It was a great day of fishing in Arizona for the SAF State Championship at Roosevelt Lake. The anglers had to navigate muddy waters and modify strategies to compete with the curveballs thrown by the recent rains and snowmelt. In true fashion, these high school anglers put their heads down and went to work.  The first-place team brought a bass of a lifetime, which weighed in at a whopping 10.11 pounds and anchored their 16.51-pound bag.  Tanner Despain caught the lunker first thing in the morning using a Critter’s Custom Spinnerbait. As the bass jumped 4 to 5 times, their captain felt the heart attack coming on. Luckily, they were able to land it and take it for a ride all the way to the scales.

The excitement was in the air as Tanner and Creek Johnson vibrated across the stage. Showing true sportsmanship, our second-place team of James Murphy Jr. and Dash Dawson shared in the excitement and amazement as they congratulated their peers. James and Dash filled their bounty of 10.97 pounds by covering water and flipping Yamamoto Senkos until their arms fell off. Rounding out the top 3 was John Waters and Carter Bogle, with a close 3^rd of 10.76.

As Kentucky anglers pave the way for all other state programs, they once again turned out in full force for the annual SAF KY High School State Championship at Lake Cumberland.  Strong weather moved through the area during the weekend and the anglers were left with rough conditions for the tournament day itself.

The Montgomery County team of Austin Hatton and Mason Whitt top all the 200 plus teams and brought 17-00 pounds to the scales to take home the top honors.  Just one pound behind them in second place was Connor Hunt and Parker Kidwell of the Rockets with 16-00 pounds.  Holding down third was the team of Andrew Wilson and Michael Smith from Washington County with 15-09 pounds.  A top five finish went to Elijah Adkins and Jaden Goley with a 14-11 effort.  Fifth belonged to Hudson Montgomery and Clayton Gough for their 14-02 weight.  The Lew’s Big Bass of the event went to the Grayson County Team of Owen Meridith and Cannon Oneal for their 4-06 catch.

The fish were trying to be up shallow as many reported catching their fish on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and speed worms or Senkos.  Most were fishing in about 3-10 feet of water.

For full results and more photos from Lake Cumberland CLICK HERE

The 2023 Louisiana was held March 19th on Lake D’Arbonne in Farmerville, LA. Cooler temps and north winds created a tough day for the anglers. Caleb Johnston and Colin Cosenza, from Many High School, won the tournament with a five fish limit weighing 13 pounds 13 ounces. Landin Chatham and Jessie Parker claimed 2nd place with 13 pounds 8 ounces. Landin and Jessie also won Big Bass honors earning them each a Lew’s reel. Jessie caught the Big Bass that weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces. In 3rd place, Eddie Hyatt and Maddox Williams, with Lakeside Warriors, also had 13 pounds 8 ounces. Kyle Jones and Levi Robinson, Parkway High School, took 4th place with 12 pounds 5 ounces and in 5th place from Choudrant High School was Peyton Bennett and Brayden Pye.

The top seven teams from this tournament will advance to the 14th Annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship in LaCrosse, WI this June.  For full results and more photos from the LA high school State Championship CLICK HERE

The Student Angler Federation would like to give a huge shout out to Mayor John Crow and team from the City of Farmerville for a great show of support and making this a great event for the high school anglers. We also want to thank Big Star Grocery and Goldman Marine for their support at this event.