Tomorrow, 20 anglers between the ages of 11 and 18 will have a competition of their own on Flaming Gorge, and they’ll also have the opportunity to help out their state team.
Each state competing in a Cabela’s Bassmaster Federation Nation Divisional has the option to bring two youth anglers, one in the 11- to 14-year-old age division and one in the 15- to 18-year-old age group. Each Junior Bassmaster angler vies for a spot in the 2012 Bassmaster Junior World Championship (JWC), held in conjunction with the 2012 Cabela’s Bassmaster Federation Nation Championship this October. One of the youth in each age division advances to the JWC.
In addition, the teenagers’ weight adds to their overall state team’s weight, so the young anglers’ skill has a chance to really make an impact for their state.
“It’s always exciting for us and the kids to have them competing right alongside their adult counterparts,” said Jon Stewart, senior manager of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation. “I’m sure they will all do well tomorrow.”
The teens have been practicing on the Flaming Gorge for several days, and they’ve had the distinct advantage of watching their adult counterparts struggle with the no-cull rule. Asked this morning how he was going to handle the culling situation, Tyler Garrison of Montana said without hesitation: “I’m keeping all the fish I catch!”
The Junior Bassmaster competition is a one-day affair and coincides with the adults’ final day of competition. The young anglers will launch with the adults tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. at Buckboard Marina.
“We look forward to seeing who will compete in the JWC in October,” Stewart added.
The following Junior Bassmasters are competing in the 11-14 age division:
| Name | State |
|---|---|
| David Ashton | Idaho |
| Connor Burn | Utah |
| Logan Branscum | Nevada |
| Tristan Decker | Washington |
| Tyler Evans | Montana |
| Logan Meredith | Washington |
| James Nobles III | Arizona |
| Julian Sosa-Carver | New Mexico |
| Connar Wilkins | Wyoming |
| Josh Villa | Colorado |
The following Junior Bassmasters are competing in the 15-18 age division:
| Name | State |
|---|---|
| Nik Autrey | Washington |
| Garrett Dow | Arizona |
| Tyler Garrison | Montana |
| Michael Harpell | Colorado |
| Seth Hausman | Utah |
| Landon McKnight | New Mexico |
| Matthew Myers | Nevada |
| Ethan Peterson | Idaho |
| Taylor Tucker | Wyoming |
| Jacob Wall | Oregon |