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High School Level Tournaments
On the recent Babe Winkelman Show, he was promoting High School bass tournaments that are taking place in IL. It sounds like the idea has really taken hold. As many as 100 plus teams, from various schools, have been participating and they anticipate up 300 in the future.
The idea is being looked at by other state school districts and could easily become national phenomena.
I have always supported the idea of getting our youth involved in bass fishing, but, the idea just dosen't seem to take hold here like it does back east. Some clubs actually have junior members that requires an adult member to sponsor a young person 15 ys or older. They have their own tournaments whereas the adult would act as coach and provide the boat etc.
The high school thing kind of follows the same idea.
What is the general feeling of all you guys out there about getting involved in something like this?
The difference would be someone representing WA state bass fishing would have to approach the school districts and get their feel and then there would have to be anglers willing to act as coaches, etc.
I think the idea is fantastic. It would provide a whole new resourse of avid bass anglers for our state and the sport in general.
NW Bass and ABA could look to these young people as their future competitors and the revenue that would come with it.
Let's get some serious discussion going on this one.
Check out winkelmans site for some info.
Views: 62
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by NickBarrFishing.com on
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I started the Timberline High School Fishing Club when I was a freshman, now a Senior I have anejoyed 4 years of a succesful high school fishing club. The idea is a great one, and I considered trying to start one up, but it would take a massive amount of work and its a little easier down south where a lot more people have access to bass boats. It could grow, but I believe we have to get high schoolers fishing period (no matter what species) to start it off.
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Permalink Reply by Bob Akers on
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Nick,
Forgive me but I don't know where Timberline High School is located?
I am on the East side of the mtns. Don't know that much about the West side. -
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Permalink Reply by Ben Holten on
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They have junior bassmasters tournaments. They had one three years ago on Moses, 2 years ago on PH and I think last year on PH. There isn't the fishing community in WA like down south. I don't think you will really see it either. A lot of the areas in our state don't have easy access to great fishing. The Tri-Cities you need a large boat to run the river. Spokane you have to drive a minimum 30 minutes to start fishing. I just have a hard time seeing it getting going over what they already have available. Most clubs have junior divisions.
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When you say most clubs, like who, for instance. I don't know of any on the east side.
Ben, you seem like a nice guy and you do know how to fish. But, I have yet see you get on board with anything that may take some effort to create. Everything has to start somewhere and it takes some vision and desire. You can't dump a good possibility because you personaly dont' see it happening.
The fact you seem to know what is going on, in the state, regarding youth events, I would think you would have more positive input and maybe put up some ideas as to how to make it work. You are a young man, where did you get started bass fishing?
Why should we be any different from southern state clubs. Sure, we are water challenged for tournament lakes, but, look at all the clubs, opens and circuits that get access and they use it wisely. Why not for a youth program?
Besides, these kids would most likey not be running their own boats. As I mentioned in the start of this thread, we could use club members as sponsors and/or coaches. The possibilities are endless if you can see the positive side and what can be gained for bass fishing.
Got to look to the future.
Ben Holten said:They have junior bassmasters tournaments. They had one three years ago on Moses, 2 years ago on PH and I think last year on PH. There isn't the fishing community in WA like down south. I don't think you will really see it either. A lot of the areas in our state don't have easy access to great fishing. The Tri-Cities you need a large boat to run the river. Spokane you have to drive a minimum 30 minutes to start fishing. I just have a hard time seeing it getting going over what they already have available. Most clubs have junior divisions. -
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Permalink Reply by Damon Hollandsworth on
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I was president of the tri city junior bassmasters 2 years ago. It is part of the tri city river runners. The tri city junior bassmasters has been around for probably 5 or 6 years now.
Bob Akers said:When you say most clubs, like who, for instance. I don't know of any on the east side.
Ben, you seem like a nice guy and you do know how to fish. But, I have yet see you get on board with anything that may take some effort to create. Everything has to start somewhere and it takes some vision and desire. You can't dump a good possibility because you personaly dont' see it happening.
The fact you seem to know what is going on, in the state, regarding youth events, I would think you would have more positive input and maybe put up some ideas as to how to make it work. You are a young man, where did you get started bass fishing?
Why should we be any different from southern state clubs. Sure, we are water challenged for tournament lakes, but, look at all the clubs, opens and circuits that get access and they use it wisely. Why not for a youth program?
Besides, these kids would most likey not be running their own boats. As I mentioned in the start of this thread, we could use club members as sponsors and/or coaches. The possibilities are endless if you can see the positive side and what can be gained for bass fishing.
Got to look to the future.
Ben Holten said:They have junior bassmasters tournaments. They had one three years ago on Moses, 2 years ago on PH and I think last year on PH. There isn't the fishing community in WA like down south. I don't think you will really see it either. A lot of the areas in our state don't have easy access to great fishing. The Tri-Cities you need a large boat to run the river. Spokane you have to drive a minimum 30 minutes to start fishing. I just have a hard time seeing it getting going over what they already have available. Most clubs have junior divisions. -
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That's good to know. I honestly didn't know. I just never heard of any junior events in the state.
Damon, how old are? Can you give a little insight how your group was organized and your tournament format, etc.?
Damon Hollandsworth said:I was president of the tri city junior bassmasters 2 years ago. It is part of the tri city river runners. The tri city junior bassmasters has been around for probably 5 or 6 years now.
Bob Akers said:When you say most clubs, like who, for instance. I don't know of any on the east side.
Ben, you seem like a nice guy and you do know how to fish. But, I have yet see you get on board with anything that may take some effort to create. Everything has to start somewhere and it takes some vision and desire. You can't dump a good possibility because you personaly dont' see it happening.
The fact you seem to know what is going on, in the state, regarding youth events, I would think you would have more positive input and maybe put up some ideas as to how to make it work. You are a young man, where did you get started bass fishing?
Why should we be any different from southern state clubs. Sure, we are water challenged for tournament lakes, but, look at all the clubs, opens and circuits that get access and they use it wisely. Why not for a youth program?
Besides, these kids would most likey not be running their own boats. As I mentioned in the start of this thread, we could use club members as sponsors and/or coaches. The possibilities are endless if you can see the positive side and what can be gained for bass fishing.
Got to look to the future.
Ben Holten said:They have junior bassmasters tournaments. They had one three years ago on Moses, 2 years ago on PH and I think last year on PH. There isn't the fishing community in WA like down south. I don't think you will really see it either. A lot of the areas in our state don't have easy access to great fishing. The Tri-Cities you need a large boat to run the river. Spokane you have to drive a minimum 30 minutes to start fishing. I just have a hard time seeing it getting going over what they already have available. Most clubs have junior divisions. -
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John,
Your point is taken. Yes, I do tend to lean that way. When I start a discussion that I feel has merit, I am looking for positive input. Bens point may have substance but it seems everytime a new idea is presented, he always finds the negatives.
Your suggestion about me taking it on is fair, but, I am presently undertaking a project of trying to get a tournament at Lake Entiat. That will take all I have to give for the time being. My intent is to throw out an idea and hope there are others out there that are willing to take it on. I certainly would help in any way I can. I just don't believe we do enough for our youth when it comes to bass fishing. I may be wrong, but, I don't see it and if it is out there why isn't there more said about it? -
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The way the junior format works is the same as the adult qualifiers. There is one state qualifier. The state separates the age groups into 2 groups an 11 to 15 age group and a 15 to 18 age group. The winner of each age group goes to a divisional tournament very similar to the adults and fishes against the winners of all the winners in our region. After this the winner of each regional meets at the federation nation national championship and get taken out by a pro and fishes against for the junior world championship. This is the format for each FLW and BASS. The way i got kids to join the club when i was president is i put out fliers at local middle schools and high schools to get kids to come to a monthly jr. bass meeting that i held at either a school gym or with the adult bass clubs. The clubs work the same as an adult club. You pay dues and all that stuff. The only thing i didnt do with the junior club was have any club tournaments just for jrs. That would be the only thing that i would have added to the club. Hope some of this info helps you guys out.
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Thanks. That is great insight into something I apparently was not aware of. The clubs I have been affililated w/ didn't have any junior programs and that left me thinking there isn't any.
You are associated with the Federation, then? If so, you simply follow the same access, etc.?
Good input. I appreciate it.
Damon Hollandsworth said:The way the junior format works is the same as the adult qualifiers. There is one state qualifier. The state separates the age groups into 2 groups an 11 to 15 age group and a 15 to 18 age group. The winner of each age group goes to a divisional tournament very similar to the adults and fishes against the winners of all the winners in our region. After this the winner of each regional meets at the federation nation national championship and get taken out by a pro and fishes against for the junior world championship. This is the format for each FLW and BASS. The way i got kids to join the club when i was president is i put out fliers at local middle schools and high schools to get kids to come to a monthly jr. bass meeting that i held at either a school gym or with the adult bass clubs. The clubs work the same as an adult club. You pay dues and all that stuff. The only thing i didnt do with the junior club was have any club tournaments just for jrs. That would be the only thing that i would have added to the club. Hope some of this info helps you guys out. -
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Yeah you take the same steps
Bob Akers said:Thanks. That is great insight into something I apparently was not aware of. The clubs I have been affililated w/ didn't have any junior programs and that left me thinking there isn't any.
You are associated with the Federation, then? If so, you simply follow the same access, etc.?
Good input. I appreciate it.
Damon Hollandsworth said:The way the junior format works is the same as the adult qualifiers. There is one state qualifier. The state separates the age groups into 2 groups an 11 to 15 age group and a 15 to 18 age group. The winner of each age group goes to a divisional tournament very similar to the adults and fishes against the winners of all the winners in our region. After this the winner of each regional meets at the federation nation national championship and get taken out by a pro and fishes against for the junior world championship. This is the format for each FLW and BASS. The way i got kids to join the club when i was president is i put out fliers at local middle schools and high schools to get kids to come to a monthly jr. bass meeting that i held at either a school gym or with the adult bass clubs. The clubs work the same as an adult club. You pay dues and all that stuff. The only thing i didnt do with the junior club was have any club tournaments just for jrs. That would be the only thing that i would have added to the club. Hope some of this info helps you guys out. -
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Hey Holton,
Just to let you know I do value your input, I simply need some constructive and positive input at times. Especially when I am trying to start a project that may need a lot of help and support.
By the way, what is your favorite bait and presentation. To show no hard feelings, I will send you some of my stuff depending on what you like.
Remember, I own MAD BASS Custom Baits and I would like your input regarding my baits. You seem to have a critical eye and maybe I can take advantage of it.
Let me know. -
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Are you going to be at the Freeze your Bass Blast on Feb. 20th at Lake Sammamish?
Jon Sessler said:Hey Bob,
Evergreen looked into this a few years back however, we were not able to generate enough interest in it. I think most of the Jr. clubs are populated by a majority of kids of the members of the regular clubs. I also know that the inland empire club ( I think that's the name) has a very active Jr. club. I believe that there have been two National Jr. Bassmaster Champions from Washington. Joey Nania for sure has won one. -
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