School’s out for the summer, but before we send youngsters into the outdoors, it’s time to acknowledge the accomplishments of high schoolers and grade schoolers on the water and afield.
A week ago, on Lake Sam Rayburn in Jasper, Texas, Louisiana high school bass fishermen claimed seven of the 13 spots open for the Bassmaster High School National Championship set for early August on Tennessee’s Lake Chickamauga.
The highest among the seven was the Assumption High team of Ridge Mabile and Evan Aucoin, followed by a third-place tie between St. Amant High’s Cade Fontenot and Jerry Rouyea and Justin Blaise and Chance Bass from Glenmora High.
Sulphur High’s Bryce Youngblood, fishing alone, took sixth place.
Then came Brady Talbot and Hunter King from Live Oak High in ninth, then Sulphur's team of Kade Ellender and Caden Doucet in the 12th spot, and the Catholic High team of Porter Morrision and Brayden Morgan at 13.
Louisiana Youth B.A.S.S. Nation’s Junior anglers also came home automatic qualifiers for the national tournament.
Cole Watkins and Luke Delaney, who compete in the Junior Southwest Bassmasters of Denham Springs, finished second in the big field, followed by the sixth-place team of Landon Grabert and James Boquet from Houma Christian.
The ninth and 10th places went to the catches of Max Daniel and Carter Oufnac from Parkview Baptist and the Vermilion Junior’s duo of Sawyer Knickerbocker and Conner Tate.
That’s not all
After a late winter-springtime series of tournaments, Denham Springs High’s team of Caleb Roblin and Jordan Sibley were named Anglers of the Year on the Louisiana Youth B.A.S.S. Nation series.
That came after Roblin and Sibley won the Louisiana state tournament.
“It’s the first time a team has won both the state tournament and were named anglers of the year,” Jim Breaux said. Breaux and Gene Hoover began the series 10 years ago and have dedicated these years to growing the competition.
A quick glance shows the series of two tournaments each in the North, East and West divisions drew more than 160 teams to each event, then added between 30-50 Junior teams to each day on statewide waters.
Piers Picou and Jaxon Plaisance, who attend Central Catholic in Morgan City, earned their second straight Anglers of the Year honors in the Junior Division.
On your calendar
With a registration deadline set for May 31, fishermen ages 4-15 participate in the Youth Fishing Rodeo set June 8 at the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge.
It’ll be held on the Jim Schmidt Boardwalk Trailhead/fishing access site off Exit 11 on I-59 north at Pearl River.
Kids can line the banks at the refuge’s fishing pond with the chance to win prizes. Fishing runs from 7:30-11 a.m, and all youngsters must be able to hold their own fishing rod/pol and must be accompanied by an adult.
All registered kids will be provided with bait and lunch for the whole family, and youngsters will be able to borrow rigged-up fishing poles.
The fee is $10 per child. They can borrow or bring their own pole.
The registration website: flwr.org/.
On target
Korie Gallagher is a hit after she hit targets for a score of 282 to win the Girl’s Elementary School Bull'seye Division in the National Archery in Schools Program’s Western National Championship held in Utah in late April 26-27.
Gallagher attends Benton Intermediate School, which she led to an overall second place in the team competition.
She went through instruction and qualifying in the Archery in Louisiana Schools Program, which is administered by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and sponsored by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation.
Benton Intermediate claimed another title when Paxton Cassel scored a 275 in the Boys’ 3D tournament, and Airline High’s Jack Wilwert brought home a third title after scoring a 289 to win the Centershot 3D Tournament.
J.I. Barron Sr. Elementary added to the haul by taking first in the Centershot 3D tournament.
Now, young folks, go enjoy your summer.