FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PONCA CITY, Okla. (April 18, 2013) – The Bass Federation (TBF), in partnership with FLW and The Bull Shoals / White River Chamber of Commerce announced today it will host the 2013 Student Angler Federation (SAF) Arkansas High School Fishing State Championship on Saturday, May 11. The event will be held in Marion County on Bull Shoals Lake in Bull Shoals, Ark. launching out of Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock.
The state championship is a two person team event for students in grades 9-12. Registration for anglers and their “coach,” who will provide the boat they compete in, is online at HighSchoolFishing.org. Check-in takes place from 6:30-8pm CST on Friday, May 10 at Bull Shoals Theatre of Arts in Bull Shoals, Ark. with a mandatory rules briefing to follow at 8pm CST. We highly encourage all teams to pre-register online or by phone in advance to avoid late registration fees.
“Bull Shoals / White River Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our local sponsors for making this event possible.” Wilson Bowling, Executive Director of the chamber, stated. “Bull Shoals Lake is a world class fishery, and it’s thanks to their continuing support that we can let these young competitors experience what this lake has to offer!” Wilson continued.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship ($500 a student) to the state champions for enrollment into UAPB’s Aquaculture and Fisheries department. The AQFI Center of Excellence at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is recognized as a leader in aquaculture/fisheries teaching, research and extension programs. It is the only comprehensive aquaculture program within the University of Arkansas System to support the state’s $167 million aquaculture industry. This industry has an economic impact of
over $1.2 billion in the Delta region of Arkansas
On Sunday, May 12th a second tournament will be held as a fund-raiser for the chamber’s Madeline Ott Scholarship fund. The entry fee is $25 per angler. The first place winners of this tournament will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship ($500 a student) to Arkansas State University- Mountain Home. The State Championship and “MOST” tournament is sponsored by: 178 Club, Arvest Bank, State Farm Insurance, Perfect Catch Marine and 
Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock.
Students and parents can go to HighSchoolFishing.org for details on the Student Angler Federation (SAF) and to sign up. Cost is only $25/ year and includes full TBF and FLW benefits, including FLW Magazine e-Edition and insurance coverage for students and their club. The state champions from each state will advance to an FLW/TBF High School Fishing Conference Championship. Conference winners will advance to the FLW/TBF High School Fishing National Championship held in conjunction with the FLW College Fishing National Championship in the spring of 2014. All SAF members nationwide and all state championship participants automatically qualify for the largest event in high school fishing, the 2013 High School Fishing World Finals. At these events students will compete for thousands in college scholarships and prizes. Each team qualifying for a conference and/or national championship will receive a travel allowance to help offset expenses. The National Champions will also receive a $5,000 scholarship each to use at the university of their choice.
If you’re not a current 2013 SAF member, there’s a one-time $25/per angler fee. This includes full TBF & FLW membership benefits for the year, as well as, free entry to ALL SAF sanctioned events!
Another unique feature of an SAF sanctioned event is the “angler testing” component. Anglers can take a free online test at HighSchoolFishing.org 
about boater safety, conservation and angler ethics, which makes them eligible for contingency awards at their state championship. “Angler testing and education is an industry first by TBF,” TBF National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, commented. “The Federation is driven by our desire to promote education through fishing and the testing component is designed to do exactly that. offers these young anglers and their parents a home to participate in the sport of fishing locally and year round. Our partnership with FLW provides more benefits and opportunities for them to take advantage of too,” Gintert continued. “For only $25 per year these young anglers and their families have opportunities unlike anything the industry has ever seen.”
Event Details:
State Championship sign-up: PRE-REGISTER ONLINE at HighSchoolFishing.org. Boat numbers are determined by date registered. A $25 late registration fee applies to those registering at check-in. The best way is to pre-register online at highschoolfishing.org
“MOST” Tournament sign up: PRE-REGISTER ONLINE at www.bullshoals.org
Mandatory Check-in: Friday, May 10, 6:30-8pm CST at Bull Shoals Theatre of Arts located at Central Blvd Bullshoals, AR 72619; rules briefing to follow at 8pm CST.
Takeoff & Weigh-in: Saturday, May 11 at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock, 719 Shorecrest Dr. Bulls Shoals, AR 72619. Takeoff is at first light and weigh-in times will be announced at the Mandatory rules briefing. Questions? 580-765-9031
Host Hotel: Brass Door Inn & Suites located at 1608 Central Blvd. Bull Shoals, AR 72619 Call 870-445-4252 for reservations. The Brass Door Motel located at 621 E. Main St. Hwy 62 Gassville, AR 72635 Call 870-435-2988 for reservations. Discount will be provided for SAF members competing in the High School event.
About FLW
FLW is the industry’s premier tournament-fishing organization, providing unparalleled fishing resources and entertainment to our sponsors, fans and host communities. FLW is offering anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money nationwide in 2013 over the course of 231 tournaments across five tournament circuits, four of which provide an avenue to the sport’s richest payday and most coveted championship trophy – the Forrest Wood Cup. FLW is committed to providing a lifestyle experience that is the “Best in Fishing, On and Off the Water,” through a variety of platforms including tournaments, outdoor expos and FLW Fantasy Fishing. For more information about FLW and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com and look for FLW on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
About The Bass Federation
The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF) is owned by those we serve and dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF is the largest and oldest, organized grassroots fishing organization there is. TBF affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year and have provided a foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for 45. TBF started the Student Angler Federation and the national High School Fishing program in 2008 to promote clean family fun and education through fishing. Visit bassfederation.com or highschoolfishing.org
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