ROGERS, Ark. — A nasty cold front greeted the 22 competitors at the 2010 Arkansas BASS Federation Nation Junior State Championship on Beaver Lake as they launched their boats, April 18, in pursuit of a slot at the Junior Bassmaster Central Divisional on Table Rock Lake in May.
"It was tough; there's no doubt about that," said Roy Brunson, state youth director. "What they learned about the fish on Saturday was basically useless on Sunday when it really counted. It was a true test of fishing skills and of their ability to adapt to changing conditions. We're really proud of them and what they accomplished."
Weighmaster Randy McKee was equally impressed. "They were able to cooperate in a competitive environment and learn from one another. Those skills transfer from fishing to a lot of other activities. The importance of youth bass fishing can't be overstated," said McKee. "It's not only the future of our sport; it's the future of a lot of things in life."
In the 15-18 age group, Chaz Miller weighed a five fish bag that pushed the scales to 8 pounds to claim first place. In the 11-14 age group, Trevor Brunson won with four fish that weighed 7.86 pounds. Both young men are members of the Northwest Arkansas Bassmasters Junior Bassmasters.