High school students will have a chance to interact with Bassmaster Elite Series pros and learn fishing techniques during the Bassmaster High School Elite Experience, to be held Saturday, Sept. 22 in Decatur, Ill.. The event, intended to instill in youths a passion for fishing, is free to students in grades 9 through 12 and is part of the Bassmaster Toyota Trucks All-Star Week.
“The Elite Experience in Decatur will give these students a chance to see many aspects of bass tournament fishing as B.A.S.S. makes its first-ever visit to the Decatur area,” said B.A.S.S. co-owner Jerry McKinnis. “Along with the 4-day All-Star competition, there will be plenty of activities for the kids, including special seminars on fishing crankbaits, soft plastics, finesse tactics and more – all presented by Bassmaster Elite pros and geared toward high school anglers. Meeting the pros and learning from them will be a truly memorable experience.”
Introduced during the 2012 Bassmaster Elite Series tournament trail, the Bassmaster High School Elite Experience will be a regular feature of Elite events in 2013.
According to Jon Stewart (pictured), senior manager of B.A.S.S. Federation Nation and head of the high school program, “These kids will have a chance to talk to the top pros, ask questions, and see B.A.S.S. tournament operations behind the scenes. That’s a real thrill for them, and the anglers like to encourage them to keep fishing for the love of the sport. We have fans who stand in long lines just to get autographs from these expert bass fishermen. The high school students will have the opportunity to actually learn from the sport’s greats.
The High School Elite Experience will begin at 9 a.m. and will continue through weigh-in at Nelson Park in Decatur. For information or to register, contact Stewart at jstewart@bassmaster.com or call (205) 313-0900.
