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November 13, 2012

ULM anglers land big win

Two students representing the University of Louisiana at Monroe Fishing Team at the 2012 South Texas Bass Fishing Open returned to Monroe with the first place trophy. The tournament was held Nov. 10-11 on Falcon Lake in Zapata, Texas.

Sophomore biology major Jackson Blackett, son of Denny and Donna Blackett of Sterlington, and senior agribusiness major Blake Deron, son of David and Reba Deron of Monroe, placed first over the team from Sam Houston State University. 

Day one's fish total weighed in at 14.26 pounds, and day two's fish total weighed in at 16.32 pounds, resulting in a two-day tournament weight of 30.58 pounds.

Deron reflected on the significance of the win. “I felt great. ‘I remember thinking; this is what it's all about.’ I also felt very blessed and thankful to be there.”

Blackett said he utilized a unique iPhone app allowing him to study the waters.

“We researched it, looked at graphs, found a spot, and ran with it. I studied the maps to find places where I thought the fish would be.”

Blackett caught an 8.67 pound fish on day one—a personal best. On day two, he bested the short-lived personal record, catching a 9.18 pound fish.

The ULM team of Paul Clark of Monroe, and Brett Preuett of Colfax also competed, but were hindered in their efforts to compete for the championship after experiencing boat trouble.

The entire ULM Fishing Team finished the 2011-2012 season ranked at number two in the nation by the Association of Collegiate Anglers, and will hold that standing with the scores earned during the South Texas Bass Fishing Open.

“After a 12-hour drive to Texas, the teams had a good day of practice on Friday and were ready to compete on Saturday and Sunday,” said Larry Ellerman, ULM police chief and adviser for the ULM Fishing Team.

About the Association of Collegiate Anglers:
The Association of Collegiate Anglers (ACA) was formed to create a national, unified voice for the country's collegiate anglers, through an affiliation with the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship and related programs.

The organization has been made possible by a joint effort among The Bass Federation Inc. (TBF), Careco Multimedia, and a host of supporting companies.

With nearly 30,000 members across 47 states, TBF is the nation's oldest and largest organized national fishing group.

The ACA is a "federation" under the TBF umbrella, having its own board of directors, by-laws, and benefits. Included in the benefits are club insurance coverage, access to conservation and equipment grants and more.

Any school recognized fishing club with at least six members can join the ACA.

For more information about the Association of Collegiate Anglers, visit www.collegiatebasschampionship.com

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