Long Island Bassmaster's History

In 1977 the club continued to prosper  and discuss new ideas. Among them were buying property, the need for insurance coverage, and possibly non-profit incorporation, but for a club with limited means these ideas where eventually put aside. 1977 was also the start of a state project to study largemouth in 16 selected lakes on Long Island and across the state. This study was supposed to last through 1980 but proved so successful that it never stopped and was renamed the "Angler Diary Program". 1977 was also the first year it became mandatory to use a livewell in all upstate tournaments.

 In 1978 two new ideas came to fulfillment, 1) a panfish derby, club members and their children or any child fishing as a team, against other club member and their children or guests. 2) "THE CLASSIC" , of which the first was won by Jerry Thompson on Kellis Pond in Southhampton.

1979 was the first and last time the classic was a one day split lake tournament held on Kellis Pond and Hither Hills, the winner was Bill Liberto. The Angler of the Year was Mike Herlich.

 In the year 1980 livewells became mandatory and LIB opened its season with a CARP tournament on Lake Ronkonkoma. As it is, with some bass tournaments, no one caught a carp.

The Classic that year was won by Alicia Moldashel.

 In 1981 two interesting tournaments took place. On Forge Pond Jerry Thompson set a new total weight for a tournament with 19 lbs. 2 ozs. Jerry broke his own record by 7 lbs. (Note: this was with a ten fish limit which was legal at that time), and the classic which was held at Big Reed surrendered three fish over 5 lbs. to the contestants, one which was caught by John McCardell allowing him to be the Classic Champ. As a side light, during the classic one of the officials, Mike Herrlich, caught a fish of 6 lbs.

1982 brought a more serious note to our chapter, after a long and arduous debate it was decided to drop out of the New York

State Federation. The reasons cited were lack of Federation activitites devoted to Youth and Conservation. On the fishing side though some thing new happened in tournaments, Eric Fieldstadt became the first member to win both the "Angler of the Year" and "Classic Titles" in the same tournament season, he also became the 1st two time winner of the "Classic".

 In 1983 L.I.B. was notified that it was selected "Bass Chapter of the Year' for 1982. The President in 82' and 83' was Thom Carney and the submission packet was expertly prepared by Joe Moldashel, who at that time was secretary. Thirteen years from inception to the top chapter in the country, quite a ride. Joe and Alicia Moldashel were selected to attend the Bassmasters Classic in Cincinnati and accept the award on behalf of the club.

 In 1984 there was some talk of joining the Connecticut or New Jersey federation, some members felt that there tournaments would be more accessible for us to fish. A dues increase was passed to take effect in '85, dues raised to $25. New membership fee at that time was $32.50 including dues. Fort Pond slot limit of 15" went into effect and hybrid Stripers were stocked there. A camcorder and color TV were purchased after many hot debates in order to film club activities for viewing at shows. Unfortunately the camcorder was stolen from a members car after its first use and the club wound up raffling off the TV for about $900 and that brought an end to our short career as a film making club!

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