An email just now recieved from TBF President Robert Cartlidge

And this is why we push you and harp on you and you should be pushing and harping on your clubs to get membership in and updated and on time…………..it only takes once for something to happen……..you better follow the rules, make 100% sure membership dues are paid BEFRE they fish for adult and kids, make sure waivers are signed and you check everyone out in the morning and in , in the afternoon at every single event you ever do NO exceptions. Or it could be YOU facing this challenge.  $50 a head for membership or $25 for high school & Junior don’t sound so high now does it.

So here we go…………..

Yours In Service,

Robert Cartlidge

A $10-million dollar lawsuit has been filed in connection with the deaths of two Obion County Central bass team members and their boat captain, during a school sponsored fishing tournament. Team members, fifteen year old Chandler Smith and fifteen year old Kenneth Driver II, along with 43 year old boat operator Kenneth Driver, were killed when their boat went through Pickwick Dam on February 22nd of 2020. It was not until the following day that the three were reported as missing. After an exhaustive search by multiple agencies and individuals, the bodies were discovered on March 10th, 11th and 12th.

The lawsuit was filed by Lisa Johnson, of Troy, who is the surviving mother of Kenneth Driver II. The defendants in the lawsuit are the Obion County School District; Obion County Board of Education; Obion County Central High School fishing team; bass fishing coach William Thomas Simmons; and Beau Pemberton, as administrator of the estate of Kenneth Driver Sr.

The lawsuit is seeking five-million dollars in compensatory damages and five million dollars in punitive damages.

New Law as of April 1st , 2021

U.S. Coast Guard Announces New Law Requiring Use of Engine Cut-off Switches

Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress.

The ECOS and ECOSL prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. The ECOSL is usually a lanyard style cord that attaches to an ECOS either in close proximity to the helm or on the outboard motor itself if the vessel is operated by a tiller. When enough tension is applied, the ECOSL disengages from the ECOS and the motor is automatically shut down. Wireless ECOS have recently been developed and are also approved for use. These devices use an electronic “fob” that is carried by the operator and senses when it is submerged in water, activating the ECOS and turning the engine off. Wireless devices are available on the aftermarket and are beginning to become available as manufacturer-installed options.

Each year the Coast Guard receives reports of recreational vessel operators who fall or are suddenly and unexpectedly thrown out of their boat. These events have led to injuries and deaths. During these incidents the boat continues to operate with no one in control of the vessel, leaving the operator stranded in the water as the boat continues on course, or the boat begins to circle the person in the water eventually striking them, often with the propeller. These dangerous runaway vessel situations put the ejected operator, other users of the waterway, and marine law enforcement officers and other first responders in serious danger.

Section 503 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 required manufacturers of covered recreational boats (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust) to equip the vessel with an ECOS installed as of December 2019. Owners of recreational vessels produced after December 2019 are required to maintain the ECOS on their vessel in a serviceable condition. It is recommended that recreational vessel owners regularly check their existing ECOS system to ensure it works, following manufacturer’s instructions.

Section 8316 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 requires individuals operating covered recreational vessels (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust; 3 HP or more) to use ECOS “links.” Using the ECOSL is required only when the primary helm is not within an enclosed cabin, and when the boat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Common situations where ECOSL use would not be required include docking/trailering, trolling and operating in no-wake zones.   

The Coast Guard believes that the overwhelming majority of recreational vessels produced for decades have had an ECOS installed, so this new use requirement simply obligates recreational vessel operators to use critical safety equipment already present on their boat.

Seven states currently have ECOS use laws for traditional recreational vessels, and 44 states have ECOS use laws for personal watercraft (PWC).

Lance Freeman on day1 bagged 5/5 fish for 14-14 lbs. Day 2 his 5 fish limit weighed in at 19-08 lbs, and on day 3 smoked the field with another 5 fish limit with another 19 plus pound sack to capture the Federation National Championship on Grand Lake of the Cherokee in Grove. Ok.

Due to High Water Conditions: The following changes have been made for Safety Reasons.

The March 14 HS SAF & Junior 15& Under has been moved to Cumberland Lake out of Conley Bottom ramp and the April 4 event at Cumberland has been switched to March 14