On August 17-18, 2024, 30 boats descended on Elephant Butte Reservoir, NM for the 2024 TBF District 21 National Semi-Finals. New Mexico TBF hosted the event for the first time since 2021. They did not disappoint, and neither did the lake. Official practice provided a 10-pound and 2 8-pound largemouth being brought over the gunnels of competitors boats. The competition days provided for a different experience with only a few fish over 5 pounds put in livewells. The weather was averaging 100 degrees each day and the lake reported as 7% full.
Colorado’s qualifying series angler of the year proved again he was just that. Jarod Rosten weighed in an impressive 5 fish limit, 18.46 lbs. Day 1 weight to take the day one lead on the boater side. Day 2 proved to be tougher for him weighing in just 3 fish for 4.62 lbs. Jarod also had big bass for the event on the boater side with a largemouth bass weighing 5.35 lbs. from his day 1 limit. Jarod finished the event with a total 2-day weight of 23.08 lbs., and it was enough to advance him as the Colorado State Champion and representative to the TBF National Championship in the spring of 2025, location yet to be announced. It was also enough to place him 5th overall in the district.
On the non-boater side, it was tale of two days. Richard Riddler weighed in just 1 fish for 1.43 lbs. On day 2 he got serious, and he brought 5 fish for 17.68 lbs. This included a 5.32 lb. big bass for the event on the non-boater side. Richard ended up with a total weight of 18.61 lbs. for the event. This was enough to advance him as the Colorado State Champion and representative to the TBF National Championship in the spring of 2025, location yet to be announced. It was also enough to place him 2nd overall in the district. Congrats to you both!! Colorado will be well represented
