The 9^th Annual LCI Bass Open was yet again another well run and exciting day for all anglers, staff and volunteers involved. There were 120 participants that took to the water in sixty bass boats, and Burlington Boatyard was there to cover the day’s events, launch to weigh-in.

At 4:30am, myself and Jimmy arrived at the Malletts Bay boat launch to start filming what seemed to be an endless line of pick-up trucks trailering their bass slayers down to the water and quickly going through check-in to get situated. As they manned their boats, many guys were setting up their ten or so rods, taking a coffee break every few minutes, only to get right back at it making sure all gear was in check and ready to reel in the winning fish.

As launch time drew near, we hopped on a pontoon boat provided by Jim Salter of Vermont Home & Marine, with James Ehlers of LCI to get footage of the teams taking off as their numbers were called out. Past the no wake zone, the guys were sure to “showboat” a bit and display what their rigs could do, which stirred cheers and jeers from those still in the launch.

After a long six hours on shore, it was 2pm and time to prepare for the return of the anglers. The LCI staff and volunteers had the weigh station all set up, everyone in place, and myself, Jimmy and Nick took the pontoon out on the water to check return times and collect the numbered tags of the teams as they returned. Finally, when all the participants had lined up with their bag of bass and continued sharing stories of their day, we had our winners and the check presentation followed. This year’s 2008 LCI Bass Open champs were J.J. Judd and Mark Hickory, who are members of the Green Mountain State Bassmasters. We had the chance to interview them and we thank them for their time. You can see the coverage in our video.

Overall it was a great day for everyone involved, and we were proud to be a sponsor as it allowed us to meet some really great people as well as get some awesome footage for a complete video that will be released soon!

Congrats again to J.J. and Mark on their win, and a special thanks to all the anglers that came out this year to make the LCI Bass Open another great day of celebrating fishing.

Please feel free to comment on this post below!

-Guy

Hi Guys-

A few minutes ago we had the pleasure of being interviewed by Tim Kavanagh, host of “Late Night Saturday”, which airs Saturday evenings at 11:30pm. 

He asked us about Burlington Boatyard in general and then we got to get into some specifics. We made sure to mention the most important aspect of our business…YOU GUYS. We spoke about our interactions with the boating and fishing communities, the features we provide to keep everyone connected, and also the issues that are out there now which need some attention.

This taping will air in the fall, and we will make sure to let you know the specifics so you guys can check it out!

His website can tell you some more about the show, and you can contact Tim if you want through http://www.latenightsaturday.com/index.htm

So, with that, we are going to sign off for today and go get some dinner and drinks at Splash. It’s been a long one, but a fun one, and we will get back at ya in the morning.

- The Burlington Boatyard Crew

If you’re looking to make plans for this weekend that involve great entertainment and educational activities for you and the family, then come on down to the Burlington Waterfront for the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival! Burlington Boatyard will be a sponsor sharing in the great atmosphere and list of activities due to set sail Friday through Sunday.

“Stroll along the shores from venue to venue, view the Classic Boats. Watch long boat, canoe, kayak races and Dragon Boat demonstrations.  Experience boat building, sample local fare, enjoy music and bring the children for hands on exhibits that will serve to entertain as well as educate. Take a walking or bike tour, or a train ride.”

This weekend Guy, Jimmy and a few other BBY members plan on being front and center to meet with all those who want to come by and check out our display, shoot the breeze about boating and, more importantly, get a chance to meet all those interested in celebrating Lake Champlain.

And if you are unable to make it out, we will keep you updated with write-ups, pictures and possibly even videos as we will be doing live blog feeds from the LCMF over the three days. So be sure to check back here for the latest going on at the waterfront!

For more information about the 2008 Lake Champlain Maritime Festival and a complete schedule of events and bands that are performing, then visit the LCMF site or call (802) 482-3313 for details.

See you at the Lake!

- Jimmy & Guy