Bassmasters vs. Blackhawks

The date was September 11, and the inaugural Bryan Bickell Celebrity Bass Tournament on Bangs Lake in Wauconda, Illinois, began with a solemn tribute at the docks of Wauconda Boats. Tournament organizer and emcee Frank Hyla, Shimano pro staff member and host of the “Time on the Water” television series, asked for a moment of silence to honor the victims of the 9/11 attack and the brave firemen and police officers who died during the rescue attempt.

Mike Iaconelli rallied his team in the afternoon after a slow start and was able to upgrade a limit catch by working finesse jigs around Bangs Lake docks.

Bryan Bickell, the strong Chicago Blackhawk forward who has been instrumental in the team’s two National Hockey League championships in the last three seasons, teamed his namesake Bryan and Amanda Bickell Foundation with the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation to launch the first annual Bryan Bickell Celebrity Bass Tournament. Bickell got on the board early with this keeper bass on his second cast.

Despite a torrential downpour, cold front and the day-long threat of additional storms, enough bass obliged to make for a competitive tournament.

Bassmaster master of ceremonies Dave Mercer led his three-man team, which fished under the colors of event sponsor Shimano.

Hustling Blackhawk favorite Andrew Shaw worked a grassy flat for his fish.

Bassmaster analyst Mark Zona led his team on a hard charge on Bangs Lake bass and entertained the crowd â as usual â at the podium.

Proceeds from the event will help fund the activities of the Bickell Foundation which center upon awareness of pit bull dog mistreatment, pit bull adoption and uniting the dogs with children in therapeutic programs. The sold-out event enabled donor anglers to fish with Chicago Blackhawk stars and top names in professional bass angling for premium tackle prizes and a chance at the tournament title.

Programs include “Bullies Against Bullying” and “Paws for Strength.” The latter program assists abused children through the help of certified therapy “pit bull” type dogs who were also once abused.

Cory Crawford, the Blackhawk goalie so instrumental to the team’s Stanley Cup finals run, gave Bangs Lake bass a workout.

Bangs Lake was ice-free, but Chicago Blackhawk fans were there to cheer wildly for their heroes anyway.

Local angler Mike Manns and his team were among those to bring in a limit of bass.

Representing tackle sponsor Plano Synergy on the water was Jesse Simpkins, who was joined by Chicago Blackhawk goalie Scott Darling and young Make-A-Wish angler Max Venchus.

The day was fun for all, and Bryan Bickell (right) is already looking forward to next year’s event.

Max is making a courageous recovery from leukemia and completes his last scheduled treatment next month. His Make-A-Wish angling journey began with a lake outing with bass legend Kevin VanDam and was picked up by Simpkins and Plano Synergy at the Bangs Lake celebrity event.

Connie Payton, wife of the late great NFL star Walter Payton, joined Ike and his team at the weigh-in.

Dave Kranz, owner of Dave’s Bait & Tackle in neighboring Crystal Lake, and his team show off their second place prizes which included Plano tackle bags and organizers, Shimano and G. Loomis tackle, and signed memorabilia from the world champion Chicago Blackhawks.

The team of Casey Tucker, Mike Gentile, and Mike Morrel won with a 12.68-pound total. The bulk of their catch came on a dropshot rig with Molix soft plastic.