DAYTON, Tenn. — The second annual Bass Pro Shops Battle of Chickamauga High School Classic presented by CATCH Ministry is March 11-12.
High school anglers from across the country will compete on Lake Chickamauga for a chance at the title, a $1,000 scholarship and gift cards to Bass Pro Shops. The $40 per boat registration fee includes dinner and a pre-tournament party with pros such as Wesley Strader, Michael Neal and Nicole Jacobs in attendance.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the Battle of Chick and to offer advice and empower our high school teams to set goals and strive to achieve them,” said Jacobs, who is traveling from Minnesota to speak at the event.
Mike Jolley, a biologist and fish management expert from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, said the lake is set up well at this time of the year.
“Lake Chickamauga is currently producing more trophy-size bass than any other reservoir in Tennessee,” said Jolley, who pointed out that 48-pound limit has been caught there, as well as a new state record. That new record was set in February 2015 when Campbell County High School bass team coach Gabe Keen caught a 15-pound, 3-ounce bass.
“I was born and raised on Lake Chickamauga,” said Keen, who is bringing 12 teams to compete in this year’s event. “It’s always held a special place in my heart, even before I broke that record.”
This tournament is possible only with the support of industry giants such as Bass Pro Shops, Abu Garcia, Berkley and B.A.S.S., said Dennis Tumlin, Fish Dayton director.
The winning team will earn a berth in the 2016 Costa Bassmaster High School National Championship.
The reigning champs of the Battle of Chickamauga, Elijah Cartwright and Jacob Thomas of Soddy Daisy High School, will be defending their title.
To register, click here.
To follow the event, follow the Fish Dayton Facebook page.
To learn more, call Tumlin at 423-775-6171.
