Kyle Raymer and Lowell Turner III earned the titles of the National Guard Junior World Champions as the tournament concluded on Lake Monticello in Colombia, SC., today. The National Guard Junior World Championship awarded $42,000 in scholarships and grants to the six division championions in both age groups. These division champs each received a scholarship ranging from $5,000 to $1,000 dollars. Raymer and Turner will receive $5,000 in scholarship money and $1,000 in Berkley sponsorships. Both TBF junior champions were all smiles today as they walked away from the National Guard Junior World Championship on top of the pack.
LT General Clyde Vaughn was on hand to present the awards
Kyle Raymer had three fish today with a total weight of 3 lbs. 14 ounces. Kyle is a 17-year-old senior at Meade High School in Brandenburg, KY. He won the junior TBF state tournament, which qualified him to represent his division and state in the 15 to 18-year-old category at the National Guard Junior World Championship. “
Kyle Raymer
My Dad is really my hero; he taught me how to fish and most everything I know. We fish together on my favorite lake, Kentucky Lake, a lot,” Kyle said. Also, he said he respects and likes all the professional anglers. “They’re all so down to earth and willing to listen and help you out.” Kyle expressed a desire to become a professional fisherman as well. “I know realistically becoming a pro will be tough, so I’m also planning on graduating from Eastern Kentucky University; I hear they have an awesome TBF college fishing club.” Kyle said he “dedicates all his time to fishing,” and it was his dedication and hard work that earned him the title of National Guard Junior World champion.
Lowell Turner III caught one fish today that weighed 7 lbs. 6 ounces. Lowell, 13, is from Bradford, RI., and he won the junior TBF state tournament, landing him a spot in the NGJWC. “I have been going fishing since I was two years old,” Lowell said. Lowell’s family was full of tearful emotion when he pulled out his fish; the biggest fish caught in the tournament. “I had one bite, on my fifth cast of the day, and it is by far the biggest fish I have ever caught!” Lowell was still a little shocked, and he was extremely excited to have won the World Champions title in the 11 to 14-year-old category.
Lowell Turner
All junior anglers fished with a FLW pro for both tournament days. Scott Martin from the National Guard professional staff fishing team was Kyle Raymer’s partner. Lowell Turner fished with Raymie Colson, who also fishes on the National Guard pro staff team.
Rounding out the top six anglers in the 15 to 18 age group are Ben Dziwulski of Woodbine, Md. (two fish, 2-2); Tyler Dennis of Shawnee, Okla. (one fish, 1-0); Broghan Cullen of Sun Prairie, Wis. (one fish, 0-15); Nathan Bromley of Albany, Ore.; and Nick Sampson of Gorham, Maine.
Rounding out the top six anglers in the 11 to 14 age group are Nikolas Autrey of Port Angeles, Wash. (five bass, 5-10) Johnny Schultz of Maumelle, Ark. (two fish, 1-13); Hamilton Brown of Plant City, Fla. (one fish, 1-8); Zach Whitten of Oceana W.Va. and Lucas Lindgren of Rush City, Minn.
