Cold temperatures, wind and rain greeted 62 high school teams as they gathered at Cabela’s in Columbus to register for the Ohio High School Fishing State Championship held on May 6. The weather didn’t seem to dampen their spirits as they bought lures and tackle then woke up early to take on Alum Creek in Galena, Ohio.
Graham Falcon anglers, Rocky & Tanner Jordan, claimed top honors with a limit of bass weighing 11.5 pounds. Just ounces behind them, was the Oak Hill team of Jalea Caldwell and Collin Hammond with 11.1 pounds. Taking third, was the Cincinnati SAF team of Alex Redwine and Daniel Hechler with 9.12 pounds. Fourth and fifth places belonged to Cameron Smith and Jacob Blackburn with 9.3 pounds and Kody Whitaker and Abigail Shade with 7.10 pounds. The sixth and final qualifying spot was claimed by Shane Smith and Isaac Jeffers with 7.3 pounds.
The top six teams all qualified for the National Championship coming up June 27-July 1 on Lake Pickwick in Florence, Ala. The National Championship will be held in conjunction with the High School Fishing World Finals. All teams will register for both events for a chance at double the prizes, payout and awards.
The Lew’s Big Bass Award of two Lew’s Reels went to the Jackson Center Tigers team of Garrett Prenger and Trevor Sosby with a nice 4.5 pound lunker.
Some of the best baits used during this event were jigs, squarebill crankbaits, drop shots and Ned Rigs.
For full tournament results CLICK HERE and to see all the photos CLICK HERE.
