The Port City Bass Anglers hosted the annual Kids Fishing Festival on Saturday, July 17th, at Bynum Run Park. Approximately 25 volunteers from the club were present to assist the 90+kids to experience a day of fishing and fun. Continue reading
History is in the Making – The Anglers are catching them at Dardanelle
Farragut High School
The 2010 High School Fishing World Finals ushered in a brand new world of competitive bass fishing today, as 76 high school teams from 17 states faced off on Lake Dardanelle, in Russellville, Ark. Two Student Angler Federation (SAF) high school anglers per team and some school sending multiple teams came together today to compete in this inaugural event-the first of its kind. All teams will fish two days and then the field will be cut to the top seven teams, weights zeroed on the final day and the finalists will vie for the championship titles, $32,000 in scholarships from Bethel University, thousands in prizes and, not to mention, school pride and all its glory. One team will earn the right to be called the 2010 High School Fishing World Finals Champions, in what is sure to be remembered as one of the defining moments in High School Fishing competitions and The Bass Federation’s 40 years in youth fishing.
Each team had the opportunity to gain 12 bonus ounces by doing well on two different written tests. One on Invasive Species/Conservation and one on Boater Safety/Navigation. Because of factors like these and the intensity of the compeition this event is sure to come down to ounces.
The Farragut High School fishing team is definitely looking to get back on the water. Leading the pack with a five bass limit weighing 15lb 4oz and two perfect test scores resulting in a 12ounce push are Jordan Burdette and Brandon Merical, from Knoxville, Tenn. with 16lbs total.
Burdette and Merical seized the opportunity to weigh-in early with almost two hours remaining to fish. “We fished only one day of practice, so the water we found is probably the water we’ll be staying in tomorrow,” Farragut HS teammates said. One crucial addition to their strategy is also what brought them to the scales early. “We figured that was enough to get us into the top seven as long as we can bring in another good bag.” A cushion of only 8ounces
Episcopal Collegiate School
separate them from second and less than 5lbs from seventh; tomorrow will decide if what they bring will be enough. “We’ll see; hate to count your chickens before they hatch, but we think it will hold.”
Looking to close the gap, are Jonny Schultz and Thomas Rose, Jr., representing Episcopal Collegiate High School, in Little Rock, Ark.
They caught a five bass limit and also got perfect test scores making their total weight 15lb 2ounces. “We had a really good day,” Schultz and Rose said. “It was kind of strange actually; we only caught one fish in four days of pre-fishing, then we got to our first spot and were just pounding ‘em.” The Episcopal Collegiate anglers fished for about two hours during the day to find their limit and are confident in their chances. “We both caught a lot of fish and we’re going to try and catch them the same way tomorrow; 10lbs more should keep us in the top seven for the final day.” However, these anglers were quick to point out, “this is Lake Dardanelle; factors like the water depth and current make it anybody’s game, so if it’s our tournament, then it’s our tournament.”
Like several high school anglers who came across the stage today, Schultz and Rose were proud to thank their families for support. The SAF and TBF created the High School Fishing World Finals for many reasons, this being the most important, young angler’s and their futures and families. The Episcopal Collegiate anglers echoed that. “We would also like to thank the TBF for giving high school students the opportunities to become better fishermen and better people.”
Full standings can be found here.
Day two weigh-in begins at Dardanelle state park Friday at 2:30, a family outdoors, complete with pro seminars and Ranger / Evinrude test rides is slated for Saturday right up until the final weigh-in at 2:30. All events are free to the public.
Championship Titles, Thousands in Scholarships & Prizes Mark Premier Event Full Of Industry “Firsts”
2010 High School Fishing World Finals
Don’t You Wish We Had This When You Were In School?
July 7, 2010 – Russellville, Ark. – High School students from across the U.S. are gearing up for what is destined to become THE High School fishing event in the industry. The 2010 SAF High School Fishing World Finals at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville, Ark. Anglers from nearly 20 states from coast to coast and along the Canadian border registered to attend along with families and boat captains. These young men and women will compete for life changing scholarships, prizes, school pride and the right to be called the first High School Fishing World Champions.
“The Bass Federation, (TBF) has been the foundation of youth fishing for more than 40 years; we’re very proud that today, because of the hard work and leadership of our members and partners, we’re still on the leading edge of youth fishing. We’re honored to conduct the first High School Fishing World Finals through the Student Anglers Federation,” TBF National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, stated. “High school fishing is one of the fastest growing sports and we believe this event will further support a growth trend in every state, as it has in Illinois, where it’s now an official varsity sport.”
TBF has teamed up with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and Russellville tourism to make this inaugural event a success. There will be an outdoor show on Sat, July 24 lakeside at Dardanelle State Park to include Ranger/Evinrude test rides, Pro fishing seminars, and games/prizes. Also, college fishing teams will be on hand with information regarding what the local colleges have to offer. The show will boast national and local sponsors and vendors and it’s free to the public.
This is a family-centered team event, with two angler teams representing their respective high school’s Student Angler Federation club; there’s no limit on teams and it’s not too late to enter. However, anglers must have completed the 8th grade but not have entered into freshmen year of college.
This event is unlike anything the fishing industry has ever seen and dotted with industry “firsts.” Each team will be allowed a five fish limit per day and the field will be cut to the top seven teams on the final day, which is nothing new. However, this event was built with unlimited growth possibilities to handle 500 or even 1000 team in years to come and it designed to be the premier event in High School Fishing. A anticipated week in summer for family vacation and tons of fishing, scholarships, prizes and merchandise, along with the honors of being titled World Champions for both the anglers and their schools. An education component requires two quizzes, one on boater safety/ethics and one on conservation invasive species. Based on test scores, anglers can earn up to three bonus ounces per test to be added to their total weight. (2 tests/angler can add 12ounces/team max). One of the tie-breakers, should it be needed, will be the teams combined cumulative grade point average. Starting in 2011, a minimum GPA will be required.
The winning team will be offered a prize unprecedented in the sport. A $4,000 scholarship, renewable for 4 years and a spot on the Collegiate Bass Fishing Team will be offered to both team members of the winning team from the Bethel University Wildcats in McKenzie, Tenn. That’s over $32,000 in scholarships offered to the winning team. “As the first college in America to offer scholarships for bass fishing, Bethel University, is very proud to join TBF in an ongoing commitment to promote both high school and College Bass Fishing. Bethel University has received overwhelming national publicity for its efforts with this new program and we look forward to a long relationship with TBF in this endeavor,” Bethel University’s Head Bass Fishing Coach, Gary Mason, stated. “High school fishermen are a great part of the future of the sport and we’re very proud to be involved with TBF and the High School Fishing World Finals. Bethel University would like to say congratulations to all of the high school fishermen across the country that will be competing in this extraordinary event.”
The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF), is the oldest and largest, organized grassroots fishing organization in America and proudly partners in fishing with FLW Outdoors. TBF is 100% member owned. We are “Owned by those it serves and dedicated to the sport of fishing”. TBF affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year, and have provided the foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 40 years.
For more information about The Bass Federation or the Student Angler Federation, visit www.BassFederation.com or www.HighSchoolFishing.org or call the TBF National Office 580.765.9031.
GAINESVILLE, GA. TO HOST WORLD’S TOP JUNIOR ANGLERS
Gainesville, Ga., (July 5, 2010) – The Bass Federation announced today the 2010 National Guard Junior World Championship will be held on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Ga., August 5-8, in conjunction with the most prestigious event in tournament fishing, the Forrest Wood Cup. The 2010 NGJWC will feature 82 youth anglers from 41 states fishing for over $30,000 in scholarships and prizes. Two junior champions from each state, one in each age bracket, 11-14 and 15-18, will vie for the championship titles. This year’s contest will make history, as the junior anglers will be launching every morning from Laurel Park right behind the biggest names in the industry that are fishing the Forrest Wood Cup.
“The 2010 NGJWC is shaping up to be another exciting event; never before has this happened in any major youth tournament,” National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, said. “For the first time our junior anglers will fish part of the same lake with the greatest anglers in the world, the FLW Tour Pros. It’s going to provide tons of exposure for our TBF junior anglers, especially at launch each morning. I’m sure all of our young stars will have the time of their lives!”
Daily weigh-ins will be held at Laurel Park Amphitheater and will stream out on the internet. Friday night anglers will be treated to one of the most talked about traditions of the NGJWC, the National Guard Pizza Party. A night full of games, entertainment, and sponsor prizes all served up by the National Guard pro team.
Every boat will have one junior angler from each age group plus a boat captain who will assist the junior anglers, but will not fish. The two junior anglers will share control of the boat for the day, competing in their respective age groups. The full field of junior anglers will compete Fri., Aug. 6. Then, only the top angler in each age bracket from each TBF division will move on. Weights will be zeroed Sat. Aug. 7 as the remaining 14 anglers continue competition. In each age bracket, every angler who advances to Saturday’s competition will receive a sponsor package and a scholarship; the scholarship amounts, on top of the sponsor packages, are as follows: 1st-$5,000; 2nd-$2,750; 3rd-$1,350; 4th-$1,350; 5th-$800; 6th-$600; 7th-$500.
The Gainesville community is reflecting the same excitement, welcoming our coming with tremendous support. “The City of Gainesville is extremely proud to host this prestigious junior world championship,” Tracy Whitmire, the Convention and Facilities Sales Manager of Gainesville Tourism and Trade stated. “Hosting so many families from across the country will provide incredible exposure for our city and we expect to see these families for years to come. The junior anglers will have an experience of a life time fishing with the Pro’s of the Forrest Wood Cup and enjoying the beautiful city of Gainesville, where we are known for our world class hospitality.”
Qualifying for the 2010 TBF National Guard Junior World Championship is quite a feat, as most competed for a year to advance through each states qualifying structure. So, these anglers have worked long and hard to reach this level and are the best junior anglers in the world. No doubt, as young anglers from across the country are making plans to travel and compete out of Gainesville, Ga., the excitement certainly heating up.
11-14 Age Group
McKinley Mosley Toxey, Alabama
Shane Edgar Glendale, Arizona
Clay Shatley Hot Springs, Arkansas
Justin Malpass Clyde, California
Griffin Johnston Centennial, Colorado
Michael Toohey Shelton, Connecticut
Devon Braun Camden, Delaware
David Darby East Palatka, Florida
Regan Green Macon, Georgia
Alex Schneidermann Buhl, Idaho
Ryan Spencer Tolono, Illinois
Kyle Mahorney Greenwood, Indiana
Justin Niccum Independence, Missouri
Ryan Dowell Brandenburg, Kentucky
James Kimbrough Bossier City, Louisiana
Kaitlyn Deering Portland, Maine
Jacob Hollingshead Manchester, Maryland
Maxwell Danese Franklin, Massachusetts
Daniel Sprague Hastings, Michigan
Tarin Lehn Alexandria, Minnesota
Ty Jobe Olive Branch, Mississippi
Andrew Honigman Harrisonville, Missouri
Taylor Stanley Lincoln, Nebraska
Francisca Mendive Elko, Nevada
Ari Rosenzweig Scotch Plains, New Jersey
Alec Morrison Peru, New York
Triston Owens Marion, North Carolina
Benjamin Guegold Westerville, Ohio
Matthew Hasenfratz Ponca City, Oklahoma
Desmond McVay Eugene, Oregon
Brent Engleman Milton, Pennsylvania
Conor Rana Bradford, Rhode Island
Joshua Knowlton Sumter, South Carolina
John Garrett Union City, Tennessee
Austin Ellis Kingsland, Texas
Corey Quintana Roy, Utah
Adrian Forbes Fairfield, Vermont
Zachary Francis Abingdon, Virginia
Richard Davey Kennewick, Washington
Alex Goff Clendenin, West Virginia
Steven Sellnow Watertown, Wisconsin
15-18 Age Group
Skeeter Benford Phil Campbell, Alabama
Ryan Petersen Phoenix, Arizona
Dustin Holmes Amity, Arkansas
Matthew English Canyon Lake, California
Connor Santos Colorado Springs, Colorado
Brandon Annunziata North Haven, Connecticut
Kurt Mitchell Milford, Delaware
Michael Maskevich Jr. Tallahassee, Florida
Robert (Taylor) Minick Valdosta, Georgia
Asa Schneidermann Buhl, Idaho
Bradley Burton Champaign, Illinois
Greg Zellers Winamac, Indiana
Chandler Young Independence, Missouri
Jared Raymer Brandenburg, Kentucky
Cameron Mattison Bossier City, Louisiana
Nicholas Deering Portland, Maine
John Duarte Baltimore, Maryland
Robert Ramasci Wakefield, Massachusetts
Alexander Cataldo Fenton, Michigan
Matt Schneider Maple Lake, Minnesota
Lane Kemper Olive Branch, Mississippi
Drake Young Lincoln, Missouri
Corey Miller Lincoln, Nebraska
Josh Paxton Spring Creek, Nevada
Niklas Goebel Wst Milford, New Jersey
Brett Carnright Plattsburgh, New York
Cody Stegall Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
Eddie Levin Westerville, Ohio
Jacob Beam Ponca City, Oklahoma
Nicholas Chin Gresham, Oregon
Austin Oberdorf Milton, Pennsylvania
Dillon Falardeau Slatersville, Rhode Island
Shane Cantley Elgin, South Carolina
Brier Daniel Collinwood, Tennessee
Tanner Worley Bedford, Texas
Corey Higgins Lehi, Utah
Taylor Bahr Randolph, Vermont
Nicholas Bodsford Richmond, Virginia
Nikolas Autrey Chewelah, Washington
Zach Whitten Oceana, West Virginia
Kyler Chelminiak Hales Corners, Wisconsin
The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF), is the oldest and largest, organized grassroots fishing organization in America. TBF is owned by those it serves and is dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year, and have provided the foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 40 years.
For more information about The Bass Federation, visit bassfederation.com, or call 580.765.9031.
For more information about Student Anglers Federation, visit highschoolfishing.org, or call 580.765.9031
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