Last weekend was a life-changer for Forrest Wood Cup winner Jacob Wheeler, but it also marked a milestone in the fishing careers of youngsters Andrew Guillams and Max Danese.
They were the winners in their respective age divisions at the National Guard Junior World Championship, which was also held at Lake Lanier, on water that was deemed off-limits for Cup competitors. Each led their divisions after day 1, but the weights were zeroed for the final day and they both delivered winning stringers.
Danese, 14, who hails from Franklin, Mass., took home the title in the 11-to-14 age group by catching two fish for 6-12, including a 5-02 brute that would’ve rivaled any fish caught by the pros this week. His key dropshot bait was a Berkley Gulp! Minnow.
“Winning the National Guard Junior World Championship means the world to me,” he said. “I look forward to coming back again.”
Gulliams, 18, a native of Springfield, Mo., caught a limit for 7-12 to win the 15-to-18 age bracket. The 2011 Missouri State High School Fishing champion caught four of his fish on a shaky-head in anywhere from 5 to 25 feet. His first fish came on a topwater plug.
“Winning this tournament is unbelievable,” he said. “I have been having dreams about this for several weeks now.”
Each champion took home a $3,000 scholarship award for their wins.
