Ian strydom gator ford fishing

From South Africa to Florida, Local Tournament Fisherman Eyes The Trophy

Major League Fishing (MLF) announced the schedule, rules, payouts, and entry dates for the 2021 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine, offering weekend anglers the best payouts and advancement opportunities for the lowest entry fees available.

The Bass Fishing League is the only circuit where anglers can fish close to home with opportunities to advance to nine no-entry-fee championships.

One local tournament fisherman, Ian Strydom, has a passion and history of fishing lakes, and in tournaments, from around the globe.

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Ian Strydom

“I have been fishing club and local run tournaments for around 16-years since immigrating to American from South Africa. Fishing Florida lakes takes some getting used to, as most of the lakes we fish back in South Africa are similar to lakes up north,” said Ian Strydom

Strydom belongs to the Tampa Bay Bassmasters Club and has fished the Florida Bass Nation Pro/Am and Team Tournaments series and has qualified in both the Pro/am and Team State Championship Tournaments.

“The Florida Bass Nation has not at this time released the new 2021 series schedule, and BFL Gator division has a tentative schedule out which starts in January on Lake Harris Chain Of Lakes,” said Strydom.

  • ian strydom bass fishing florida
  • ian strydom bass fishing florida
  • ian strydom bass fishing florida
  • ian strydom bass fishing florida

Strydom said, “Florida Bass Nation also has a High School Series that is awesome in getting our youth involved in some outdoor activities. The web site for more information is www.floridafederationnation.com. This is also my first year fishing in the Phoenix Bass Fishing League, Gator Division hosted by FLW, and am excited about the 2021 season.”

The Florida BASS Nation is a non-profit organization comprised of members dedicated to the future of bass fishing in the state.  Through the efforts of the members, the Florida B.A.S.S. Nation furnishes manpower, funds, and equipment for environmental and conservation projects such as water body cleanups and completing tournament creel census reports for the state’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Agency through a catch and release program. Their membership is dedicated to community involvement such as attendance at local events and introducing local youth to fishing.  

“One tournament that stands out this year, was fishing the Associated Builders Contractors tournament held on Lake Harris Chain Of Lakes with my son. It was an awesome day, we caught a lot of fish and had a great time together. We finished second in that tournament with just over 18lbs,” said Strydom.

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The Free Press will be following Ian Strydom and his Bass tournaments this season. We will have a series of updates on the tournaments and results for the upcoming Florida Bass Fishing Season.

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