Recognizing and honoring Michael "Ike" Iaconelli for winning the Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament on the Delaware River.

WHEREAS, The Bassmaster Elite Series event on the Delaware River was held from August 7, 2014 through August 10, 2014 and was the first Bassmaster Elite event ever held in the Philadelphia area; and

WHEREAS, The Bassmaster event was organized by Todd Pride and his

Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers & Outdoors Program

, which was formed in Philadelphia six years ago. The event received generous support from many organizations such as: Philadelphia Sports Congress, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, VisitPA, Visit Philly, Delaware River City Corporation, Delaware River Yachtsman's League, Independence Seaport Museum, PA Fish and Boat Commission, Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, WXTU Radio and 6ABC television station; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia is extremely hopeful that this great event will come back to Philadelphia and become a regular summertime staple. Bassmaster President, Jerry McKinnis, called the Philadelphia event, “the greatest fishing event I have ever attended”; and

WHEREAS, The event culminated on August 10, 2014 when Mike Iaconelli, a South Philadelphia native, won the Bassmaster Tournament on the Delaware River, coming from 21st place after day one; and

WHEREAS, Mike Iaconelli won the tournament by a margin of 8 pounds and his winning four-day catch totaled 47 pounds, 14 ounces, qualifying him for the 2015 world championship, the Bassmaster Classic; and

WHEREAS, The Bassmaster Elite Series event on the Delaware River was Mike Iaconelli's 8th career victory and Mike is the only angler in competition history to achieve three major titles: the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship (1999), the Bassmaster Classic (2003) and the Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year (2006); and

WHEREAS, Mike first discovered fishing at his grandfather's house in the Poconos. He fished the Schuylkill River and Pennypack Creek in high school and joined the pro-amateur circuit in 1992, becoming a full pro angler in 2000. Iaconelli, called “Ike” by his fans, now fishes up to 18 major events a year around the country; and

WHEREAS, Mike Iaconelli co-hosts a popular live-streaming Internet fishing show,

Ike Live!,

featuring special guest champion anglers, fishing advice, and viewer questions; and

WHEREAS, Mike now resides in Pittsgrove, New Jersey with his wife Becky and four children; now; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council is pleased to recognize and congratulate Mike Iaconelli for winning the 2014 Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament on the Delaware River.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mike Iaconelli as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End