UNCC team doubles in size after championship win

Andrew Helms and Jake Whitaker of University of North Carolina at Charlotte won the 2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Championship, and their club numbers doubled.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Andrew Helms and Jake Whitaker put their school on the map in the fishing world when the pair won the 2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship in August.

In fact, the victory had immediate benefits for the club. By the time the school year started, the club was twice the size as last year’s.

That was one of the things Helms and Whitaker mentioned during their Twitter chat, hosted live from their home campus at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. See photos of the meeting here.

Below is a transcript of the chat in its entirety. You can read transcripts of previous Twitter chats with pros and with other college champions here.

Follow @BASS_Nation on Twitter for updates on the college series and other B.A.S.S. events.

 

Bassmaster ‏@BASS_nation 

Welcome to the B.A.S.S. Twitter chat, @andrewhelms14 and @jake_whitaker_ , and congratulations on your college championship win! Fans, they’re taking your questions live from the UNC Charlotte campus today!

 

Helen Northcutt ‏@HelenNorthcutt 

Congrats on the @BASS_nation College Championship win, guys! What were your thoughts when you learned you had won?

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

It hadn’t really sunk in when we won, but it was a feeling of accomplishment.

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

I was just overwhelmed & happy to have made it as far as we had, and I knew we’d never forget it.

 

Helen Northcutt ‏@HelenNorthcutt 

Any plans on fishing in the future @andrewhelms14 and @jake_whitaker_ ?

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

I just want to focus on college the next few years and make the best of them before I do anything.

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

Absolutely, I’d love to pursue fishing. I know it will take a lot of hard work but it’s a dream of mine.

 

Emily Hand ‏@ejhand 

Congrats on the Championship @andrewhelms14 & @jake_whitaker_! Is the championship helping recruit more team members for your club?

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

Absolutely. We saw the club double in size.

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

Yes, and it’s been nice to have some more people come out to our tournaments.

 

Emily Hand ‏@ejhand 

If you could pick a location for a #collegebass tournament, where would you go?

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

Lake Tillery is where I grew up fishing. It’s on the Yadkin chain.

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

One of the Great Lakes, maybe Erie, because I’ve been several times and it’s so much fun.

 

Taylor Thomas ‏@taylor_thomas22 

What lures were key for the win?

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

A SPRO Poppin’ Frog in the Killer Gill color.

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

I just came in behind Jake with a variety of topwater baits, and a buzzbait produced some of the better fish.

 

john auten ‏@JohnAuten 

Andrew what kind of jigs do you throw

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

I only throw Ol Big Jigs. They have a new prototype coming out that’s pretty good.

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

Green Fish lures will outfish Ol Big Jigs anytime.

 

SHAKE AND JAKE ‏@huntnfish2324 

how amazing is it to fish on a college level an be champs.

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

It’s really awesome because college fishing has really become so big and the competitors are so good.

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

The competition is so much stronger now, and to come out on top of such a strong field is something to be proud of.

SHAKE AND JAKE ‏@huntnfish2324 

I hope to reach the level you guys have while I’m in college. Best of luck in your fishing career.

 

Jordan Lee ‏@JLeefishing 

Congrats guys on your win! Heads>spots @BASS_nation

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

It doesn’t matter spot or largemouth, as long as it’s big! Congrats and good luck in the Elite Series.

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

A largemouth on topwater is just the best way to catch ’em! Nothing like it.

 

Emily Hand ‏@ejhand 

How cool was it to watch yourself on @ESPNU

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

That’s something I’ve always wanted — to be on TV fishing! It was cool to relive it by watching the show.

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

I’ve watched it several times, and it’s just awesome to watch the day again. I still get excited.

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

Yeah, I still get goosebumps!

 

Jacob Nummy ‏@JacobNummy 

Congratulations guys! Y’all enjoy the title!

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

Thanks!

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

Appreciate it!

 

Brett Preuett ‏@brettpreuett16 

Congratulations guys on such a big win !! It is something u will never forget!! Also footage of yall catching them topwater fish!!

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

Thanks, Brett! Good job on your Classic qual. I’m definitely jealous. And I wish I knew them fish were schooling.

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

Thanks, & we enjoyed watching your fish catches from the Classic bracket! Be careful in the Classic #accidentprone

Brett Preuett ‏@brettpreuett16 

Thanks guys.. I’ll try!! had to get a hook out my finger the other day #accidentprone

 

Jon Stewart ‏@Jahawkjon 

 Just wanted to say congrats again guys!

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

Appreciate it, Jon! I still thank you for letting me handle the fish on the last day!

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

Thanks! We appreciate all the work you guys do to make it such a great show.

 

Matt Lee ‏@mattleefishing 

Congrats hammers! Pretty impressive !

Andrew Helms ‏@andrewhelms14 

Thanks! Congratulations to you on the Elite Series and best of luck!

Jake Whitaker ‏@jake_whitaker_ 

Thanks again! And good luck to you on the Elite Series. Looking forward to you and your brother tearing it up.