We are always hearing about how kids play video games and don’t go outside anymore. If that was truly the case, bass fishing would be doomed in just a couple generations.
A few things I’ve witnessed this summer have made me very confident that our sport is actually in very good hands. First thing was the Kentucky State High School Bass Fishing Team Championship held by FLW at Kentucky Lake. As I pulled into Kentucky Lake Marina, the stage, vendor booths, American Flags and FLW Banners told everyone a big event was being held.
I watched over 120 young anglers bring their fish to the scales, cheer for each other and share how they made their catch. These young men and women are the future of Bass Fishing and all these anglers were very enthusiastic and professional, they eagerly shared information with each other, and were quick to show spectators what they caught their bass on. Congratulations to the Muhlenberg County High School team of Taylor Harris and Braxton Beasley for winning the Championship with a two day total over 38 pounds.
The other thing that happened was I had the opportunity to take my little cousin fishing. Colton is 12 years old and has bass fishing fever. He casts a bait caster as good as anyone, knows how to tie all the correct knots, rigs a worm straight, and can even fish a jig. On a tough fishing day, he never quit and fished hard all day. When I was ready to call it a day, he gave me the “just one more cast” line. His enthusiasm is inspiring, He asks great question and is a pleasure to fish with. I had him running the front of the boat by midday and he even helped pull a hook out of my thumb. With young men like those in Kentucky, the rapid spread of bass fishing as a high school and college sport, tournaments targeting kids and my little cousin Colton, bass fishing is in good hands.
Jeff Jewell
RB Bass
