ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL FISHING OPEN

High School Fishing LogoNews Release

For additional information, please contact:
Joe Opager, Director of Public Relations
(612) 337-1989 office, (218) 434-0748 cell or joe.opager@jacobs-mgmt.com

ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL FISHING OPEN SET FOR WHEELER LAKE

 

ROGERSVILLE, Ala. (May 8, 2014) – The Bass Federation (TBF) and FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, will host a Student Angler Federation High School Fishing Open on Wheeler Lake in Rogersville, Ala., June 8. The tournament will be held in conjunction with the Walmart FLW Tour event being held on Lake Pickwick, and will offer high school anglers the chance to meet the country’s top bass anglers and experience the intensity of the FLW Tour while testing their own bass-fishing skills against their peers.

The Alabama High School Open is a two-person (team) event for students in grades 9-12. It is open to students from any state. Registration for anglers and their coach, who will provide and drive the boat from which they compete, is open online at HighSchoolFishing.org. Participation is free for all Student Angler Federation Members. Students who are not yet SAF members will pay a $25 membership fee that includes eligibility to fish SAF tournaments at no charge; insurance coverage for students and their bass-fishing club, school and volunteers; advancement opportunities from local and state events to national events offering scholarships; a digital subscription to FLW Bass Fishing magazine; access to free online fishing education courses; and much more.

High School Anglers will take off from Joe Wheeler State Park located at 4403 McLean Drive in Rogersville, Ala., at 6:30 a.m. Sunday. The weigh-in will be held at the marina at 2 p.m. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free and open to the public. Teams should register online at HighSchoolFishing.org or a $25 late-registration fee will apply to those who register on-site.

The top three High School Fishing team finishers will be recognized on the Walmart FLW Tour stage at Walmart, located at 2701 Cloverdale Road in Florence, Ala., at 4 p.m. as part of the Tour’s final weigh-in and nationwide FLW Live broadcast.

The top three teams from each SAF High School Fishing Open held this season will advance to a High School Fishing conference championship along with the top 10 percent of each state championship field. The top 10 percent of each conference championship field will then advance to the High School Fishing National Championship coinciding with the TBF National Championship and an FLW Tour stop in the spring of 2015. The High School Fishing national champions each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.

“High School Fishing provides students with a connection to their schools and an opportunity to explore their passion for the outdoors in a new and exciting way,” FLW Vice President of Operations Dave Washburn said. “It allows students to apply science, technology, engineering and math skills acquired in the classroom in a real-world scenario that is unique in high school athletics. It’s a win for the students, a win for the schools and a win for the future of fishing and conservation in the United States.”

In addition to the High School Fishing National Championship, all SAF members nationwide automatically qualify for the world’s largest high school bass tournament, the 2014 High School Fishing World Finals, held on Lake Dardanelle in Russelville, Ark., on July 15-19. At the 2013 World Finals more than $40,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded. Visit HighSchoolFishing.org for details.

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. 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 more than 40 years. Visit Bassfederation.com.

ABOUT FLW

FLW is the industry’s premier tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money nationwide in 2014 over the course of 229 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 tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show and is broadcast to more than 564 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world. FLW is committed to providing a lifestyle experience that is the “Best in Fishing, On and Off the Water.” For more information about FLW visit FLWOutdoors.com and look for FLW on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.

Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

 High School Fishing Logo News Release

For additional information, please contact: The Bass Federation, info@highschoolfishing.org – 580.765.9031      www.highschoolfishing.org

 

2014 Tri-State Event moves to Manchaug Pond in Massachusetts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PONCA CITY, Okla. (January 15, 2014) – The Bass Federation (TBF), in partnership with FLW is pleased to host the 2014 Student Angler Federation (SAF) Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS on Saturday June 14th at the State Park Launch Ramp on Manchaug Pond located on Holt Road in Sutton, MA.

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 is at 6:00am with a mandatory rules briefing to follow. We highly encourage all teams to pre-register online or by phone in advance to avoid late registration fees.

“State championships allow every SAF member in North America the opportunity to fish in a championship tournament setting,” TBF National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, stated. “This year, with the help of our partners at FLW, we’re expanding the program again by offering more advancement opportunities based on field size. In 2014, the top 10% of the field will advance. This rewards areas of the country working hard to grow the sport of high school fishing.”

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.  Membership includes full TBF and FLW benefits, FLW Magazine e-Edition and insurance coverage for clubs and students. The top 10% of each SAF state championship and the top 3 teams from any SAF National OPEN event will advance to an FLW/TBF High School Fishing Conference Championship. The top 10% of each conference championship will advance to the FLW/TBF High School Fishing National Championship held spring of 2015 in conjunction with a major TBF or FLW event. The National Champions win a $5,000 college scholarship to the school or their choice. All SAF members nationwide and all open and state championship participants automatically qualify for the largest event in high school fishing, the 2014 High School Fishing World Finals. At the 2013 World Finals, over $40,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded.  As with all SAF national events, there is no entry fee to this come one, come all, family vacation event that gives every high school team a shot at thousands in scholarships and prizes.

If you’re not a 2014 SAF member, there’s a one-time $25/per angler fee.  This includes full TBF & FLW membership for the year, as well as, free entry to ALL National SAF events!

A unique SAF event feature is the “angler testing” component. It’s not “just about fishing” but also about education. This year’s angler testing will come from TBF’s new on-line education format with Faculty of Fishing. Anglers can go to highschoolfishing.org and click on “Online Education” then type in their SAF number and zip code to access the FOF site. They have a host of chapters covering a wide variety of topics. “Angler testing and education is an industry first by TBF,” Gintert said. “We built education into the foundation of the entire program when we began, and our partnership with FLW provides even more benefits and opportunities for them to take advantage of,” Gintert continued.  “For only $25 per year these young anglers and have opportunities unlike anything the industry has ever seen.”

Event Details:

Sign-up: PRE-REGISTER ONLINE at HighSchoolFishing.org or a $25 late registration fee applies to those registering onsite. The best way is to pre-register online at highschoolfishing.org.

Mandatory Check-in: Saturday, June 14th At 6:00am at the State Park Launch Ramp on Manchaug Pond in Sutton MA.

Takeoff & Weigh-in: Saturday June 14th immediately following the Check-in and rules meeting at Manchaug Pond. Weigh-in at 3pm.  Questions? 580-765-9031

Tournament Waters: Manchaug Pond

 

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 more than 45 years. 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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Booyah Baits Backs Student Angler Federation

High School Fishing LogoFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For additional information, please contact: Student Angler Federation: info@highschoolfishing.org; or call: 580.765.2319.

 

Booyah Baits Backs Student Angler Federation

 

Ponca City, Okla.—May 6, 2014—Booyah Bait Co. has joined forces with the Student Angler Federation to expand and enhance opportunities for youths across the continent to enjoy the thrill of competitive fishing.

Manufacturer of an ever-deadly and wildly popular family of bass-fishing jigs, frogs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and Boo Rigs, Booyah recently crafted a sponsorship package to foster the growth of SAF’s youth outreach and tournament efforts. “Booyah is proud to support fishing at all levels, but sponsoring high school fishing is extra special. High school teams are the future pros of tomorrow, and we’re excited to be a part of ensuring they get the chance to live their dreams and also help them learn the importance of fisheries conservation,” said the company’s Melinda Hays.

A joint venture between The Bass Federation (TBF) and FLW Outdoors, the SAF sanctions and supports high school fishing clubs, which compete with other high school-aged anglers in their home states and are eligible to participate in state, regional and national SAF championships, along with the 2014 High School Fishing World Finals July 15-19 on Lake Dardanelle at Russellville, Arkansas. To provide additional tournament options, SAF also launched a series of open events for the 2014 season at destinations including Florida’s Caloosahatchee River, Lake Russell, South Carolina, Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas, and Alabama’s Wheeler Lake.

SAF offers clubs school-sanctioned and after-school, adult-led options, at a cost of just a $25 yearly membership per student. In addition to providing comprehensive insurance coverage for club events, each youth receives a dual TBF and FLW membership package, including eight issues of FLW’s digital magazine, and discounts at the TBF’s members-only online store. SAF also features a unique “angler testing” component, which builds aquatic education into the foundation of the Federation’s youth fishing program. For 2014, testing utilizes TBF’s new online Faculty of Fishing format.

As a bonus for student anglers fishing the SAF’s team-format high school fishing events, Booyah Baits offers the “Booyah Heavyweight Bag of the Day” contingency, which rewards the team weighing the heaviest basket at select tournaments with a great prize package.

“Booyah Baits is a great partner for the SAF program,” said Kelly Gohman, TBF’s VP of sales and marketing. “They’re deeply committed to promoting the sport of fishing, and their fish-catching products are perfect for bass fans of all ages.”

Booyah’s lineup includes topwater knockouts like the Poppin’ Pad Crasher and Booyah Buzz, a stellar selection of single- and multi-blade spinnerbaits, the umbrella-style, single-hook Boo Rig, and a full complement of flippin’, football and finesse jigs.

Since the national introduction of High School Fishing by TBF and FLW under the Student Angler Federation umbrella in 2011, participation has more than doubled each year and three states (Kentucky, New Hampshire and Missouri) have joined Illinois in sanctioning bass fishing as an official high school sport.

SAF sponsors include Cabela’s, Ranger Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Chevy, FLW Outdoors, Evinrude, Solar Bat, Berkley, Fishidy, Lew’s, Booyah and MotorGuide. For more information, visit highschoolfishing.org, email info@highschoolfishing.org, or call: 580.765.2319.

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