The 2014 TBF of Nebraska State Tournament has come to a close and many anglers found Milford Lake a truly tough test.  If you have fished enough events, you understand that someone always seems to find them.  That was the case with Ben Milliken who went on to win the Boater Division with a 2 day total of 24.74lbs.  Not only did Ben bring in the largest single day sack of the event on day 2, he also brought in the biggest bass at 3.90 lbs.  The next closest competitor was nearly 10 lbs. back.

State Champions

“I went into the tournament with about 10 areas that I knew had beds and my strategy was to rotate through them.  It really seemed the smallmouth were easier to catch and they were mainly in the southern part of the lake, so that’s where I spent the majority of my time.  I have been plagued by 2^nd place finishes over the last year, so this tournament really means a lot to me against a very solid field of anglers.  I am extremely excited to represent Nebraska in Mississippi next year said Milliken.”

The Non-Boater Division was won by Billy Ray with a 2 day total of 4.35.  This is the 2^nd year in a row that Billy has gone on and won the Non-boater Division.  Billy will represent NE this June at the Central Divisional hosted by Oklahoma.  Billy also won the big bass division for his 2.68 lb. pig.

Divisional Team

“I actually had a really bad practice said Ray.”  “I was lucky to have Pat Klausen as my practicing partner and lodging mate.  We would talk at night and he would remind me to stay focused on what I was doing and just go fish.  I also can’t say enough about my boaters in Rye Roberts and Jeff Korb.  They put me on fish but it was just hard to find the big ones said Ray.”

The site of the 2015 divisional will be held in Mississippi.  The 2015 TBF Nebraska Divisional Team will consist of:  (Boaters)  Ben Milliken, Kent Priel, Robert Hime, Pat Klausen, Chris Brokman and Cort Heimsoth; (Non Boaters) Rye Roberts, Mark Kroeger, Shane Oltjenbruns, Jake Dillon, Billy Ray and Darius Kohl.  Congrats to all the participants.

Day One Results

Day Two Results

The 14^th Annual Travis Ferguson Memorial Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, July 26^th at Mozingo Lake, Maryville, MO.  Entry fee is $150 per team with 50% of the proceeds benefiting The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Nebraska.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the US.  CF causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus, which clogs the airways and can lead to fatal lung infections

10 million Americans, one in 28 people, carry one defective CF gene, which does NOT cause the disease or any symptoms. The disease develops when a child inherits two defective CF genes, on from each parent.

Who is Travis Ferguson?

Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at 3 months, Travis’ life was filled with interests like any boy – he was an avid and skilled fisherman, history buff and Nebraska football fan. His father, Doug remembers Travis as “Never asking for much, other than to live. He had a real desire to live”. Travis really enjoyed life, he tried not to let CF interfere.

Dr. Tom Osborne, former Nebraska head football coach joined the fight for the cure by being the honorary chairperson. Dr. Osborne’s personal commitment with Travis and his family began in September 1998, while Travis was awaiting a double lung transplant. They talked about a fishing trip after Travis regained his strength from the transplant. Unfortunately, Travis passed away in April 1999 from complications. He had just turned 17.

More Information – Tournament info