Bryan Schmidt was crowned the winner of the BASS Federation Nation Championship, which took place Nov. 8 at Milford Lake in Junction City.

The event battled weather conditions, which shortened the tournament.

“The anglers said that it was some of the toughest conditions they’d have fished in for several reasons,” said Anthony Barkowski, a spokesman for the event. “One, the wind made it unsafe conditions. Two, the water temperature dropped five degrees within a 48-hour window.”

Schmidt, of Olney, Texas, caught three fish that weighed 9 pounds, 4 ounces in the two-day shortened event that fielded 55 anglers.

Matt King of Olathe finished sixth overall and second in the Central Division to Schmidt. King led the first day with 5 pounds, 4 ounces but was unable to tally any fish for the second day.

Schmidt and five others qualified for 2009 Bassmaster Classic, which will be held Feb. 20-22 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

“The hosts were more than accommodating,” said Barkowski. “It was a great win-win for all parties involved.”