Jan. 24, 2018

GROWING BASSMASTER HIGH SCHOOL ALL-AMERICAN PROGRAM SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR 2018 CLASS

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is now accepting nominations for the best and brightest high school bass anglers in the country to complete its
2018 class of distinguished students.

The Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods recognizes the 12 best high school anglers in the nation. The program is designed to reward young athletes for their performance in tournaments, leadership in their communities and involvement in conservation efforts.

Applications for the team, which is now in its fourth year, will be accepted today through Feb. 16.

To be considered, a student must be nominated by a parent, coach, teacher or other school official. Students currently enrolled in grades 10 through 12 with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible.

Judges will select up to two student anglers in each state. These All-State Fishing Team members will become semifinalists in the selection of the 12-member All-American Team. Criteria include success in high school fishing tournaments and involvement in conservation efforts and other community service activities.

The anglers chosen will compete in a one-day Bassmaster All-American High School Tournament to be held in conjunction with the 2018 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefiting Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — one of nine regular-season Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments being held this year. Elite Series anglers will serve as coaches for the student anglers in the one-day fishing event on Lake Travis in Jonestown, Texas, where they will be honored before the weigh-in crowd.

“Our High School All-American program has grown exponentially, with almost double the number of applicants since its inception.” said Hank Weldon, senior manager of the Bassmaster High School program. “We are so proud to see all of the accomplishments of young students across the country that do great things for their community and our sport. And, to recognize them with this award is such an honor for B.A.S.S. We can’t wait to see what our 2018 applicants will bring to the table.”

All students who compete in high school fishing events are eligible, regardless of whether they are affiliated with B.A.S.S. or another fishing organization.

Notices have been sent to youth fishing directors of the B.A.S.S. Nation and other organizations, as well as leaders of state high school fishing programs. Adults can nominate students by completing an online form at Bassmaster.com/allamerican. Nominations must be submitted before midnight, Feb. 16.

ABOUT B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.