Why SEMO High School Kids Are MISSING OUT

When talking about experience on the water or fishing, competition’s like?the Bassmaster Classic comes into everyone's?mind at first. It is well known bass fishing is one of the most purest events/sports of all. You simply can’t really cheat, take steroids, nor money can buy you the 1st trophy. Of course it helps but still.The Bassmaster Classic is?referred to as the largest sport fishing competition (Carini & Weber, 2017). Local fishers?have become international legends because of the?victory. Ever since?I have loved going fishing. Despite being more enthusiastic about sport fishing currently than I used to be, I have never expressed the urge to visit a professional fishing competition. When I was young, I used to go fishing with my family and friends. I was eager to join the audience when I learned about the Bassmaster tournament.

I got up early enough during the first two days of the tournament?since I was not ready?to miss any event. I had to trek?from my lodging to the Tennessee River where the event was taking place?and watch the fishers launch. I realize that most people could find it challenging to get up early on a weekend, but for me,?I wanted to enjoy the complete experience from the get-go. I was among the over 6,000 plus fans who showed up one?hour?early on both Friday and Saturday, which was a high turnout based on earlier statistics.

?Keep in mind I’m 25-26 years old. The fact we’ve had high school bass fishing going on since?2006-2010?in not only Southern Illinois and Westerner Kentucky. We as southeast Missourian’s need to listen up, We have one of the TOP 20 catholic schools in the nation. Sone of the best fisherman around in this area and it’s hard to find a fishing club to even start with. You don’t need a lake and not sponsors to fish derby’s. With what most you parents pay in travel baseball and basketball you could prolly own a boat and even a house on the lake and get much more enjoyment. I’ve seen travel ball cause divorces. Also myself being one to have a little fun. Not one moment did I want to sit around drinking a pop or on my phone. I was like a kid in the candy store helping or talking to a pro! Maybe what some of these little fellas around here need! Fishing also will keep you out of trouble, I had a fella tell me one time you can always trust a dog and a fisherman. Also how many in the southeast missouri area own boats and houses on a lake not only just Kentucky lake. You already are going over there this much enjoy them tax dollars being out to use. Also a chance for education and respect on the water. Lastly the kid you thought was just a ball player or another kid that won’t go to college or “college just wasn’t meant for you” well that one might’ve got a fishing?scholarship considering the top 5 schools to call agent that’s fish At is not only in our BACKYARD (Semo) but Murray State is national ranked as well. Sad thing is since SEMO’s?bass fishing team statistically bring MORE PUBLICITY to SEMO but it’s considered Semo bass fishing Club due to schools “ lack of funds” because it can’t give enough “scholarships” for the program, truly sad. The opportunity is at all southeast Missourians faces but yet to blind to see. I know since I was graduating high school they’ve had that bass fishing club. Places top 10 in the national Bassmaster classic college fishing tournament, your hometown let’s the college kids parents and the little support sponsors give them to them having to juggle school and trying to rally up what’s left to get them to the national college fishing tournament. Back to my classic experience.

Everyone was briefed and prepped. Lures tied, spools re-spooled, autographs, you name it!

The coordination of the information during the event's planning was excellent. Everyone acknowledged having read and comprehended the Bassmaster Elite Series guidelines by signing a disclaimer and a form. I got an email about the BASSTrakk app prior to the competition, which those who are willing to attend the tournament?are required to download on their smartphone?before the competition. According to Erickson et al. (2019), although reviewing and comprehending the Elite Series regulations is an amazingly simple procedure, Judges have the responsibility of ensuring that they adhere to the rules?because the guidelines are there to make sure that no one makes errors that might affect the results of the tournament. Keeping the fish alive all day and until weighed in is huge. Which another thing anglers have came along way with!

An average day at the Bassmaster Classic included waking up earlier to watch your preferred angler leave each day, going to the venue to look at the newest merchandise, and arriving at the University of Tennessee's campus center one to two?hours early to witness the weigh-in at 4:00 pm. There were signs for "The Masterpiece" anywhere, and one?could always find people to speak with concerning fishing.?

The tour's highlights comprised viewing the newest trailers and boats, listening to Dave Mercer debate fishers on the platform at the weigh-in, witnessing your preferred fishermen's?names announced prior to take-off, and touring the conference where we got to meet renowned anglers. Meeting renowned fishers at morning tea, in the lobby area, at supper, and at the arcades of our favorite vacation suppliers was fantastic. The experience of running into the?hotel lobby and meeting anglers like Jordan Lee, Jason Christie, Gary Klein,?Greg Hackney,?and many other anglers?on the same day will be incomprehensible to anyone who does not?follow the fishing competition.

I will always cherish my encounter at the Bassmaster Classic. It would not do it credit to attempt to articulate exactly why?it was so fantastic. The fast boats the big fish the stage the pros the lures... one could go on all day. Since I can remember I’ve always wanted to not only fish but to attend a bass master classic thankfully ive done more than just the two. Simply remember that going to the Classic will be an Fishaholic's adventure you will not?soon forget if you enjoy angling. Semo parents go to https://www.bassmaster.com to look into the highschool programs or simply email me [email protected] or follow me on instgram https://www.instgram.com/austinraines or message me on linkedin.