Eli Delany makes the Mass B.A.S.S Federation Nation State Team for 2012
August, 2011

I was fortunate enough to make my Mass B.A.S.S Federation Nation State Team last weekend  The two day State Fishoffs were held on the Mystic River in Boston Ma and while the fishery looks awesome with every type of cover and structure you can imagine the bite was incredibly tough!  I was in 15th place after the first day but was able to make a strong comeback and move up to 4th place after the final day with a solid bag that included the
"big fish" of the tournament, a 5.43 lb that fought like a tiger in the current!

I am very fortunate in that I made a boater position for the BASS Regionals that will be held next year out of Boston on the same river chain ( Mystic/Charles Rivers) and thus will have a great venue to promote and draw attention to "Autism Awareness" and my "Fishin' with a Mission" decal campaign that many B.A.S.S and FLW Touring pro's including reigning  Bassmasters Classic and AOY champion Kevin VanDam, Scott Martin reigning FLW Cup champion and past Bassmaster's Classic champion and B.A.S.S AOY champion Mike Iaconelli support through displaying one of my "Fishin' with a Mission" decals on their boat and or tow rig. Qualifying as a "boater" will enable me to use my personal "Autism Awareness wrapped boat" in the three days of competition and also leverage the World leading Boston area medical and educational community for support of Autism related issues in our community.

I want to thank my sponsors, Mercury Marine, especially Michelle Killburn and Ann Smith for their supporting my efforts especially in this difficult economy, Tammy Cox and Roxanne Coleman @ Pure Fishing for their reels and tackle and Matt Newman and IRod for their fantastic line up of rods. My Mercury 250XS powered Stroker performed flawlessly for the two days of the event and it's Motor Guide trolling motor got quite workout in the current and the heavy water chestnuts in the river. My Abu Garcia Revo's and IRod combo's helped me deliver the real assortment of baits it took to get the stingy bites, many times I had 15+ rods and reels on the deck so having the right specific tools made a big difference!

Lastly but most importantly I'd like to call special mention to my wife Deb and my son Luke. Deb, with her graphic art and web design skills has made all my actual internet and media exposure possible and her support for me pursuing my passion and helping with Luke when I'm on the water enables me to make something like this happen.  Luke, my son, works hard everyday and 12 months a year in school trying to overcome his Autism so whatever trials I have in my day he gives me strength to keep fighting and working. I love them both and they are the best things in my life always!