EDINA, Minn. — Nick Montilino has been a dominant force among Minnesota bass fishing's youth ranks in recent years.
Just last summer, he won four tournaments — two high school state championships, an adult tournament and a club tournament.
"Nick is a beast on the water," said Jeffrey Nelson, coach of the Bassinators and an officer in the Stellar Bass Club.
"His skills to find and catch fish are unmatched by any angler of his age on the water," continued Nelson.
Now that Montilino has graduated Edina High School, he is moving on to join the college bass team at Murray State University.
"Although there is not much competition in the youth club for him anymore," said Nelson, "he continues to participate as a mentor to the other kids. His skills and willingness to share his knowledge make him one of the kids' most favored boat captains."
Montilino has participated in multiple lake and park cleanups, volunteered at CastingKids events and prepared meals for the underprivileged through his local hockey association and church.
"Nicholas is a natural leader who will go the extra mile to establish and maintain positive relationships with others," said Alicia Halker, Edina High School business teacher and fishing team advisor.
"This skill of Nicholas' has proven to be useful in the areas of collaborative teamwork in the classroom as well as his ability to connect with others," continued Halker.
Montilino will compete alongside a Bassmaster Elite Series pro as a member of the exclusive 2015 Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team. He will join his 11 cohorts on Tennessee's Lake Barkley, June 6, for the tournament.