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In 1968, Donald Noel pioneered the concept of starting a local bass club. Mr. Noel a true conservationist and an avid outdoorsman set out to establish this task. He was the first park ranger for the Champaign County Conservation area near Homer, Illinois. He called a few friends that were also anglers and put the idea in their mind. Don Noel along with Jim Britton, Harold Rohrer, and Ralph Shepherd sat down one day and discussed how they were going to shape a club. Each of these anglers started calling their friends, some that fished and some that never bass fished. Before long there were as many as fifteen guys that caught interest in the new creation of a local bass club. Then they wanted to come up with a name to represent the club, many ideas were thrown around, one of them being the Illiana Bass Club. The new club decided on naming it the Illini Bass Fishing Club. Their first tournament was held in September 1968 at the Illinois Power Company lake (AKA: Vermilion Fishing Club).
(First Illini Bass Club tournament held September of 1968, first place Jim Britton, second place and big bass Frank Britton)
In November of 1968 the club read and approved its first set of By-laws. At this time the current annual membership fee was $5.00, and 16 years old or older to join. In recent years it was changed to 21 years old, and now it is 18 years old or older to join.
(First club By-laws)
Things that have been named or dedicated after club members in the area.
Things that have been named or dedicated after club members in the area.
Fay Juvinall was a former member and Vance Lane in the Heights was dedicated in his name.
Don Noel, (the club originator) a plaque on a rock as you enter Homer Lake in Champaign County.
(picture coming soon)
DALLAS BOWMAN
BRIDGE
Dallas Bowman a former member who's name appears on a sign as you cross Lake Vermilion.
(November 1968 meeting minutes)
In 1969 the club held its first full year of tournaments. The club tournaments were 24 hour tournaments, starting noon on Saturday and ending noon on Sunday and only $3.00 tournament fee. The creel limits were 10 bass before midnight and 10 after, totaling 20 bass you can weigh-in.
Don Noel the pioneer of the club went out and purchased a sportsmans trophy in honor of a former member Frank Britton Sr., whom was a superior sportsman. The sportsmanship award is still active and ongoing today. The sportsmans award has been passed on for many of years and today remains a high honor award of the club.
In 1976, the club dedicated a deceased members plaque for those that were current members at the time. The Vermilion County Conservation District allowed the club to display this plaque. This plaque is proudly displayed at the boat house at Lake Vermilion. Also you visit the In Memory Of page, (click here)
In the early 1990's, the club started hosting a kid's fishing day. Now along with the Vermilion county Sheriff's Department D.A.R.E. program and the Vermilion County Conservation District this day is full of activities. Over 100 kids participate in the fishing derby, each kid is awarded a prize. The club donates each year to the D.A.R.E. program. This event takes place at Kennekuk Cove Park.
Since 1968 there has been numerous of members that have joined, quit or passed on. There has been several of local clubs that have formed and have frayed apart, but today the ILLINI BASS FISHING CLUB still exists. With lots of memories, comradeship, good and bad times this club still remains strong and well-built. Thanks to our founding fathers,
We, SALUTE !
Celebrating 40 years - 1968-2008
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