Jigs,    $58. went to James and he kindly donated it back to the club.

February

March 2025 Meeting Minutes

Guys:

Here is the attendance and notes from our March 12th meeting.

 

ATTENDEES:  Roger F, Greg G, Tim S, Mike O, Kyle B, Dave H, Mike R, Bill O, Nate W, James P, Mike Woll, Bart P, Frank R, Dave V, Ryan S, Scott B, Umair F

 

New Members Dave Alleman and Matt Artajo were also in attendance.  WELCOME Aboard!!

 

  1.  Nate has 3D prints of a man holding a fish for $5.

  2. We discussed the IBN President's Meeting that occurred in February.

    1. The IBN donated $6500 to MAW in 2024.

    2. Clubs have been leaving the IBN.  Membership is very low.

    3. The IBN has a monthly meeting at the VFW in Wilmington that is open to members.

    4. Final Club Rosters are due on June 1.  The State Tournament Roster is due on Aug. 1.

    5. The biggest reason to stay with the IBN is the $1 million Liability Insurance Policy.

    6. Early entry for the BASS Open and Marshalling has begun.

    7. 9 Clubs voted for the location of the State Tournament.  Pool 13 won, but it was moved to Pool 14 due to an Angler's Choice tournament on Pool 13 the same weekend.

    8. You can now use nets in the State Tournament.

    9. You do NOT need to take a Boater Safety Course unless you are fishing in a Regional tournament or higher.

    10. The Regional Open Tournament is July 16 -18 on Lake Erie.

    11. IBN continues to emphasize their Team Series.

    12. The IBN is again hosting the Ralph Sweat Charity Tournament.  See the IBN website.

  3. Greg reviewed the Club finances - Current balance $4,583.25 but we have yet to pay our IBN dues ($65/member) or BASS dues ($30/member).  We currently have 13 Boaters and 13 Non-Boaters that have paid their dues.

  4. No updates from VP, Membership Director, or Conservation Director.

  5. Reminder that the Palatine Fishing Derby is on Jue 7th.

  6. Mike O gave tournament updates.

    1. Dave H has made lodging reservations for our Classic at Traverse Bay in October.  The hotel is 20 mins from the ramp and rooms are blocked until Sept 16.

    2. Dave H has made lodging reservations in Sister Bay for our Sturgeon Bay tournament in July.

    3. Boaters need to send Mike O their current Insurance certificates.  If you use Dave H as your agent, Mike has it.

    4. Reminder to get your Kentucky license if you are fishing Kentucky Lake.

    5. We are staying at the same Quality Inn in Kentucky that we stayed at last year.

  7. We drew partners for Kentucky Lake.  See email from Mike O.

  8. We held a 50/50 Raffle that was won by Scott B.  He donated the winnings back to the Club.  He also won 2 lures donated by Kyle B.  Total amount was $56 to the Club.

Greg

March

April 2025 Meeting Minutes

Here are the Attendance and Notes from the April 16th meeting:

 

ATTENDEES: Greg G, Nate W, Kyle B, James P, Bill O, Frank R, Roger F, Dave V, Bart P, Tim S,

Mike Woll, Dave R, Mike R, Dave C, Mike O, Orlando T, Scott B, Mario M, Dave A, Umair F, Ryan S, Matt A

 

NOTES:

  1.  The IBN is hosting the Ralph Sweat Memorial tournament on the Des Plaines River on 6/28.

  2. The IBN State tournament has been moved to Pool 14 from Pool 13.

  3. Kyle will have MAW tickets at the May meeting.

  4. There was a fatal boating accident today on Smith Lake during an MLD event.  There was also an accident on Lake Norman during an FLW event.

  5. Greg will be submitting the IBN and BASS rosters this month.

  6. Mike Wollenberg reported that Cabelas will donate 25+ rod/reels to the Palatine Fishing derby.  Mike will pick up the combos on 4/28 at 2:00 pm if anyone wants to help.  Cabelas will also promote the derby via flyers.  The derby is on June 7th and we will need volunteers to run it.  Feel free to donate more items as prizes.

  7. Umair asked for volunteers for our monthly fishing presentations.

  8. Our Kentucky Lake tournament was cancelled due to weather and adverse conditions.

  9. We drew partners for Lake Michigan on May 3rd and Lake Mendota on May 17th.

    1. Lake Michigan - You will need an Indiana license to fish in their waters.  The limit is 3 Bass in Indiana/5 Bass in Illinois. We will launch at 95th St.  There is a $21 launch fee.  You can fish the Calumet River/Lake Calumet.  3 hooks are allowed on an A-rig in Indiana.  2 hooks are allowed in Illinois.

    2. Lake Mendota - Remember to get your Wisconsin license.  Get your launch pass online as the machine at the ramp may not work and you will get a ticket.

 

Greg

April

May 2025 Meeting Minutes

Guys;

Here is the attendance and notes from our May 14, 2025 meeting.

 

ATTENDEES: Greg G, Nate W, Dave H, Tim S, Kyle B, Bill O, Roger F, Mario, Dave A, Mike R, Dave C, Dave R, James P, Orlando T, Mike Woll, Umair F, Dave V, Ryan S, Matt A

 

NOTES:

  1.  The IBM Roster is due by June 1.  The State Team Roster is due by August 1.

  2. The IBN is hosting the Ralph Sweat Memorial tournament on June 21.

  3. We will draw partners for Delavan at our June meeting.

  4. Umair, Greg, Kyle had no news to report.

  5. We recapped the Lake Michigan tournament.

  6. We discussed the Lake Mendota tournament. Ramp change and start time were discussed.

  7. The Palatine Fishing Derby is on June 7.

    1. Volunteers for the fishing clinic on Friday, June 6 are Dave V, Mike Woll, Umair, Mike R (?), and Frank R (?).

    2. Volunteers to run the derby on Saturday are Roger F, Mario M, Greg G, Bill O, Dave V, Mike Woll, Ryan S, Dave A, Mike R, Dave C, Nate W, Matt A, Kyle B, Orlando T, and Frank R.

    3. Nate will purchase snacks and drinks to sell.

    4. Dave H has all of the bins with the materials we need to run the derby.

    5. The Palatine Park District has a spreadsheet and software that we can use to track the fish that are caught.

    6. Cabela's donated a large number of used rods and reels.  Mike Woll will prep 15 combos we can give away to those who do not have their own.

    7. Nate will investigate the possibility of the IBN matching the funds from the derby.

  8. A number of members donated tackle as prizes for the derby.  The tackle was sorted and bagged.

 

Greg

May

June 2025 Meeting Minutes

All:

Attached is the updated roster that includes our new member, Mike Murray.  Mike met us at the Palatine Fishing Derby and hopes to fish with us soon as a Non-Boater.

 

Meeting Attendees: Greg G, Bill O, Mike O, Dave H, Nate W, Tim S, Kyle B, Mike R, Dave A, Dave R, Bart P, Roger F, Matt A, Dave V, Mike Woll, Frank R, Orlando T, Umair F

 

NOTES:

  1.  The roster for the IBN State Tournament is due by August 1st.  Entry fee is $200/person.  Frank R, Dave A, Mike R, Dave H, Bill O, and Bart P are interested in fishing the tournament.

  2. The IBN is hosting the Ralph Sweat Memoria Tournament June 21st on the Des Plaines River.

  3. We welcomed our newest member, Mike Murray, who was not able to attend.

  4. MAW tickets were distributed.  There were 16 per person.

  5. Bill O asked if we can share info/photos/etc from the Fishing Derby on Social Media.  Umair is working on it with the photographer from the Palatine PD.

  6. We need to get info about the Palatine Fishing Derby to the IBN (Tim Prokop?) and to BASS.

  7. There were 50 attendees on Friday and 107 on Saturday for the Fishing Derby.  We will discuss the Derby further at the July meeting.

  8. We recapped the Lake Mendota Tournament.

  9. We drew partners for Lake Delavan and Green Lake.

  10. Mike R presented on punching mats.

 

Greg

June

July 2025 Meeting Minutes

Guys:

Here is the Attendance and Notes from our July 9, 2025 meeting.

 

ATTENDEES:  Greg, Mike O, Kyle, Roger, Frank, Tim, Dave R, Nate, Bill, Mike R, Dave A, Bart, Mike Woll, Mario, Umair

 

  1.  We need people to help at Weigh-Ins.  Please wait to wipe down your boat, stow tackle, socialize.  We need to get fish weighed in asap.  We need to practice better fish care.  Make sure to climatize your fish in a weigh in bag before dumping them into the lake.

  2. The roster for the IBN State Qualifier is due on August 1.  The tournament is at Pool 14 on Sept. 6 - 7.  

    1. The team = Frank, Mike R, Dave H, Bill, Bart, Dave A.

    2. Kyle and Mike Woll. Are Alternates.

    3. Entry fees are $200 per person.  Please send the money to Greg NOW.

  3. Please send tournament photos to Umair as soon as possible after the tournament so that he can post on social media.  Include Mike Wright for the website.

  4. We need Presenters for after meeting info sessions.

  5. All members need to submit their filled-out MAW tickets to Kyle asap.  They are due in August.

  6. Make sure you pay your tournament  entry fees in full BEFORE the tournament.

    1. Payments after the meeting prior to the tournament will incur a $10 late fee.

    2. If you have not paid prior to fishing the tournament, you will NOT win any money nor accrue points!

  7. We recapped the Delavan and Green Lake tournaments.

  8. We drew partners for Sturgeon Bay and Pool 13.

  9. Dave H has rooms reserved in Sister Bay for the Sturgeon Bay event.  We will find out about changing them into your name when he returns from vacation.  We will launch in Sister Bay.​

Greg

July

August 2025 Meeting Minutes

Guys:

Here are the Attendance and meeting notes from our August 13th meeting.

 

ATTENDEES:  Roger F, Greg G, Mike R, Dave H, Nate W, Steven K, Kyle B, Tim S, Mike O, Bart P, Dave R, Dave A, Bill O, James P, Mike Woll, Umair F, Frank R

Guest: Andrew

 

NOTES:

  1.  We need to discuss what we can do better at the Palatine Fishing Derby next year.

  2. IBN State Tournament is Sept. 6 - 7.  We need to send our MAW tickets with our team.  The IBN needs additional Co-Anglers.  Good luck WSBA!!

  3. Kyle has the MAW tickets ready to be turned in.  Greg will write a check tonight.

  4. Umair reported that we are not accepting new Non-Boaters at this time.  We do not have anyone signed up for our monthly seminars.

  5. We welcomed our guest, Andrew.  He is a Boater who knows some of our member from the Greater Chicago Club.

  6. Mike Woll. Reported that the Palatine Park District has asked if we would teach 3 one-day fishing clinics throughout the year.  He also stated we need to practice better fish care as a number of fish have been dropped on the ground at recent weigh-ins.

  7. We recapped the Sister Bay and Pool 13 tournaments.

  8. Our Classic will be on Oct. 18 - 19 at Traverse Bay.  We have 6 - 7 Boaters going.  Let Mike O know if you plan to go.  Dave H has hotel rooms reserved.

Greg

August

September 2025 Meeting Minutes

Here are the Attendance & Notes from the Sept. 10, 2025 meeting.

 

ATTENDEES: Dave V, Tim S, Ryan S, Mike R, Dave H, Mike O, Greg G, Kyle B, Steven K, Peter R, Dave A, Bart P, Nate W, Dave R, Umair F, Mike Woll, Mario M, Matt A, Orlando T, Frank R

Guest: Andrew

 

NOTES:

  1.  We will nominate Officers and discuss possible 2026 Rule Changes at our October meeting.  Officer Elections and Rule Changes will be voted on at the November meeting.

  2. We recapped the IBN State Tournament.  CONGRATS to WSBA for winning the Team Championship.  CONGRATS to Bill O for winning the Non-Boater Championship.  Congrats to Mike R and Dave H for making the Illinois State team.  Good luck to Bill, Mike, and Dave at Regionals!

  3. Greg will forecast Classic payouts once we know how many people are fishing the last 2 tournaments.

  4. Mike Woll. Volunteered to host a Fallen Leaves tournament on Lake Geneva in late October or early November.

  5. We recapped the Pool 14 tournament.

  6. We will plan the Classic at our October meeting.  Partners will be drawn at that meeting.

  7. We discussed and drew partners for the Des Plaines/Kankakee tournament on 9/13.

  8. We discussed and drew partners for the Tichigan tournament on 9/27.

Greg

September

October 2025 Meeting Minutes

Guys 

Here are the meeting notes and attendance for our October meeting

Attendees: Mike O, Dave H, Mike R, Frank, Dave A, Bill, Mario, Mike W, Umair, Orlando, Ryan

Discussed officers for next year: Need to re visit in November

President: Nate? Dave H ?

VP Kyle??

Secretary ??

Treasure  Greg

Tournament Dir. Mike O?

Asst T D. Orlando?

Conservation. Mike Wollenberg 

Webmaster. Mike Wright

Social Media. Umair

 

Proposed rule changes

1. Double the entry fee for buying in for the Classic

2. Assign person to help out at weigh in for each tournament 

3. Clarify point totals, dropping 2 or best 8 tournaments

4. Non Boater Big Bass for each tournament 

5. Should we have a team tournament format for 1 tournament per year

6. Co-Anglers, 3 fish limit?

7. Should we do a side pot for each tournament format, 100% payback, Frank will run, 20$ minimum

8. Should we share input on how fish were caught at each weigh in

9. Classic location determined mid year for more participation

We recapped DesPlaines and Tichigan tournaments

Had discussion about our Classic and moved it to Green Lake because of forecasted weather.

Hopefully I didn’t miss anything.

Any questions let me know.

Mike O

October

November 2025 Meeting Minutes

Guys:

Here are the attendance & notes from our Nov. 11th meeting.  Please forgive the delay as I've had some computer issues.

 

ATTENDEES:  Dave H, Greg G, Tim S, Kyle B, Nate W, Mike O, Bart P, Dave R, Mario M, Dave V, Dave A, Umair F, Mike Woll, Ryan S

 

  1.  Umair reported that someone from Traverse Bay Tourism inquired as to how many of us are interested in Traverse Bay.

  2. Mike Woll. Reported that he is working with Cabela's on the 2026 Fishing Derby.

  3. Mike O recapped the 2025 Classic at Green Lake.

  4. Those who were committed to going to Traverse Bay need to reimburse Dave H for the hotel deposit = $617\8 = $77.12 each.   The 8 members must ay him by the December meeting or they won't be in good standing for 2026.

  5. We discussed scoring for the AOY award and how it is currently worded (10 tournaments, count 8).  Twice in the past, 2 tournaments were dropped after one had been cancelled (9 tournaments fished).  Based on this, the WSBA Officers met on Oct. 23rd and voted to award the 2025 AOY based upon the best 7 of 9 tournaments fished.  However, this was challenged, per our Rules, at the meeting by those present.  BArt P mad a motion to hold a vote that was seconded by Mike Woll.  A vote was taken by the members present on Nov. 11th and, by a margin of 10 votes to 4 votes, the decision was overturned so that the 2025 AOY was awarded based upon the best 8 tournaments fished.

  6. We voted for Club Officers for 2026:

    1. President - Nate Wilson

    2. Vice Pres. - Dave Allemana

    3. Secretary - Dave Valentino

    4. Treasurer - Greg Groves

    5. Tournament Director - Mike Olson

    6. Asst. Tourn. Director - Bart Pliwko

    7. Media Director = Umair Faizuddin

    8. Conservation Director -  Mike Wollenberg

  7. We voted on proposed Rule Changes:

  • ANGLER OF THE YEAR (AOY) SCORING

    1. Angler of the Year “AOY” is tracked by the Vice President and determined by:

    2.  

    3. Members who participate in the annual Conservation Project will be awarded 2 points toward AOY total

    4. Club participation in meetings from OCTOBER to SEPTEMBER will receive 2 points per meeting attended for a maximum of 18 points (9 meetings).

    5. No points will be awarded for the December “banquet” meeting

    6. In the event a meeting date needs to be moved or rescheduled to a date other than our regular meeting cadence, members must be in attendance at the rescheduled meeting to be awarded points.

    7. Your BEST 8 tournaments will count toward your AOY points total.  10 tournaments will be scheduled.

    8. In the event of a tournament cancellation:

      1. You will still be scored on your best 8 tournament points

      2. The tournament director will do their best to reschedule a cancelled tournament, at their discretion, if possible

      3. If the club is unable to execute 8 or more tournaments, the maximum amount of tournaments executed will be counted toward AOY

    9.  

    10. EXAMPLE:

    11.  

# of Tournaments Executed

10

9

8

7

6

# of Tournaments that count for AOY

8

8

8

7

6

  1.  

  2.  

  • DOUBLE THE CLASSIC BUY-IN FROM $100 to $200/TOURNAMENT (MAXIMUM OF 2) - NO

  • ASSIGN A PERSON TO ASSIST WITH TOURNAMENT WEIGH-IN (3 PEOPLE = WEIGH, BUMP, SCORE) - YES

  • HAVE A SEPARATE POT FOR BIG BASS = BOATER & NON-BOATER - NO

  • SCHEDULE A REGULAR TOURNAMENT AS A TEAM EVENT ONCE PER YEAR - YES, AT THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR'S DISCRETION

  • NON-BOATERS FISH FOR A 3 FISH LIMIT - NO

  • CLASSIC LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED MID-YEAR VS. THE START OF THE YEAR - NO

  • MID-SUMMER TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD IN JUNE.  REMOVE THE WORD "JUNE" - YES

 

  1.  Other Topics discussed (Not Rule Changes):

    1. Should we have a winner take all side pot of $20/member?  OK to do so.

    2. Should we share info on fish catches at the Weigh-In?  OK to do so.

    3. Should we hold a tournament on a mystery lake?  Tabled for future discussion.

Greg

November
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