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Bass Fishing Adds To Growing List Of Championship Sport-Activities

February 22, 2012 – Kentucky’s lakes, rivers and streams have always been a haven for anglers and record-breaking catches. Starting with the 2012-13 school year, young anglers will have a chance to win something more – a high school state championship.

The KHSAA will add bass fishing as a varsity sport-activity starting next year, Commissioner Julian Tackett announced in a Wednesday morning press conference. Bass fishing will join bowling, which is holding its first KHSAA-sanctioned state championship in late March, and competitive cheer as sport-activities offered by the Association. Kentucky becomes the third state nationally to offer bass fishing as a varsity sport, following Illinois and Tennessee. It will be offered in the spring with a regular season scheduled from late February through mid-April. The postseason and state competition will take place in late April.

“To say we are excited to sponsor bass fishing as a state championship sport-activity is an understatement,” said Tackett. “Not only does it seem like a natural fit, given the number of Kentuckians of all ages who enjoy fishing and the outdoors, but it also allows us to reach one more group of students who may not already participate in an extra-curricular activity and give them a chance to be a part of a team. Representing your school and your community comes with great responsibility – keeping your grades up, staying out of trouble and setting an example for others. Not only do we hope to reward these students with a state championship event experience next year but we hope it fosters a lifelong love of the sport.”

Much like youth programs already in place for bowling and archery, Tackett said the assistance the Association has already received from organizations such as The Bass Federation and youth director Mark Gintert, as well as FLW and Outdoors Operations Manager Dave Washburn has proven invaluable. The appreciation has been reciprocated.

“The Bass Federation is very excited to be working with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association and the FLW Outdoors to help bring high school fishing to the state of Kentucky,” said Gintert. “These three organizations represent the forefront of youth fishing and athletics across the state and we can’t wait to see the program grow as a result of this partnership.”

The first state championship for bass fishing will be held at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The area has already played host to numerous high school fishing tournaments, including last year’s Murray State High School Fishing Open on Kentucky Lake, an event that drew 88 teams representing more than 50 Kentucky high schools.

The new sport-offering has already gained traction in the state as Terry Johnson, Executive Director of the Bluegrass State Games, also announced on Wednesday that bass fishing will join the full offering of sporting events at this summer’s competition.

“We are very excited to partner with Murray State and FLW Outdoors to add high school fishing to the Bluegrass State Games,” said Johnson. “We provide Kentuckians of all ages with a wide array of sports in which to compete and the momentum high school fishing will gain as a result of its addition as a varsity sport by the KHSAA makes it a natural fit.”

– KHSAA –

For more information contact Elden May at 859-299-5472

Watch the Press Conference as Broadcasted on iHigh.com

Continue reading »]]> Registration Opens March 1

Ponca City, Okla. – Feb. 17, 2012  High School anglers near and far will unite in Russellville, Arkansas and Lake Dardanelle State Park, July 15-21, 2012 for the pinnacle event of high school bass fishing, the 2012 High School Fishing World Finals. Registration opens online at highschoolfishing.org on March 1.

Last year, over 600 attendees made up of high school anglers, family members and sponsors enjoyed the opening ceremonies to kick off a week-long family vacation with tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship prizes on the line.

“Russellville is extremely excited to host this tournament for the third year, and looking forward to another group of young people that love to fish,” Russellville Tourism Director, Christie Graham, stated.  “Russellville hosts many tournaments each year, but enjoys getting to invest in young people’s lives that have a passion for the outdoor world of fishing. We are excited to see what growth this year will bring.”

High school teams are made up of any two high school anglers who have graduated the 8^th grade but have not yet started college and who have a 2.0 GPA.  All anglers must be Student Angler Federation members or join at the time of registration for only $25 a year. SAF membership comes with a full list of benefits, including no entry fees to any SAF event all year.  Any high school team meeting these requirements may register and attend, even if they are home schooled. Teams bring their own boats and their own coaches/boat captains.  Teams are required to have an adult coach/boat captain in their boat with them at all times. The coach who provides the boat must be a resident of the team’s home state/province or country, an immediate family member, or in very limited situations, a volunteer boat captain/coach may be provided by TBF*. (when/where available and only with advance arrangement) Anglers are not allowed to “hire” or “choose” a local coach and the tournament waters are off-limits, when designated, to all anglers and coaches so everyone starts fishing at the same time no matter where they live.

Events are scheduled all week starting with the first official practice day Sunday, July 15.  Tuesday evening is the coaches/boat captain’s appreciation jackpot on a neighboring body of water for the coaches to get their fishing “fix” as well!  Wednesday, July 18 is the official registration and opening ceremonies. Thursday, July 19 will bring the first official tournament day, with weigh-ins at Lake Dardanelle State Park, as teams from across North America will start their journey to become champions.  All weigh-ins will be taped for television and be streamed live on the internet.  All high school anglers will compete for the first two days.  Then, the field will be cut on Saturday. The final day of competition not only will see the top teams go head to head with complete run of the lake, but also the rest of the field will be invited to fish a one of a kind consolation round event. There is no entry fee and the complete payout structure is in the form of prizes and scholarships! The 2012 High School Fishing World Championship team will each walk away with the grand prize of a four year, $5,000 per year, renewable scholarship to Bethel University in McKenzie Tenn., in addition to other prizes and some serious hardware!

“The High School Fishing World Finals is the largest tournament of its kind; it’s a low cost, family fun vacation with a full week of activities,” TBF National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, said.  “We’re excited to return to Russellville and Lake Dardanelle State Park, which provide a perfect setting for this event.  It’s centrally located right off I-40, a great fishery, and the cooperation we receive from our local partners is tremendous,” Gintert added.

“This event is more than just a tournament, it’s a great way to promote education through fishing,” TBF President, Robert Cartlidge, stated. “Our Student Anglers are required to have a 2.0 GPA and take a free test on angler ethics, boater safety and invasive species to participate.  This highlights the importance of education and being good stewards of our waterways, habits TBF want to instill in the future of our sport,” Cartlidge continued. “Our Student Angler Federation is growing in record numbers with teams forming all across the country, and this event offers everyone a chance to fish in a world class event in a fun, family atmosphere.”

The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF) is the oldest and largest grassroots fishing organization in America. TBF is owned by those it serves and is dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF annually conducts over 20,000 fishing, youth, and conservation events and has provided the foundation for the bass fishing industry for over 40 years.

For more information about The Bass Federation, visit bassfederation.com or call 580-765-9031.

For full details and more information about the Student Angler Federation and this year’s High School World Finals, visit highschoolfishing.org or call 580-765-9031.

Continue reading »]]> We launched 13 boats with 24 student anglers in a cold and windy morning on Lake LbJ!  Results of the Lake LBJ Club Tournament on Sat Feb 4th were:

1. Austin Ellis – 3 fish, total weight of 9 lbs 8.9 oz and BIG BASS weighing 6 lbs 9.7 oz  (Strike King Rayburn Red Eye Shad)
2. Cole Van Brocklin – 4 fish, total weight of 7 lbs 3.6 oz
3. Ben Stripling – 4 fish, total weight of 5 lbs 10.6 oz
4. Shilo Nelson – 3 fish, total weight of 4 lbs 13.3 oz
5. Austin Free – 2 fish, 3 lbs 1.6 oz
6. Lyle Schmidt – 1 fish, 2 lbs 4.5 oz
7. Jordan Childress – 1 fish, 2 lbs 3.6 oz
8. Connor White – 1 fish, 1 lb 12.4 oz
9. Colton Clakley – 1 fish, 1 lb 6.8 oz
10. Trace Farley – 1 fish, 1 lb 5.0 oz
11. Josh Robles – 1 fish, 1 lb 4.3 oz

The Willis family from Burnet provided lunch – it was a fabulous day for the whole team!

The NEW TEAM JERSEYS just arrived today so will be distributing up at MFHS or if I see you before the next club meeting on Feb 27th.  They look fantastic!

Our next club meeting is on Monday, Feb 27th and our next Club Tournament is on Saturday, March 3rd on Lake Marble Falls.

We are always in need of volunteer Boat Captains and of course to expand our student membership. For more information pls contact Lorna Ellis (910) 309-4445.

Continue reading »]]> Lake Blackshear, GA. / Jan. 2012

The Future Fishermen Club (F.F.C.) at Tift County High School held their first Inaugural Bass Club tournament on Jan. 28th in Cordele, Ga. at Lake Blackshear. The Team was Formed in Dec. 2011 and currently has approximately 12 members registered in the Student Angler Federation/ High School Division. The Tournament was a huge success thanks to the Tifton BassBusters (TBF) Members and the following Sponsors: Tenneson Nissan (Transportation) and Harveys Supermarkets of Tifton, Coca-Cola of Sylvester,GA.,Down South Outdoors (prizes donated), Curtis Packing Co.(Tifton),T.C.H.S. Athletic Dept.,Bobby(Roho) Bennett, Ret. Coach Roy McWilliams (Grill Master), The National Guard / SSG John Roland (Plaques) .

There were some Keeper Bass caught (14 inch min.) By Non- Tournament Participants from the Tifton BassBusters, but FFC member Jakyle Mckee caught one and took a Picture of it to verify the only Club member catch! Plaques were awarded Via a Team drawing. The Prize Raffle give-away was great and each Club Member had their ticket drawn for various prizes such as,a Frogg-Togg Rain Jacket, Lures, Sunglasses, Down-South Outdoors T- shirts, various lures and a BassPro Shop $50 gift card was given to one lucky Tifton BassBuster volunteer. Prizes provided(over ($400 in value) by Bobby Bennett (Down South Outdoors) and Gift card by Coach  Bruce Begue.

Begue said, ” These Young anglers are the pioneers of something Huge started in Tift County!They gained valuable knowledge about fishing competitively and gained some experience that will help them next time out. It takes a lot of patience and confidence in what you are fishing with to produce (catch fish) each time. Thats the difference in fishing versus catching.”   The Tifton BassBusters were very enthusiastic about helping the young anlers and look forward to assisting the High School in future events. Gary Kourtoy and Ed Newton along with Chad McMurrian demonstrated Skip- casting for the young anglers by the docks at the boat ramp after feasting on Hamburgers and hotdogs grilled by Coach Roy.

Other tournaments are a Regional Qualifier in March at Lake Blackshear. The State Tournament will be held in Gainesville, GA. in June at Lake Lanier. Students will be competing for College Scholarships worth up to $5,000 per year, to a college of their choice and fish on the college circuit while earning a 4 year degree. The World High School Finals will take place in Russelville Arkansas in July, where they will compete for $10,000 in scholarship funding .

Club Members Pictured (from L-R) Ivan Rangel, J.C. Clark, Jeremy Deen, Jahmir Jordan, JaKyle McKee, Brock Walker, Cody Broome, R.J. Biggers
Not Pictured Members: Rashad Parks, Josh Dopson, David Luke, Tyler Parks, Michael Barnes

Continue reading »]]> ** First Tournament to kick off the 2012 High School Tour **

Date: March 10^th, 2012

Location: Kentucky Dam Marina; Gilbertsville, KY

Open: Open to all TBF High School Anglers

Registration: Starting at 5:30 Am

1st Boat out: 7 AM

Weigh in: Starting at 3 PM

Prizes : Trophies,  rods/reels, gas cards, free pizzas, free subs, free clothing, tackle and more prizes to come

Sponsored by: Marshall County High School Bass Club

Further Information: Email Jnlthomas@mediacombb.net Or by calling 270-205-9500 (Jeff) or 270-205-1112 (Nicole)

Entry Fee: We ask that each school bring a stuffed animal! We will be donating then to sick children

Continue reading »]]> Big Cypress River, 21 January 2012

We had three members that fished on a partly sunny day.  Water temperature started out at 51.2 degrees and got up to 53.9 degrees. Unfortunately the fish did not cooperate with our young members. No keeper fish were brought to the scales. All students and parents had a good time and look forward to our next tournament.

WHS Fishing Team has nine members and fish the North East region of Texas. Our Home waters are Caddo Lake, Lake O’The Pines, Martin Creek, Brandy Branch and Lake Lone Star.  Officers for the 2012 season, is Jeremie Gillard (president), John Lumpkin (vice-president) and Ciara Gillard is the team secretary. We would like to thank Bayou Outdoors of Bossier City Louisiana for their support.

Continue reading »]]> Saturday, Jan 21st - The DYFC Bass Mafia Youth Fishing tournament series brought out 77 anglers to fish January 21st on Lake Dardanelle. For most of them it was the first tournament for the 2012 season. The day started in the thirties and with the wind and lack of sunshine didn’t feel like it warmed up very much by weigh in time.

Even with the cold temperatures, the winter blowout tourney showed some of the biggest bass that you’ll see all year. With several over 5 and 6 and one bass caught over 7 1/2 pounds. Topping the field was the team of Corey Scheide, Sawyer Grace and Boat captain Spencer Grace with 21.29lbs. Most of their fish came on jerkbaits and Alabama Rigs in the lower end of the lake. Corey Scheide said ”We really didn’t get a lot of bites but we just kept fishing key staging spots and ended up with seven or 8 solid bites that day that gave us the win.” Second Place with 18.15 lbs. went to the team of Mikayla Scheide, Baylee Linker and Boat Captain Ray Scheide. They also caught their bass on winter staging areas using Megabass jerkbaits and Spinderella rigs to entice their bites. Third place went to Nate Parks, Britt Hibbs and Boat Captain Michael Parks of 18.05 lbs.

Ray Scheide said “This was a great turnout for a January Tournament and I was really proud of all of our anglers that fished Saturday.

I would also like to mention that we have strengthened our sponsor portfolio this year as we have almost all sponsors returning from 2011 and added a few for 2012.”

We couldn’t do all of the things we do without our sponsors. Those things include over 100 new die sub jerseys for our members to wear in Tournaments ,on Television and other media venues. Lodging and meals for Majors that we fish out of town and help with our teams expenses that qualify for Regional and National competitions. We also are having a no Entry Fee Classic this year for the top teams to participate in. This is just another step in the evolution of our club and we think the anglers are definitely motivated to making it to the Classic.”

Our sponsors for 2012 include:

Bass Mafia Tackle, MossBack FishRack, PDQ, ConAgra Foods, Shred It, Sugar Creek Foods, Ranger Boats Taylor Oil, N.W.T.F., Beacon Tire, Stealth Security, Delta Pest Control, Game Day Screen Printing, Helton Inc., Ray Dotson Logging, Ramco, Denali Rods.

VIEW FULL RESULTS

Continue reading »]]> Scholarships to be Awarded

Jan. 13, 2012 – On Saturday, April 28^th , 2012 there will be an open high school bass fishing team tournament held on Lake Ray Hubbard, Garland, Texas. Students who choose to enter must be active Student Angler Federation members and have a boat captain. All entrants must be enrolled in regular high school classes and have a high school I.D. number.  There will be a $50.00 per team entry fee and all money will be paid back in scholarships. There will be a mandatory meeting with all entrants and their captains at 6:00 pm on Friday, April 27^th at Bass Pro Shops of Garland, Tex.

There will be an overall high school team champion with the high school teams with the most weight. There will be a team champion and big bass award as well as medals and factory prizes. The weigh in will be in Bass Pro Shops of Garland, Texas. Entries will close on April 20^th.

Anyone interested can contact Steve Holland at texasgeckos1@yahoo.com or check out his web site www.stevehollandfishing.com

Continue reading »]]> Offer Free Online Courses to All Federation Members

(Ponca City, OK) Jan. 10, 2012 – The Bass Federation, the nation’s oldest and largest organized grassroots fishing youth and conservation organization, announced it has partnered with Faculty of Fishing. The partnership will offer the most complete and comprehensive online fishing education program the fishing world ever has seen. The Advantage Anglers program package, a $ 19.99 retail value, consists of 11 basic courses designed for the new or recreational angler, which will be offered FREE OF CHARGE to all federation members under the TBF umbrella. This includes TBF adult and junior anglers, the Association of College anglers, (ACA), the Walleye Federation, (TWF), and TBF’s widely popular Student Angler Federation, (SAF), and all SAF high school fishing club members. At a value worth more than annual national membership costs, all FREE OF CHARGE! Another reason it “pays” to belong to TBF.

Members can now access the advanced technology of training anglers from the beginner, through the most seasoned tournament angler, utilizing the most advanced audio and visual techniques available to help anglers understand and retain knowledge.

“The Federation always strives to be at the forefront of fishing, youth and conservation,” stated TBF President/CEO, Robert Cartlidge. “This exclusive partnership with Faculty of Fishing allows us to expand our commitment to help educate anglers of all ages, and provide more value to their membership. The courses contain detailed training on the latest products and techniques, species-specific material, and lure-specific techniques through a very interactive program. Best of all, a member can use the program at their own pace in the comfort of their own home.”

The training starts with the Advantage Angler program, which encompasses the first 11 courses. Members can progress to the Pro Angler series with a discount making the upgrade series only $39.95. The Pro Angler, Species-Specific courses and the Specialty courses will challenge and enlighten even the most seasoned veterans with in-depth electronics and species-specific techniques presented by some of the top professionals in the business. The Pro Angler series covers topics like interpreting sonar including structure/side scan, establishing patterns, and weather and fish behavior, just to name a few. The first 500 members who sign up for The Pro Angler package will receive free Berkley baits and line packages. Those who complete the Pro Angler Course will be eligible for a Graduation Gift. Up to three members may also qualify for a chance to have a “Day on the Water” with Pro Angler, Michael Murphy. Members must sign up and complete the program by Dec. 31, 2012.

Active TBF members can start their Faculty of Fishing account by using their federation member number to log into the Member’s Only Online Store, on bassfederation.com, high schoolfishing.org or walleyefederation.com. Register for the free Advantage angler courses and then automatically receive the 25% discount on all additional courses through a members-only store account.

To show their support of youth fishing, Faculty of Fishing, will donate a portion of the proceeds to support Federation Youth and Conservation events across the country.

For more information go to bassfederation.com, highschoolfishing.org or walleyefederation.com

About The Bass Federation, Inc.
The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF) is owned by those we serve and dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF is the largest and oldest, organized grassroots fishing organization. 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 a foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 40 years. Visit bassfederation.com, highschoolfishing.org walleyefederation.com

Continue reading »]]> Ponca City, Okla., – Dec. 15, 2011- Lake Shipp in Winter Haven, Fl., will host the central Florida SAF club’s Plant City High School and Bartow High School face-off on Saturday, December 17. These two teams will go head-to-head in the Student Angler Federation’s first individual school matchup.  Both teams have worked hard to put their SAF High School clubs together and get their students out on the water fishing. In fact, last weekend Bartow High School hosted their inaugural Bobby Lane Open, which featured several schools from around the state.  This weekend’s competition will be more than a Christmas celebration for these two teams.  It will mark the beginning of a movement to bring high school fishing to the limelight.

When the Raiders and Yellow Jackets square off this weekend, both schools will send their top four boats out on Lake Shipp in hopes of that largemouth bite.  Each boat consists of two student teammates and an adult boat captain.  The school with the heaviest catch from the four combined boats will win this Holiday Challenge.

Take off will be at safe light and the weigh-in will begin promptly at 2pm out of Sertoma Park Boat Ramp located at 1651 Lake Shipp Drive in Winter Haven, Fl.   Local sponsors, Stingray Chevrolet and Sweet Bay Supermarkets, will proudly play host for this event.

“This is our club’s second year, and we remain committed to encouraging our youth on the importance of education and how fishing ties to math, science, language arts and marketing skills,” Plant City Fishing Club advisor, Mary Hamilton, stated.  “Our students are learning a wide variety of lessons including election of officers, running meetings, and coordinating tournaments and fundraising events.  They’re also volunteering for local events, all while promoting resource conservation efforts and having fun,” Hamilton added. “While each team hopes to win, they’re both winners in the larger scheme of life as better students, citizens and fishermen and women.”

These teams are definitely trend setters as the high school fishing movement continues to grow across the United States.  The Student Angler Federation provides all the ingredients needed for a successful club, including items like insurance coverage, educational materials, and fundraising programs.  In addition, SAF offers competitive tournaments and events for high school anglers around the country – all for a yearly membership fee of $25.

You can learn more about high school fishing, and get your local school club started by going to Highschoolfishing.org for more information.