Moses Lake angler wins tournament
Moses Lake angler Aaron Echternkamp shows off some of the fish he caught during day two of The Bass Federation's 2013 Northwest Divisional at Mar Don Resort Thursday. Echternkamp moved from third place to becoming the event's winner, according to Sunday's results.
OTHELLO - Moses Lake resident Aaron Echternkamp will compete in The Bass Federation's 2014 national competition after winning the Northwest division championship Friday.
Echternkamp met the five bass limit each day during the three-day tournament at Potholes Lake. His catch weighed a collective 65 pounds, 10 ounces. As of day two, Echternkamp was in third place.
His catch on day three gave him the edge on Idaho angler Chad Kaiser, who was in first place on day two of the tournament.
Kaiser brought in 15 fish as well, but his total weight came out to 65 pounds and 7 ounces.
Nicholas Fitzsimmons, who fished for Oregon, came in third.
He also brought in 15 fish, which weighed 56 pounds and 12 ounces.
A total of 60 anglers from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming participated in the tournament.
The tournament kicked off on Wednesday and concluded Friday.
Participants were given a five-fish limit each day and could bring in either small or large-mouthed bass. Each bass had to be at least 12 inches long.
Washington State Bass Federation President Russell Baker said the top two anglers from each state qualify for next year's TBF national championship.
A total of 754 fish were brought in during the tournament, according to TBF results.
Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming were the tournament's top teams.
Oregon anglers brought in a collective 468 pounds, Idaho brought in 444 pounds and the Wyoming team brought in 406 pounds.
Washington earned fourth place, with a haul of 400 pounds.