The Northwest Arkansas Junior Bassmasters learned about fishing and the business of being a pro when McClelland spoke to them.
As part of the annual junior tournament, the youth learned about preventing the spread of Eurasian milfoil and zebra mussels. They also competed hard for the title!
College freshman Mark Davis earned a $1,500 scholarship from the Alabama B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, and he'll use it to study civil engineering.
The pair of young bass fishermen will move on to the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Southern Divisional in March.
The angler in the hot seat was changing constantly for both age groups because of all the fish they were catching, according to the state president, Frank Labanowski.
Third- and fourth-graders in the state are learning bass fishing alongside traditional school subjects.
The Illinois youngster thought his 7-9 was big — until he caught a 9-14 five hours later.
A team effort resulted in a boat that benefits fish and fisheries in Nevada and surrounding states.
Chris Carnes and Carson Orellana won, fighting low temperatures and a drenching rain.
But getting together with family and friends was what was important, pointed out the state’s youth director.