DECATUR — Hoping to reel in youths on the fun of fishing, BassTactix Alabama is hosting the High School and Junior State Championship Tournament next weekend in Decatur.
Hosted in partnership with Decatur Morgan County Tourism, the event launches 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday, with weigh-ins at 3 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday. Spectators can catch the action at Ingalls Harbor and Pavillion.
“I noticed high school fishing had gotten way too serious. I wanted to bring the fun back into it,” said Tournament Director Shane Mansell. “I also added a twist — boat captains aren’t just there to watch. They can actually compete against each other in their own side tournament, helping mentor young anglers while still getting to fish themselves.”
All teams will fish both days, with champions crowned at the conclusion of Saturday’s competition — one for the high school division and one for the junior division.
On the junior side, two-time Anglers of the Year Westin Hyche and Jace Wiggins head the competition. Top contenders include Case Frey and Tristan Mullins, along with the team of Walker Shifflet and Luke Hedley.
The senior division features points-leaders Murphy Childers and Ryder Colee. The competition includes Georgia’s Ellis Turner and Blalock Eskew, as well as Gunner Tate and Braden Tisdale.
Local favorites Lake Johnson and Beau England are also to be reckoned with because of their familiarity with Wheeler Lake.
To earn a spot in the championships, teams had to compete in at least four qualifying tournaments throughout the year.
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