Bassmaster High School Combine

High School Combine: Meet the anglers

Posted on
<p class=
Carson AarupHometown: Greenville, N.C.Birthdate: 08/19/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: The Oakwood SchoolFishing Team: Downeast Fishing ClubTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 1Extracurricular Activities: World Karting Association active member/racer since 2018Fishing Strengths: Finesse fishing and fishing with spinnerbaitsFishing Weaknesses: Sometimes I will get stuck on one bait or trying to catch fish on one pattern, and I just have to stop and take a second to rethink what I am doing in the situation and try something differentPreferred Fishing Technique: Finesse fishing using drop shots and Ned rigs around docks and grasslinesFishing Memory: When my grandfather and I would fish together when I was little at his neighborhood pondMost Admired Angler: Matt Robertson because he is a self-built person who has had to work to get where he is today and has not had his way paved for himInterested Area Of Study: Engineering or Business
<p class=
Wes BaileyHometown: Brandon, Miss.Birthdate: 02/18/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Discovery Christian SchoolFishing Team: Discovery Christian SchoolTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 4Tournament Top 20: 6Extracurricular Activities: 6 years in the Mississippi B.A.S.S. NationFishing Strengths: Fishing shallow in grass or on brush topsFishing Weaknesses: Fishing deep ledgesPreferred Fishing Technique: Grass mats or lily padsFishing Memory: Figuring the offshore bite out and catching themMost Admired Angler: Clay Dyer because he shows the ups and downs of the sport and is a true angler who shows anyone can do what they want if they put their mind to it and never give upInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Kai BarnettHometown: Wilsonville, Ala.Birthdate: 08/7/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Shelby County High SchoolFishing Team: Shelby County High SchoolTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 4Tournament Top 20: 10Extracurricular Activities: Eagle Scout, played soccer for 10 years, played football for six years and was in the Beta Club and National Honor SocietyFishing Strengths: Shallow-water fishing, being consistent year-roundFishing Weaknesses: Deep fishing (ledges and points)Preferred Fishing Technique: Flipping or punchingFishing Memory: The first time my grandfather took me bass fishing on the Warrior RiverMost Admired Angler: Jordan Lee because he did what most college anglers dream of doing by going pro right out of collegeInterested Area Of Study: Business and Entrepreneurship
<p class=
Andrew BlantonHometown: Chesnee, S.C.Birthdate: 06/23/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Chesnee High SchoolFishing Team: Chesnee High SchoolTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 5Tournament Top 20: 2Extracurricular Activities: I ran cross country and track from 7th to 11th grade. I am an active member of my church youth group. I have also enjoyed deer hunting and duck hunting since I was 4 years oldFishing Strengths: Fishing shallow, fishing offshore with a drop shot and reading topographic maps and locating points, humps, etc.Fishing Weaknesses: Ledge fishing and other types of offshore fishing that require lots of electronicsPreferred Fishing Technique: TopwaterFishing Memory: A memory that stands out for me was the first time I caught a bass out of a local farm pondMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because he seems very humble and good with people. He also has a very good positive mental attitude when he’s on the water and stays focusedInterested Area Of Study: Marketing
<p class=
Matt BoerboomHometown: Inver Grove Heights, Minn.Birthdate: 12/07/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Rosemount High SchoolFishing Team: Rosemount Irish Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 3Tournament Top 5: 1Tournament Top 20: 11Extracurricular Activities: Hockey (13 years)Fishing Strengths: Decision-making while on the waterFishing Weaknesses: Keeping cool during a tournament when things get toughPreferred Fishing Technique: Drop shot/flipping grassFishing Memory: Catching a limit of lake trout on accident while drop shotting for smallmouth in CanadaMost Admired Angler: Seth Feider because of his ability to get through hard times and figure out ways to put fish in the boat at places that aren’t familiar to himInterested Area Of Study: Business and Marketing
<p class=
Drew BradstreetHometown: Lutz, Fla.Birthdate: 02/10/2004Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: HomeschoolFishing Team: Seminole Junior AnglersTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: 7Extracurricular Activities: Piano (12 years), Baseball (3 years), Soccer (12 years), Flag Football (12 years), B.A.S.S. post-tournament cleanup and breakdown volunteer (3 years), Teen Court volunteer (1 year)Fishing Strengths: Pretournament research, identifying key areas of the lakeFishing Weaknesses: Smallmouth fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Topwater fishing, pitching/flipping, skipping docksFishing Memory: Traveling with my dad and brother as a family and also being with the Florida Bass Nation team of volunteersMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because he’s good with his electronics as well as using his social media presence to promote his sponsorsInterested Area Of Study: Undecided
<p class=
Hunter BrewerHometown: Lawrenceburg, Tenn.Birthdate: 03/06/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Lawrence County High SchoolFishing Team: Lawrence County Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 3Tournament Top 20: 15Extracurricular Activities: N/AFishing Strengths: Flipping in currentFishing Weaknesses: FroggingPreferred Fishing Technique: SlowFishing Memory: 2020 and 2021 High School National ChampionshipsMost Admired Angler: My dad and grandpa because they taught me everythingInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Kaden BuchmannHometown: Troutman, N.C.Birthdate: 04/06/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Mooresville High SchoolFishing Team: ROCO Bass ClubTournament Wins: 6Tournament Top 5: 3Tournament Top 20: 6Extracurricular Activities: I have been a part of the Mooresville bass club since my freshman year and am currently working on merging the Mooresville team into another club in order to open more possibilities for myself and fellow anglersFishing Strengths: Skipping a jig, topwater, shallow crankbait and drop shotFishing Weaknesses: Fishing big baits like big swimbaits, fishing early prespawn grouped-up fishPreferred Fishing Technique: Topwater and fishing with a jigFishing Memory: I like seeing how much I have grown as an angler and figuring out how I like to fish and being able to compete against the best around North CarolinaMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because he is very good with his electronics and knows how to use them in some of the toughest conditions to help himInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Cameron BurgessHometown: Hamilton, OhioBirthdate: 11/12/2005Grade Level: 10th GradeHigh School: Talawanda High SchoolFishing Team: Cincinnati Youth BassTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 3Tournament Top 20: 21Extracurricular Activities: Cincinnati Youth Bass Club (5 years), Oxford Livestock 4H Club (5 years), Cincinnati Bassmasters Adult Club (2 years), Talawanda High School Baseball (1 year)Fishing Strengths: Casting accuracyFishing Weaknesses: Using technologyPreferred Fishing Technique: Pitching a jigFishing Memory: Fishing with my grandpaMost Admired Angler: Gerald Swindle because he is down-to-earth and honestInterested Area Of Study:  Fire Science
<p class=
Hudson ChoquetteHometown: Headland, Ala.Birthdate: 04/01/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Headland High SchoolFishing Team: Headland Bass TeamTournament Wins: 7Tournament Top 5: 16Tournament Top 20: 32Extracurricular Activities: Future Farmers of America (3 years), Family Career and Community Leaders of America (2 years), Student Government Association (1 year)Fishing Strengths: Fishing shallowFishing Weaknesses: Ledge fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: I like to use fast-moving baits such as a spinnerbait or crankbait, but I also enjoy frog fishingFishing Memory: I have been very fortunate to fish a very well-managed lake in Florida with my grandfather since I was little, Stick Marsh. From this, I have progressed my love for conservation and now manage a five-acre pondMost Admired Angler: Jordan Lee because he was able to compete against anglers who had an infinite amount of history on the water he won the Classic on, which shows if you put your mind to it and work hard, anything is possibleInterested Area Of Study: Marketing or Business
<p class=
Harley CollinsHometown: LaBelle, Fla.Birthdate: 01/27/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: LaBelle High SchoolFishing Team: Hendry County BassmastersTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: N/AFishing Strengths: Flipping and skippingFishing Weaknesses: Offshore fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Flipping a 1/2-ounce black and blue jigFishing Memory: Spending time with family and friends on the waterMost Admired Angler: Dustin Connell for his personality and Jordan Lee because how young he was to win 2 Bassmaster ClassicsInterested Area Of Study: Business or FWC
<p class=
William CothranHometown: Mount Pleasant, Tenn.Birthdate: 06/11/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Mount Pleasant High SchoolFishing Team: Mount Pleasant High SchoolTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 6Tournament Top 20: 9Extracurricular Activities: N/AFishing Strengths: VersatilityFishing Weaknesses: Ledge fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Slow fishingFishing Memory: My first blastoff in a tournamentMost Admired Angler: Gerald Swindle because he is a good mentor and doesn’t only fishInterested Area Of Study: Undecided
<p class=
Jackson CrouchHometown: Lafayette, La.Birthdate: 01/17/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Southside High SchoolFishing Team: Southside High School Fishing ClubTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 1Tournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Soccer (3 years), Football (2 years)Fishing Strengths: Dipping and finding bed fish and working the bankFishing Weaknesses: Fishing deeper waterPreferred Fishing Technique: Texas-rigged Yum Dinger black and blue worm with a 3/8-ounce tungsten weightFishing Memory: Catching a monster 8.03-pound bass on Caney and winning big bassMost Admired Angler: My grandfather, who recently passed away, because he was always on the water and always coming back with fish no matter the weather conditions or where he was going. His knowledge of where the fish were at was insaneInterested Area Of Study: Anywhere in the South
<p class=
David DeRubertisHometown: Frankfort, Ill.Birthdate: 11/22/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Providence Catholic High SchoolFishing Team: Providence Catholic Bass Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 1Tournament Top 20: 2Extracurricular Activities: Habitat for Humanity (3 years), National Honor Society (1 year), Cross Country (1 year)Fishing Strengths: Flipping a jigFishing Weaknesses: Fishing deep in summerPreferred Fishing Technique: Jig fishingFishing Memory: Going to state my freshman yearMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because I got to meet him in person and love watching him on YouTube and loved how he came about making it to the pro levelInterested Area Of Study: Wildlife and Conservation
<p class=
Briar DodsonHometown: Gardendale, Ala.Birthdate: 06/06/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Gardendale High SchoolFishing Team: Gardendale Rockets Bass Fishing TeamTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: 7Extracurricular Activities: Gardendale Basketball Team (2 years)Fishing Strengths: Frogs, jigs, drop shot and crankbaitFishing Weaknesses: I know I can learn and improve in all areas but there is not a specific weakness that I am uncomfortable with or tend to avoidPreferred Fishing Technique: Jig shallowFishing Memory: Catching 50-plus keepers on a  frog in a tournament at GuntersvilleMost Admired Angler: My brother, Cole Dodson, because Cole is very patient, a great role model and a great brother who strives to help me with things that he has learned as a collegiate anglerInterested Area Of Study: Engineering or Sports Marketing
<p class=
Cole EdwardsHometown: Grant, Ala.Birthdate: 06/04/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: DAR High SchoolFishing Team: DAR Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 3Tournament Top 20: 4Extracurricular Activities: Leo Club (3 years), FBLA (2 years), Recycling Committee president (2 years), Basketball (3 years), Cross Country (2 years), Baseball (1 year), Track (1 year), Continental Congress (1 year), Patriotvision (2 years)Fishing Strengths: I’m versatile and can read a graph and understand contours pretty wellFishing Weaknesses: Flipping a big weight in grass and fishing in 30-plus feetPreferred Fishing Technique: Ledge and offshore fishingFishing Memory: Qualifying and finishing 13th in the National ChampionshipMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because he shows you the drive and determination that it takes to be successfulInterested Area Of Study: Aqua Science or Business
<p class=
Braden FairbanksHometown: Circleville, OhioBirthdate: 10/24/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Teays Valley High SchoolFishing Team: Hartley’s HawgsTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 5Tournament Top 20: 3Extracurricular Activities: 4H (10 years), Bible study (2 years), SkillsUSA (1 year)Fishing Strengths: Pitching Texas rigs and jigs and skipping baitsFishing Weaknesses: Finesse techniques and slowing downPreferred Fishing Technique: Offshore drifting hump fishingFishing Memory: It was my first time fishing at Lake St. Clair and I had never drift fished before. I was fishing a drop shot and caught a 4 1/2-pound smallmouth, which is my personal bestMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because he is a very down-to-earth Godly man. He’s very intelligent and, most of all, he’s humble and may be one of the greatest anglers of his generationInterested Area Of Study: Business or Marketing 
<p class=
Chris FallonHometown: Gardendale, Ala.Birthdate: 01/04/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Gardendale High SchoolFishing Team: Gardendale Rocket Bass Fishing ClubTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 7Extracurricular Activities: Football (6 years), Fishing team (6 years)Fishing Strengths: Fishing a jig around docks and other shallow coverFishing Weaknesses: Getting stressed out and making bad decisionsPreferred Fishing Technique: I don’t have a preferred technique, I try to be as versatile as possibleFishing Memory: Frog fishing on Lake Guntersville catching 60 bass a dayMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because he is one of the best. He is always very versatile and seems to make good decisions on the water. He strategizes everything he does to get competitive advantagesInterested Area Of Study: Accounting
<p class=
Drew FaulkenberryHometown: Rock Hill, S.C.Birthdate: 10/15/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: HomeschoolFishing Team: York County High School AnglersTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 1Tournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Baseball (10 years), Hunting (12 years)Fishing Strengths: Dock skipping and shallow-water fishingFishing Weaknesses: Deep-water finessePreferred Fishing Technique: Cranking and jig skippingFishing Memory: Winning on Clarks Hill ReservoirMost Admired Angler: Gerald Swindle. I admire him because of his positive mental attitude on and off the waterInterested Area Of Study: Criminal Justice and Criminal Psychology
<p class=
Curt FergusonHometown: Huntsville, Ark.Birthdate: 01/16/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Huntsville High SchoolFishing Team: Huntsville High SchoolTournament Wins: 4Tournament Top 5: 11Tournament Top 20: 9Extracurricular Activities: Football Team (6 years), Golf Team (2 years), Track Team (3 years), FFA (4 years)Fishing Strengths: Cranking, fishing up shallow and determinationFishing Weaknesses: Deep droppingPreferred Fishing Technique: CrankingFishing Memory: My most favorite memory is when I won the Norfork tournament in March 2021. Everything we had planned to do for fishing wasn’t working and we had to adapt and change our technique and I immediately caught four keepersMost Admired Angler: Jordan Lee because he is the most adaptive fisherman and, in my opinion, the overall best fisherman in the worldInterested Area Of Study: Agribusiness and Finance
<p class=
Nathan FiantHometown: Delaware, OhioBirthdate: 10/01/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Hayes High SchoolFishing Team: Hartley’s HawgsTournament Wins: 4Tournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 7Extracurricular Activities: Ski Club (4 years)Fishing Strengths: Scanning and using electronics, fishing offshore, finesse fishing, smallmouth fishing and throwing big baitsFishing Weaknesses: Spending too much time prepping tackle before tournamentsPreferred Fishing Technique: Fishing offshore with big baits like Mag spoons, big spinnerbaits and big swimbaitsFishing Memory: My favorite recent memory was the SAF National/World Championship because me and my partner Brett did very well. We made the Top 10 for the nationals and worlds and I caught my new personal best during that tournamentMost Admired Angler: Takahiro Omori because he is a fantastic fisherman and I think that it is amazing someone who could hardly speak English could make it all the way to the top and even win the Bassmaster ClassicInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Bentley FletcherHometown: Manchester, IowaBirthdate: 08/22/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: West Delaware High SchoolFishing Team: West Delaware High School Bass TeamTournament Wins: 11Tournament Top 5: 7Tournament Top 20: 6Extracurricular Activities: Cross Country (2 years), Track (1 year), Basketball (4 years), FBLA (2 years), Honor Roll (4 years), Part-time/Full-time job (3 years), Bass fishing team/club (7 years)Fishing Strengths: Fishing shallow water and river systemsFishing Weaknesses: Fishing very deep, offshore bodies of waterPreferred Fishing Technique: Covering shallow waters with topwater lures. Spooks, poppers, frogs and jerkbaits are my favorite baitsFishing Memory: 5/22/2021. I was fishing a new area of the Mississippi River. I was the only angler in the boat that day with a captain that could not fish. I put 13 pounds in the livewell. The don’t stop fishing mentality kept me going and didn’t allow me to get down on myselfMost Admired Angler: Seth Feider because he is a model of consistency and improvement from year to year and that is something I want for my fishing careerInterested Area Of Study: Business with an emphasis on Marketing or Accounting
<p class=
Justin FreyHometown: Landisburg, Pa.Birthdate: 02/11/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: West Perry High SchoolFishing Team: Perry County High SchoolTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 1Tournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Church activities, Kids casting, Taking care of a local cemetery, Archery club, Basketball, Baseball, Fundraising for team sports, HuntingFishing Strengths: Flipping and pitching, fishing jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, Flukes and SenkosFishing Weaknesses: Electronics and running a glass boatPreferred Fishing Technique: Drop shotFishing Memory: My favorite fishing memory while fishing was when I was fishing on the Susquehanna Flats for a club tournament and caught what wound up being a 6-pounderMost Admired Angler: Edwin Evers because he’s a very impressive, respectful man who treats people right and almost always has a smile on his face after the competition whether he wins or losesInterested Area Of Study: Business Administration and Marketing
<p class=
Eddie GadHometown: Braidwood, Ill.Birthdate: 02/22/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Reed Custer High SchoolFishing Team: Casting CometsTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 7Tournament Top 20: 6Extracurricular Activities: Football (9 years), Basketball (7 years)Fishing Strengths: Fishing shallow water and being able to detect weed edges and current breaksFishing Weaknesses: Offshore fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Flipping, pitchingFishing Memory: Fishing the B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Regional at the age of 16 and finishing in fifth place on the nonboater sideMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because he is a very versatile fisherman. He is always professional in public and explains different techniques and teaches the public in an easy-to-understand wayInterested Area Of Study: Business Management and Marketing
<p class=
Coop GilroyHometown: Middlebury, Conn.Birthdate: 06/17/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Pomperaug High SchoolFishing Team: Pomperaug FishingTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 3Tournament Top 20: 2Extracurricular Activities: Ski Team (1 year), Lacrosse Team (2 years)Fishing Strengths: Flipping and finesse fishing for smallmouthFishing Weaknesses: Fishing for suspended fishPreferred Fishing Technique: Finesse fishing but also love deep cranking and flippingFishing Memory: At the 2020 State Championship, I caught a 6.2-pound largemouth bass on a hair jig using 5-pound fluorocarbonMost Admired Angler: Chris Zaldain because I love his style of fishing and his attitude toward the sportInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Connor GreenHometown: Valley, Ala.Birthdate: 11/04/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Inspire AcademyFishing Team: Valley Bass TeamTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: 3Extracurricular Activities: STEM Racing Team (7 years)Fishing Strengths: Jerkbait, shaky head and spinnerbait fishingFishing Weaknesses: Swimbait fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: JerkbaitFishing Memory: Fishing my first tournament with my dadMost Admired Angler: Dustin Connell because I admire the way he carries himself on and off the water. He also never gets down when things aren’t going his wayInterested Area Of Study: Marine Biology or Business and Marketing
<p class=
Will HaynesHometown: Jasper, Ala.Birthdate: 02/24/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Curry High SchoolFishing Team: Curry Bass AnglersTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 2Extracurricular Activities: Beta Club, SGA, FFA, FBLA, Varsity Baseball, HuntingFishing Strengths: Powerfishing, moving fast and covering waterFishing Weaknesses: Fishing slow, looking for only five bitesPreferred Fishing Technique: Throwing a topwaterFishing Memory: Winning a State ChampionshipMost Admired Angler: My grandfather because he has taught me everything I know, and he’s made me understand that you can’t give up if you don’t catch fish because everyone has bad days on the water; he taught me how to throw a baitcaster and how to drive a boat, and I look up to him more than any other anglerInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Brett HillHometown: Ashland, OhioBirthdate: 08/26/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Crestview High SchoolFishing Team: Hartley’s HawgsTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 5Tournament Top 20: 3Extracurricular Activities: Golf (4 years)Fishing Strengths: Flipping and pitchingFishing Weaknesses: I get caught up on past memories when fishing familiar watersPreferred Fishing Technique: Flipping a jigFishing Memory: Catching a 4-8 and a 6-14 on back-to-back casts in the National Championship at Lake HartwellMost Admired Angler: Mark Daniels Jr. because he is an all-around class act. When I met him he was very humble and friendly, and I want to be just like himInterested Area Of Study: Undecided
<p class=
Logan HowarterHometown: Jamul, Calif.Birthdate: 03/18/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Liberty Charter High SchoolFishing Team: Social Jr. Bass AnglersTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 1Tournament Top 20: 4Extracurricular Activities: Soccer (1 year), Cross Country (1 year), Track and Field (1 year)Fishing Strengths: Finesse fishingFishing Weaknesses: Fishing deepPreferred Fishing Technique: Power fishingFishing Memory: When I caught my personal best, a 9-pounderMost Admired Angler: My dad because he taught me how to fish and he’s always supported my fishing dream and is helping me with it every dayInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Reece KeeneyHometown: Hortonville, Wis.Birthdate: 06/05/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Hortonville High SchoolFishing Team: Northeast WI BassTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 4Tournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Ice Hockey (14 years), Baseball (5 years), Golf (2 years)Fishing Strengths: Rivers and current fishing, open-water smallmouth fishingFishing Weaknesses: Southern reservoirsPreferred Fishing Technique: FlippingFishing Memory: The chance to travel the country and meet new people while learning new lakes through Opens and National ChampionshipsMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because he is well-rounded and can catch deep smallies and shallow largemouthInterested Area Of Study: Business/Entrepreneurship
<p class=
Elijah KelleyHometown: Sparta, Tenn.Birthdate: 09/26/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: White County High SchoolFishing Team: Upper Cumberland Bass AnglersTournament Wins: 5Tournament Top 5: 5Tournament Top 20: 1Extracurricular Activities: Baseball (4 years), Beta Club (3 years)Fishing Strengths: Shallow brush and docks, ledges and deep pointsFishing Weaknesses: Superclear water fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Jig fishingFishing Memory: Catching my first 5-pounder with my dad on GuntersvilleMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because he’s a very down-to-earth guy and very informativeInterested Area Of Study: Marketing
<p class=
Lane KingHometown: Harrison, Ark.Birthdate: 03/12/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Bergman High SchoolFishing Team: NCA FishingTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 3Tournament Top 20: 1Extracurricular Activities: FFA (4 years)Fishing Strengths: Power fishingFishing Weaknesses: Discouragement and trying too many things in one dayPreferred Fishing Technique: Power fishingFishing Memory: I would have to say one of my first club tournaments with my uncle. He explained the goal was for us to get first and second place, and when we came in and weighed in, we did just thatMost Admired Angler: Dustin Connell because he gave all the glory to God when he won the RedcrestInterested Area Of Study: Marketing or Business Management
<p class=
Andrew KinseyHometown: York, S.C.Birthdate: 09/13/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: York Comprehensive High SchoolFishing Team: York County High School AnglersTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 1Tournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Baseball (10 years)Fishing Strengths: Fishing structureFishing Weaknesses: Deep-water fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Topwater and drop shotFishing Memory: Winning at Clarks HillMost Admired Angler: Scott Martin because he goes in-depth explaining techniquesInterested Area Of Study: Undecided
<p class=
Dayne KobrigerHometown: Olathe, Kan.Birthdate: 09/13/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Olathe Northwest High SchoolFishing Team: Kickback BassTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 3Tournament Top 20: 2Extracurricular Activities: N/AFishing Strengths: Shallow-water fishingFishing Weaknesses: Offshore fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Shallow flipping/power fishingFishing Memory: Catching my personal bestMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because he is the best out there and really good at teaching what he doesInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Dylan KrepsHometown: Johnston, IowaBirthdate: 06/23/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Johnston High SchoolFishing Team: Iowa Youth Fishing LeagueTournament Wins: 4Tournament Top 5: 9Tournament Top 20: 2Extracurricular Activities: Tennis (1 year), Working at Fleet Farm (2 years)Fishing Strengths: Grinding it out when it gets tough and learning from past experiencesFishing Weaknesses: Finesse fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Topwater or spinnerbaitFishing Memory: Catching the 3-pound bass that got me hooked on fishingMost Admired Angler: N/AInterested Area Of Study: Undecided
<p class=
Tyler LoudonHometown: Creston, IowaBirthdate: 05/04/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Creston High SchoolFishing Team: Iowa Youth Fishing LeagueTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 9Tournament Top 20: 5Extracurricular Activities: American Junior Maine Anjou Association (9 years), American Junior Chiania Association (9 years), American Junior Simmental Association (9 years), FFA (4 years), 4H (8 years), Iowa Youth Advisory Council (3 years), National Honor Society (1 year), Student Council (1 year), County Youth Council (4 years), Agvocates (2 years), National Junior Maine Anjou Board (1 year)Fishing Strengths: VersatilityFishing Weaknesses: Staying in one spotPreferred Fishing Technique: Frog fishing when shallow or swimbait fishing when offshoreFishing Memory: I had a bad tournament and decided to go to one of my home lakes and catch some offshore bass. I caught two 5-pounders on back-to-back casts and regained my confidenceMost Admired Angler: Seth Feider because he’s been my idol since he started the Elite Series. We have very similar fishing stylesInterested Area Of Study: Animal Science
<p class=
Dawson LynchHometown: Wheeler, TexasBirthdate: 07/07/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Martins Mill High SchoolFishing Team: Martins Mill High School Fishing TeamTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 3Tournament Top 20: 3Extracurricular Activities: Baseball (10 years), UIL competitor (2 years), THSBA volunteer (1 year), Bassmaster Classic volunteer (1 year)Fishing Strengths: Shallow cover in the backs of major creek arms and heavy grass and brushFishing Weaknesses: Suspending bass in deep waterPreferred Fishing Technique: Flipping heavy cover with a ChatterBait or a swim jig around grass or shallow coverFishing Memory: When I had a 25-fish day in 35-degree weather. The terrible conditions are what made it so memorable, and the 8-pound bass I caught in 35 feet of water topped it all offMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because of his work ethic and efficiency on the water. His determination and grit is something I strive to have. He seems like a real stand-up guy and great with people. He is exactly the kind of pro I dream of being one dayInterested Area Of Study: Fisheries Biology
<p class=
Logan MahanHometown: Seaman, OhioBirthdate: 05/29/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Peebles High SchoolFishing Team: Bass AssassinsTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: 2Extracurricular Activities: Fishing (13 years)Fishing Strengths: Casting and reading graphsFishing Weaknesses: Fishing offshore and in deep waterPreferred Fishing Technique: Finesse fishingFishing Memory: A fishing trip at Lake Oconee in Georgia where I caught my personal best off a seawall while dragging a Carolina rig off the rocks. I managed to pull a 7.5-pound largemouth into the boatMost Admired Angler: Mike Iaconelli because of how passionate he is about the sport of fishing. He is also very good at getting into places where other anglers may miss and has great bass fishing techniquesInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Aaron McGillHometown: Canton, OhioBirthdate: 03/29/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Canton Central Catholic High SchoolFishing Team: N/ATournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Baseball (10 years)Fishing Strengths: Patience and persistenceFishing Weaknesses: Boat fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Power fishing at nightFishing Memory: Spending months researching moon cycles and how they affect bass, then fishing 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. every night for a week and catching two double-digit bassMost Admired Angler: KVD, because he’s from the North like I amInterested Area Of Study: Marine Biology or Freshwater Stories
<p class=
Braden McNamaraHometown: Marysville, OhioBirthdate: 01/08/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Delaware Hayes High SchoolFishing Team: Hartley’s HawgsTournament Wins: 4Tournament Top 5: 7Tournament Top 20: 5Extracurricular Activities: Boat captain for Wounded Warrior fishing eventFishing Strengths: Flipping, finesse fishing, electronicsFishing Weaknesses: Dissecting grass, fishing deeper than 30 feetPreferred Fishing Technique: Flipping and offshore structureFishing Memory: Winning the Junior National ChampionshipMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because he can always overcome the tough bite. He’s very good at adapting to the conditions and the fish moving. I think that is something only a strong angler is able to doInterested Area Of Study: Marketing or Business
<p class=
Briley MillsHometown: Dallas, Ga.Birthdate: 06/25/2006Grade Level: 10th GradeHigh School: North Paulding High SchoolFishing Team: North Paulding High School Bass Fishing TeamTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: 1Extracurricular Activities: Soccer (12 years), BETA Club, DECA Club, Fly Fishing ClubFishing Strengths: Very knowledgeable about what colors to use when, how to fish certain baits and where to best fish certain types of baitsFishing Weaknesses: I get nervous being the only girl on my teamPreferred Fishing Technique: I love to fish a Carolina rig on steep banks, but I will do anything it takes to catch fishFishing Memory: My first fishing tournamentMost Admired Angler: Kristine Fischer because she once told me to never give up on my fishing dreams. She said that people will tell me that I will fail, but I need to not listen to them because chasing my dreams is more importantInterested Area Of Study: Marketing
<p class=
Christian MisciagnaHometown: Syracuse, N.Y.Birthdate: 12/04/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: West Genesee High SchoolFishing Team: Oneida Lake High School BassmastersTournament Wins: 8Tournament Top 5: 6Tournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Hockey (12 years), Lacrosse (7 years), Baseball (5 years)Fishing Strengths: Offshore fishingFishing Weaknesses: Power fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Offshore grass/rockpilesFishing Memory: Catching my personal best bass the same day as my fatherMost Admired Angler: Bryan Thrift because he is able to be consistent and adjust when the fishing is hardInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Ethan MizeHometown: Thompson’s Station, Tenn.Birthdate: 03/05/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Independence High SchoolFishing Team: Franklin High SchoolTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Trap Team (3 years), Rifle Team (captain)Fishing Strengths: Finding the places fish are and identifying the bait they are eatingFishing Weaknesses: Fishing deep with drop shots and other finesse rigsPreferred Fishing Technique: Power fishingFishing Memory: Fishing in a johnboat with my grandma and grandpaMost Admired Angler: Gerald Swindle because he helps new people get into the sport by showing them what to do and things to try. He is also good for a laugh or two when needed. I also really like KJ Queen because he, with the help of his dad, brought a tackle company from the ground up and is successful with that as well as being successful in the Bassmaster ElitesInterested Area Of Study: Electrical Engineering or Agriculture
<p class=
Tyler MorrisHometown: Port Allen, La.Birthdate: 05/02/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Catholic High SchoolFishing Team: Catholic High School Fishing TeamTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: 3Extracurricular Activities: Football (7 years), Baseball (7 years)Fishing Strengths: Flipping, skipping a frog and spinnerbait fishingFishing Weaknesses: OffshorePreferred Fishing Technique: FlippingFishing Memory: Having a 30-fish day on Toledo Bend with a good friendMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because of his personality and how educational his videos areInterested Area Of Study: Finance
<p class=
Cole MoultonHometown: Enfield, N.H.Birthdate: 09/04/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Mascoma Valley Regional High SchoolFishing Team: Mascoma Valley Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 10Tournament Top 5: 3Tournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Soccer (4 years), Basketball (4 years), Secretary of New Hampshire Junior Bassmasters (2 years), President of New Hampshire Junior Bassmasters (1 year)Fishing Strengths: Dropshotting smallies in deep water or skipping cover with a jig or frogFishing Weaknesses: Southern current fisheriesPreferred Fishing Technique: Drop shot or jigFishing Memory: The 2021 Bassmaster High School All-American trip to Alabama. From marshaling for John Cox to weighing in on the Elite stage in front of a crowdMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because of how versatile he has been in the past from winning tournaments punching mats to drop shotting smallies in 30-plus feetInterested Area Of Study: Undecided
<p class=
Max MuzonesHometown: Lindenhurst, Ill.Birthdate: 08/14/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Lakes Community High SchoolFishing Team: Lakes Bass Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 1Tournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Lacrosse (9 years), Owning a mobile auto detailing business (1 1/2 years)Fishing Strengths: Grass fishing, finesse fishing, swim jig fishing and using Garmin electronicsFishing Weaknesses: Crankbaits, Neko rigs and punchingPreferred Fishing Technique: Ripping a ChatterBait through grassFishing Memory: Fishing an ultraclear glacier lake in UP Michigan with my two best friends during spawnMost Admired Angler: Chris Groh because of his unrelenting positivity and for showing it’s possible for a small-town kid to make it to the highest level of competition. Chris grew up the next town over from mine and worked there until deciding he’d never be satisfied until he chased his dreams, so he made it happenInterested Area Of Study: Economics and Finance 
<p class=
Caleb NeuHometown: Johnston, IowaBirthdate: 03/25/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Johnston High SchoolFishing Team: Johnston Fishing Club and Southwest Iowa Fishing TeamTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Football (10 years), Church youth group (14 years), Guitar (3 years), Boys Choir (1 year), Johnston Fishing Club (2 years), Iowa Youth Fishing League (1 year)Fishing Strengths: Casting, skipping, setting the hook, timing and decision makingFishing Weaknesses: Offshore fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Power fishingFishing Memory: Catching my personal best while fishing with my friends by ourselves on my own boatMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because he’s accomplished so much at a young age and done what no other pros have been able to do while still influencing young anglers like myself on YouTube and other social mediaInterested Area Of Study: Undecided, something involving an outdoors career
<p class=
Evan NewellHometown: Lakeland, Fla.Birthdate: 07/15/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Santa Fe Catholic High SchoolFishing Team: Mid Florida Youth AnglersTournament Wins: 3Tournament Top 5: 5Tournament Top 20: 4Extracurricular Activities: Baseball (10 years), Gold (10 years)Fishing Strengths: Patience, dedication, passionFishing Weaknesses: Speaking up to my partner and captain when I really want to fish in a different spot or change things upPreferred Fishing Technique: Baitcasting, Rat-L-Trap, ChatterBaitFishing Memory: Hearing our name called in June when we qualified for NationalsMost Admired Angler: Dustin Connell because he is superfunny and catches them wherever he goesInterested Area Of Study: Criminology/Criminal Justice
<p class=
Reece NixonHometown: Rock Spring, Ga.Birthdate: 07/07/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Chattanooga Christian SchoolFishing Team: Soddy Daisy TrojansTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 4Tournament Top 20: 7Extracurricular Activities: Golf (3 years), Tennis (3 years), Young Life (2 years)Fishing Strengths: Finesse fishing and deep-water fishingFishing Weaknesses: Shallow fishing and rocky banksPreferred Fishing Technique: Finesse fishingFishing Memory: Catching an 8-pounder off a live bluegillMost Admired Angler: Jimmy Houston because of his Christian values. I also admire his willingness to help and lead othersInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Parker O’BryanHometown: Brandon, Miss.Birthdate: 12/26/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Brandon High SchoolFishing Team: Brandon High School Bass Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 6Tournament Top 20: 6Extracurricular Activities: Football (3 years), Baseball (2 years), FFA (3 years), BETA Club (4 years), Brandon Baptist Church Youth Ministry (7 years)Fishing Strengths: Fishing grassFishing Weaknesses: Fishing deep, clear waterPreferred Fishing Technique: Flipping grassFishing Memory: Winning the 2021 Mississippi B.A.S.S. Nation High School State ChampionshipMost Admired Angler: Wes Logan because I admire his strategies and the way he approaches and dissects a body of waterInterested Area Of Study: Business or Science
<p class=
Kasen PembertonHometown: Chipley, Fla.Birthdate: 10/17/2005Grade Level: 10th GradeHigh School: Chipley High SchoolFishing Team: Sneads High Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: 5Extracurricular Activities: Baseball, Football, Working at parents’ businessFishing Strengths: Using electronics, flipping, cranking out deep, dragging out deep, throwing moving baits in grass or grass edgesFishing Weaknesses: Skipping “to the heart” of docks, knowing the right wood to fish and condensing big lakes into smaller areasPreferred Fishing Technique: Out deep on ledges or in thick mats flippingFishing Memory: Whenever I caught my first fish by myself on a Zebco with my brotherMost Admired Angler: Bryan Thrift because he taught himself everything and is very knowledgeable. He’s become overlooked but has still got it and is one to always keep your eyes onInterested Area Of Study: Business or Marketing
<p class=
Shamar PierreHometown: Edgard, La.Birthdate: 06/29/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: West St. John High SchoolFishing Team: West St. John AnglersTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 3Extrcurricular Activities: Basketball (2 years)Fishing Strengths: Shallow- and deep-water fishingFishing Weaknesses: Fishing with least dominant handPreferred Fishing Technique: Fishing with jigsFishing Memory: I went frog fishing with my dad and the fish bit practically every time I castMost Admired Angler: Jordan Lee because he is one of the youngest to win the Bassmaster Classic. I think he is one of the best in the fishing industryInterested Area Of Study: Agriculture
<p class=
Eric PilkingtonHometown: Fayetteville, Ark.Birthdate: 10/22/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Fayetteville High SchoolFishing Team: Arkansas Youth AnglersTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: 15Extracurricular Activities: Fishing (6 years)Fishing Strengths: Jig fishing, drop-shot fishing. Better at fishing clear, deep waterFishing Weaknesses: Muddy, shallow waterPreferred Fishing Technique: Finesse-style fishingFishing Memory: Catching my personal best bass, 7 pounds, 13 ouncesMost Admired Angler: Dustin Connell because of his nonstop motivation and his love for the sport and his family and friends. He is always wearing a smile and always working hard to get the success he wantsInterested Area Of Study: Mechanical Engineering 
<p class=
Szymon PitonHometown: Orland Park, Ill.Birthdate: 03/20/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Carl Sandburg High SchoolFishing Team: Carl Sandburg Bass Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 5Tournament Top 20: 7Extracurricular Activities: Soccer (12 years)Fishing Strengths: Finesse fishing, especially for smallmouth. Also, a swim jig through shallow grass or just dragging a jig on dropoffsFishing Weaknesses: Really dirty waterPreferred Fishing Technique: Swim jigFishing Memory: My first time figuring out an offshore jig bite in sixth grade at my lake house in Michigan. It really got me into fishing and figuring out the behaviors of fish during different times of the yearMost Admired Angler: Dustin Connell because I love his personality and his drive for fishing and the style he fishesInterested Area Of Study: Business Marketing
<p class=
Charlotte QuigleyHometown: Whitefield, N.H.Birthdate: 05/26/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: White Mountains Regional High SchoolFishing Team: White Mountains High School Fishing TeamTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 2Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society (2 years), National Art Honor Society (2 years), New Hampshire Scholar with Excellence in STEM and the Arts, Presidential Academic Award, Open Champion Irish Dancer (10 years), Honor Roll Student (6 years), Link Crew Leader (1 year)Fishing Strengths: Determination and a positive mindsetFishing Weaknesses: Lack of tournament fishing experiencePreferred Fishing Technique: Wacky rig, drop shot, Ned rig and Whopper PlopperFishing Memory: My most recent tournament on Lake Winnipesaukee for the High School State Championship, where I caught my personal best smallmouth, at just under 4 poundsMost Admired Angler: My tournament partner Alex because he’s 15 and has gone to Nationals twice, has sponsors from Savage Gear and is an extremely talented angler. Had it not been for him, I wouldn’t be where I am todayInterested Area Of Study: Criminal Justice
<p class=
James QuinlivanHometown: Headland, Ala.Birthdate: 03/20/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Headland High SchoolFishing Team: Headland Bass TeamTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 5Tournament Top 20: 12Extracurricular Activities: Headland United Methodist Church youth group, Headland Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, Leo Club, Class OfficerFishing Strengths: VersatilityFishing Weaknesses: My head starts spinning when it’s getting close to the end of the day and we do not have an above-average bagPreferred Fishing Technique: Brushpiles, ledgesFishing Memory: I caught my personal best bass that weighed 10 pounds with my best friendsMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because he is a really fun angler to watch. I met him at ICAST, and he was very nice and talked to me for a whileInterested Area Of Study: Civil Engineering
<p class=
Jeremy RadfordHometown: Huntly, Va.Birthdate: 04/02/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Strasburg High SchoolFishing Team: Frederick County Bass WranglerTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 2Extracurricular Activities: N/AFishing Strengths: Shallow-water grass/visible coverFishing Weaknesses: Fishing verticalPreferred Fishing Technique: Power fishingFishing Memory: Catching my personal best bass, which was 11 poundsMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because I have followed his career since day one, and I can see myself coming through the ranks as he did. He has grown into a fantastic angler and knows how to close tournamentsInterested Area Of Study: Business/Advertising
<p class=
Triston RichardsonHometown: Tomball, TexasBirthdate: 01/17/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Tomball Memorial High SchoolFishing Team: Tomball Memorial Wildcat Bass Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 6Extracurricular Activities: Football (9 years), National Junior Honor Society (1 year), Honor Roll (2 years)Fishing Strengths: Fishing shallow, flipping and skippingFishing Weaknesses: Fishing suspendedPreferred Fishing Technique: Flipping and froggingFishing Memory: My favorite memory is when my partner and I caught 17 pounds in 17 minutes to go on and win 2nd at the Texas Bass Nation State ChampionshipMost Admired Angler: Gerald SwindleInterested Area Of Study: Business Marketing
<p class=
Garrett RingHometown: Greenbrier, Ark.Birthdate: 06/07/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Greenbrier High SchoolFishing Team: Greenbrier Panthers Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 4Tournament Top 20: 13Extracurricular Activities: Football (7 years)Fishing Strengths: Fishing deep structure and power fishing shallow waterFishing Weaknesses: Knowing when to trust my instincts and just go fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Power fishing shallow waterFishing Memory: Catching my personal best bass, a 7.03-pound largemouth, on a jerkbait using Garmin LiveScopeMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because of his accomplishments at such a young age, but also his work ethic. He has outstanding character and shows respect to all anglers and fansInterested Area Of Study: Business/Marketing
<p class=
Austin RobertsHometown: Decherd, Tenn.Birthdate: 04/15/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Franklin County High SchoolFishing Team: Franklin County High School Bass TeamTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: 8Extracurricular Activities: Hunting, Fishing, Baseball (13 years)Fishing Strengths: Jig, Carolina rigs and swim jigsFishing Weaknesses: Jerkbait and suspended fishPreferred Fishing Technique: SlowFishing Memory: Catching the fifth fish to win a tournamentMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because he’s an all-around great guy and great fishermanInterested Area Of Study: Business and Boat/Motor Mechanics
<p class=
Brayden RuckmanHometown: Freeland, Mich.Birthdate: 01/26/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Freeland High SchoolFishing Team: Freeland High School Bass FishingTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 6Tournament Top 20: 4Extracurricular Activities: AFTCO Bank Cleanup, Sanford Strong volunteerFishing Strengths: Using electronicsFishing Weaknesses: Letting missed opportunities get in my headPreferred Fishing Technique: Pitching and flipping for largemouthFishing Memory: Winning on Lake Charlevoix in 2020 is my favorite memory. We had never fished the lake before and in three days of pre-fishing we were able to break down the lake. The win was extra special because I told my parents we were going to win this for my grandpa, who had just recently passed awayMost Admired Angler: My dad, because he has taught me how to be an ethical fisherman. He has also taught me the importance of graphing, and I admire watching him at tournaments interacting with other fishermenInterested Area Of Study: Business, Finance, Management, Marketing
<p class=
Grayden ScibiliaHometown: Hagerstown, Md.Birthdate: 09/25/2004Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Washington County Technical High SchoolFishing Team: Linganore Bass FishingTournament Wins: 11Tournament Top 5: 5Tournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Boy Scouts Of America (10 years), Faith Formation/Religious Education (12 years), Grayden’s Lawn and Landscape (3 years), Community Volunteer (2 years)Fishing Strengths: Perseverance, working well with teammates, coaches and boat captainsFishing Weaknesses: When out on the water I get so focused on fishing that I lose track of timePreferred Fishing Technique: FinesseFishing Memory: I have many great fishing memories. It is what my family likes to do. My grandfather took my dad fishing. My dad took me. Now that I’ve redone my johnboat, I take my dad to some of the lakes around where I liveMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because he began his career fishing the same way I have, by joining a junior clubInterested Area Of Study: Engineering
<p class=
Nick SeitzHometown: Maumee, OhioBirthdate: 05/19/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: St. Francis de Sales SchoolFishing Team: 419 FishingTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 1Tournament Top 20: 3Extracurricular Activities: Basketball (10 years)Fishing Strengths: Throwing a frog and finding smallmouth out deepFishing Weaknesses: Backing in a boat and using a blade baitPreferred Fishing Technique: Deep smallmouth with tubes, drop shots and jigs, and throwing a frogFishing Memory: Winning an MLF high school event by 4 pounds and catching a 6-pounder and a 5.5-pounder that dayMost Admired Angler: Seth Feider because he straight catches ‘em and he’s got some sick hairInterested Area Of Study: Business or Environmental Science
<p class=
Chance ShelbyHometown: Denham Springs, La.Birthdate: 05/08/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Live Oak High SchoolFishing Team: Live Oak High School Fishing TeamTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 8Extracurricular Activities: Baseball (15 years), High School Fishing Team (4 years)Fishing Strengths: Fish shallow and bridgesFishing Weaknesses: Offshore fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: I enjoy all fishingFishing Memory: Spending time with my dad fishing the Dreams Come True tournamentMost Admired Angler: Kevin VanDam because he is more knowledgeable and he learns the areas he is fishing quicker than othersInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Carter SmithHometown: Franklin, Ky.Birthdate: 03/10/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Franklin Simpson High SchoolFishing Team: Franklin Simpson Bass CatsTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 1Extracurricular Activities: FFA (4 years)Fishing Strengths: Shallow waterFishing Weaknesses: TopwaterPreferred Fishing Technique: Curly-tail worm on a Texas rigFishing Memory: Fishing for bluegill with my grandfather from a dock when I was youngMost Admired Angler: Bryan Thrift because he is very humble and we share a lot of fishing traitsInterested Area Of Study: Law Enforcement
<p class=
Cohen SmithHometown: Williamson, Ga.Birthdate: 05/05/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Pike County High SchoolFishing Team: Pike County PiratesTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 3Extracurricular Activities: FFA (3 years)Fishing Strengths: Ledge fishingFishing Weaknesses: SpinnerbaitPreferred Fishing Technique: Frog fishing in grassFishing Memory: Catching my personal best spotted bass while bed fishing in a tournamentMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because of his versatility and instincts for the sportInterested Area Of Study: Engineering
<p class=
Jackson SmithHometown: Fayetteville, Ark.Birthdate: 04/09/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Fayetteville High SchoolFishing Team: Arkansas Youth AnglersTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 16Tournament Top 20: 30Extracurricular Activities: Sports until seventh grade, then I caught on to tournament fishing and it has been my passion ever sinceFishing Strengths: Drop shot offshore or spinnerbaitFishing Weaknesses: Finding brushpiles and offshore locationsPreferred Fishing Technique: Shallow spinnerbait, ChatterBait in bushes, drop shotting offshoreFishing Memory:It’s not so much a memory, but I really enjoy meeting all the new people and shaking the hands that this sport allows me to shakeMost Admired Angler: Kyle Welcher because he has gone extremely far to make the Elite Series and is doing very well. He had a dream and chased it to the best of his ability. He doesn’t have all the pretty, new, fancy toys, but he is an Elite and he fishes like oneInterested Area Of Study: Agriculture Business or Marketing
<p class=
Kyle SmithHometown: Kalamazoo, MIBirthdate: 05/30/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Gull Lake Community SchoolsFishing Team: N/ATournament Wins: 5Tournament Top 5: 22Tournament Top 20: 36Extracurricular Activities: Basketball, Fishing, Church Youth GroupFishing Strengths: VersatilityFishing Weaknesses: I haven’t fished any of the world-class fisheries or large tournaments, and I am not on a high school fishing team because my school does not have a team, but I am planning on starting one this yearPreferred Fishing Technique: I don’t have a preferred fishing technique, rather I treat techniques and lures as tools in a toolbox that each have their own purposeFishing Memory: When I was 10 I caught a 38-inch pike ice fishing that I fought for an hour on 5-pound line, an ultralight rod and a reel with a bad dragMost Admired Angler: Seth Feider because I like his fishing style and his honest attitude. I relate to him because he’s from the North and love how he teaches tips and techniquesInterested Area Of Study: Fish and Wildlife, Conservation, Accounting and Meteorology
<p class=
Jack SpragueHometown: Freeland, Mich.Birthdate: 07/03/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Freeland High SchoolFishing Team: Freeland High School Bass Fishing TeamTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 6Extracurricular Activities: Archery, FootballFishing Strengths: Flipping or fishing any kind of shallow grass and finding prespawn/spawning smallmouthFishing Weaknesses: Offshore ledge fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Frogging or skipping docksFishing Memory: My favorite memory while fishing was with my dad the first time I have ever been to Lake St. Clair. We arrived to our first area we wanted to fish, and on our first casts we doubled up on 5-pounders and he scooped both fish at the same time in the netMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because I share the same dream he had since he was a little kid of becoming a professional bass fishermanInterested Area Of Study: Welding or Engineering
<p class=
Ethan StantHometown: Dover, Del.Birthdate: 07/20/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Caesar Rodney High SchoolFishing Team: Kent High School Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: Travel soccer (7 years)Fishing Strengths: Flipping a jig into very thick and shallow cover, and being able to fish a jig almost anywhere I goFishing Weaknesses: Clear and deep waterPreferred Fishing Technique: FlippingFishing Memory: Fishing the National Championship on Chickamauga Lake and figuring out offshore fish. Never really fished offshore from my area because it’s all tidal rivers and shallow ponds. I thought I picked it up fast and figured out how to fish offshore quicklyMost Admired Angler: Gerald Swindle because he is an all-around well-built angler. Not only that, but he represents and lives by his PMA. He’s also a junk fisherman and great with a jig. I usually like to keep as little amount of rods on my deck as I can and just fish what’s in front of me, rather than have 10-plus rods out at onceInterested Area Of Study: Marketing
<p class=
Skyler StevensHometown: Helena, Ala.Birthdate: 08/04/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Helena High SchoolFishing Team: Helena Bass ClubTournament Wins: 0Tournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 3Extracurricular Activities: Football (9 years), Lacrosse (2 years), President of Helena Bass Club (2 years)Fishing Strengths: Being able to stay mentally strong when some things don’t go the way we want them toFishing Weaknesses: Trying to catch suspended fishPreferred Fishing Technique: Power fishingFishing Memory: Catching my personal best fish in a tournament and winning big fish with my grandfather as my boat captainMost Admired Angler: Kyle Mabrey. He was my uncle and he fished professionally for years. He taught me how to fish and what to throw at certain times of the year. I aspire to be like him because he did what he loved all the way until he passed away. He loved bass fishing. I want to keep his legacy alive for my familyInterested Area Of Study: Respiratory Therapy/Medical Field
<p class=
Kason StocktonHometown: Monticello, Ky.Birthdate: 05/06/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Wayne County High SchoolFishing Team: Wayne County Casting CardinalsTournament Wins: 8Tournament Top 5: 9Tournament Top 20: 4Extracurricular Activities: Elk Springs Valley Baptist Church FCA Member, Young Republicans, FFA (4 years), FFA Treasurer (2020-2021), FFA Vice President (2021-2022)Fishing Strengths: Crankbaits, worms, jigsFishing Weaknesses: SpinnerbaitsPreferred Fishing Technique: Flipping bushesFishing Memory: Winning the 2019 KBF State Championship and fishing the 2021 National ChampionshipMost Admired Angler: Rick ClunnInterested Area Of Study: Teaching
<p class=
Drake SturgillHometown: Lincolnton, N.C.Birthdate: 01/07/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: North Lincoln High SchoolFishing Team: Rowan County Youth AnglersTournament Wins: 10Tournament Top 5: 18Tournament Top 20: 6Extracurricular Activities: Bass Monkey Academy, North Lincoln Bass Fishing Club, Rowan County Youth Anglers TeamFishing Strengths: Dock fishing, spotted bass fishingFishing Weaknesses: Tidal fisheriesPreferred Fishing Technique: Skipping a jigFishing Memory: Being with Hank Cherry while he won both ClassicsMost Admired Angler: Hank Cherry because I live about five minutes from the back-to-back Classic winner. I’ve been fishing with Hank for about four years now and have been able to gather tons of pro-level knowledge at a young age and see what it takes to fish as a professional. Hank is like a second father and his family has taken me in as one of their ownInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Levi ThibodauxHometown: Thibodaux, La.Birthdate: 05/26/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Thibodaux High SchoolFishing Team: Lafourche BassmastersTournament Wins: 9Tournament Top 5: 9Tournament Top 20: 6Extracurricular Activities: Baseball (3 years), Football (2 years), Student Council (1 year)Fishing Strengths: Frog fishing, VersatilityFishing Weaknesses: Deep fishing, adjusting to changesPreferred Fishing Technique: Punching/flipping matsFishing Memory: I saved money ever since I could remember to buy a boat. My favorite memory is the first fish that I caught out of my own boat. It wasn’t a big fish, but it wasn’t the size of the fish that makes this my favorite memory. It was what it meant to me and how it felt knowing that my plan had come togetherMost Admired Angler: Hank Cherry because I got to meet Hank when he and Tyler Rivet made a surprise visit to one of our high school club meetings. He is a down-to-earth guy that just has a passion for fishing and gives it his all. I also admire the love he has for his familyInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Austin ThomasHometown: Jasper, Ala.Birthdate: 08/14/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Curry High SchoolFishing Team: Curry Bass AnglersTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 4Extracurricular Activities: Varsity baseball (5 years), Varsity football (1 year), Archery (5 years)Fishing Strengths: Power and finesse fishingFishing Weaknesses: Being able to find fish in the winter monthsPreferred Fishing Technique: Power and finesse fishingFishing Memory: Winning my first State ChampionshipMost Admired Angler: Jordan Lee because he is from the same area I am from and he grew up fishing Smith Lake like I did. He is a hometown heroInterested Area Of Study: Physical Therapy Assistant
<p class=
Coby ThompsonHometown: Blairsville, Ga.Birthdate: 10/22/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: HomeschoolFishing Team: Reel Money Fishing TeamTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 5Tournament Top 20: 6Extracurricular Activities: Helps with guided trips for Get Fishing Guide ServiceFishing Strengths: Deep, clear-water lakes, offshore fishingFishing Weaknesses: Fishing shallowPreferred Fishing Technique: Drop shottingFishing Memory: Winning one of our regular-season trail tournaments last year on our home lake! Everything went just to plan and the home crowd at weigh-in made all the differenceMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because I like his positive attitude and energy and how excited he gets on the waterInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Bryce TuckerHometown: Dunlap, Tenn.Birthdate: 01/09/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Bledsoe County High SchoolFishing Team: Bledsoe County Youth AnglersTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: 2Extracurricular Activities: N/AFishing Strengths: Flipping, pitching, finesse fishingFishing Weaknesses: Left hand underhand castingPreferred Fishing Technique: Drop shottingFishing Memory: Practice for Chickamauga after the MLF tournamentMost Admired Angler: Scott Canterbury because he is a great guy and will talk to you and have a good conversation about fishing or life with youInterested Area Of Study: Electrical/Electronics Maintenance
<p class=
Brendan VintonHometown: Braintree, Vt.Birthdate: 10/23/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Randolph Union High SchoolFishing Team: Randolph Union Bass TeamTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 3Tournament Top 20: N/AExtracurricular Activities: N/AFishing Strengths: Locating fishFishing Weaknesses: Shallow waterPreferred Fishing Technique: FinesseFishing Memory: Winning my first high school tournamentMost Admired Angler: Cole Harris because he got me interested in professional MLF level tournamentsInterested Area Of Study: Marketing or Biology
<p class=
Braden WatsonHometown: Dothan, Ala.Birthdate: 06/03/2004Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Bethel Christian AcademyFishing Team: Rehobeth Bass TeamTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 3Tournament Top 20: 5Extracurricular Activities: SGA (5 years), Honor Society (2 years), Shooting Team (1 year), Church praise band (5 years), National Peanut Festival Junior Fair Board (1 year), Summer kids camp counselor (3 years)Fishing Strengths: VersatilityFishing Weaknesses: Ultrafinesse spinning rod techniques, like Ned rigsPreferred Fishing Technique: Flipping shallow cover or fishing offshore brushpilesFishing Memory: When I caught a 7 pound, 5 ounce largemouth at the National Championship and it put us in fifth placeMost Admired Angler: John Cox because he can catch them anywhere. Even though he is from Florida, he has no problem going up North and catching big smallmouthInterested Area Of Study: Engineering or Law
<p class=
Cambre WebbHometown: Clinton, La.Birthdate: 07/06/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Silliman High SchoolFishing Team: Silliman FishingTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: 2Tournament Top 20: 5Extracurricular Activities: Founder of high school fishing team, Founder of The Rollo Rod Rewards program, Whitetail deer hunting, Volunteer for the Dream Day Foundation to take St. Jude’s kids fishingFishing Strengths: Shallow water, flipping and adapting to new techniquesFishing Weaknesses: Finesse fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Frogging and flippingFishing Memory: Hooking my personal best on Lake Fork, 9-pounder, with my guide Jack YorkMost Admired Angler: Clay Dyer because his indescribable determination and willingness to help others is amazingInterested Area Of Study: Engineering 
<p class=
Dustin WeinbergHometown: Fairhope, Ala.Birthdate: 09/11/2003Grade Level: 12th GradeHigh School: Fairhope High SchoolFishing Team: Fairhope High School Fishing TeamTournament Wins: N/ATournament Top 5: N/ATournament Top 20: 3Extracurricular Activities: Archery (6 years), Church ministryFishing Strengths: Never giving up and trying new techniquesFishing Weaknesses: Not very familiar with deep-water fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Topwater froggingFishing Memory: Catching a 6.5-pound bass on Fish River in FairhopeMost Admired Angler: Gerald Swindle because his goal is not to win every tournament, but to influence the younger generation to get involved in fishingInterested Area Of Study: Theology
<p class=
Blake WheatHometown: Evansville, Tenn.Birthdate: 01/28/2005Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Rhea County High SchoolFishing Team: Rhea County Eagle AnglersTournament Wins: 3Tournament Top 5: 5Tournament Top 20: 8Extracurricular Activities: Gold (5th grade)Fishing Strengths: Fishing shallow, electronicsFishing Weaknesses: Throwing deep crankbaitsPreferred Fishing Technique: Punching or drop shottingFishing Memory: Catching 28 pounds of smallmouth bass under Watts Bar Dam, anchored by a 7-pounderMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because he fishes so hard day in and day out and has extremely high goals like myselfInterested Area Of Study: Undecided
<p class=
Gavin WhiteHometown: West Gardiner, MaineBirthdate: 07/15/2005Grade Level: 10th GradeHigh School: Gardiner Area High SchoolFishing Team: LA High School Bass MastersTournament Wins: 3Tournament Top 5: 4Tournament Top 20: 1Extracurricular Activities: Baseball, HockeyFishing Strengths: Fishing structure and points with a jig or drop shotFishing Weaknesses: Fishing 25-plus feet of water and fishing with crankbaitsPreferred Fishing Technique: Finesse and jig fishing deep waterFishing Memory: Placing in the Top 10 in my second adult-level tournamentMost Admired Angler: Brandon Palaniuk because he is someone who always tries to escalate his game as well as has a desire and a passion for fishingInterested Area Of Study: Mathematics
<p class=
Jase WhiteHometown: Haughton, La.Birthdate: 10/21/2004Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Haughton High SchoolFishing Team: Haughton Fishing Team and Bossier Parrish BASS TeamTournament Wins: 1Tournament Top 5: 7Tournament Top 20: 12Extracurricular Activities: N/AFishing Strengths: Shallow-water fishingFishing Weaknesses: Deep crankingPreferred Fishing Technique: Power fishingFishing Memory: Winning the North Louisiana High School Fishing League AOY Title. It was a title I had been wanting for a long time, especially after being the runner-up in 2019Most Admired Angler: Dustin Connell because he has made his way through the college level into the pro circuit as I wish to do one day. I’ve had the privilege of meeting him before, and he has inspired me to chase my dream. Also seeing him win the MLF Redcrest Championship and the emotions that he had after winning opened me even more to a passion we shareInterested Area Of Study: Business
<p class=
Zach WolfeHometown: Mokena, Ill.Birthdate: 11/22/2004Grade Level: 11th GradeHigh School: Lincoln-Way Central High SchoolFishing Team: Lincoln-Way Central Anglers ClubTournament Wins: 2Tournament Top 5: 4Tournament Top 20: 5Extracurricular Activities: JV Golf (2 years), Varsity Golf (1 year), JV Bowling (2 years)Fishing Strengths: Fishing rivers and the Great LakesFishing Weaknesses: Fishing lakes on superhot summer days, as well as offshore fishingPreferred Fishing Technique: Fishing for smallmouth with a drop shot or frog fishing for largemouthFishing Memory: Having a 150-plus smallmouth day with my dad and uncle in June of 2021 on the bay of Green BayMost Admired Angler: Jacob Wheeler because he always has a positive attitude even if he doesn’t do well in a tournament. He catches fish on every body of water he fishes and he make adjustments during tournaments whether it’s where or how he is fishingInterested Area Of Study: Business, Marketing, Communications

Related