COLCHESTER, VT. — Sixteen Junior Bassmasters will get a chance to contribute to their team's weights during the final day of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Eastern Divisional at Lake Champlain.
The Junior Bassmasters Eastern Divisional features young anglers in two age groups (11- to 14-year-olds and 15- to 18-year-olds) competing for two berths to the Junior Bassmaster World Championship (JWC) to be held in conjunction with the Federation Nation Championship in November in Louisiana. Two youngsters from each state and the Canadian province of Ontario are paired with an adult boat captain the final day and their catches are added to the weights of their respective teams.
The Vermont team has two local anglers, Jamison Gott and Colin Gaudette, hoping to help their state and also advance to the JWC. “I know we can each catch a limit,” said Gott. “Most of the spots we came to (in practice) had fish. I would like to have 15 pounds. That would be perfect.” Gaudette said he would be happy to catch 10 pounds.
Both youngsters are members of the Green Mountain Junior Bassmasters. Gott joined the club to meet kids his own age and gain bass fishing experience and knowledge. “It has definitely opened up my opportunities as a bass angler and what my future can hold,” said the 17-year-old Gott. “It is really exciting. I am having so much fun all the time.“
The 14-year-old Gaudette joined his club because he was looking for something to do during the summer. “It’s a blast,” he said. “I have learned a lot. I have become more flexible with more techniques. It has also given me more opportunities in my life like planning to go to a college with a fishing team.”
The Junior Bassmaster Eastern Divisional champions will be crowned during the final day weigh-in at Mallett’s Bay.