The Tennessee High School Fishing State Championship was held on Old Hickory Lake for the first time this past weekend. High School and Junior anglers from all over the state came to Sandes Ferry Park to test their skills against the Old Hickory Bass. Weather once again chose to be a main factor in the outcome. All week long we had enjoyed above average temperatures and pretty weather. Then on Friday things turned windy and much colder. But that did not dampen these kids spirits one bit. They all hit the water Saturday morning ready to catch ‘em up. 
The West TN Student Bass Trail team, from Brighton, of Malachi Pearson and Tristan Henry found the right baits and reeled in the winning catch of 14-02 pounds to become the High School State Champions for 2024. Just behind them was the Tennessee Valley team of Garrett Brewer and Benjamin Puckett who weighed 12-01 to finish in second. Alcoa’s Jackie Hatfield and Landon Myers wrangled up 11-01 to take third place. Barrett Newton and Brayden Huddleston captured a good 10-00 pound limit to finish fourth and three teams all tied for fifth place. Evan McCloud and Jayden Robbins along with Luke Benson and Mason McClintock as well as Tucker Wollney and Carter Smith all brought in 8-13 pounds for the day. The Lew’s Big Bass of the day went to Garrett Brewer and Benjamin Puckett with a solid 4-00 pound lunker which earned each tam member a new Lew’s reel.
Most of the teams reported that they were catching fish somewhat shallow. Spinnerbaits, Drop-Shots and crankbaits seemed to be the best baits of the day. Most teams were back in some of the shallower bays and were finding fish along rocky banks that had wood cover on them, while others targeted the back corners of boat docks and some were just fishing the ends of any of the secondary points in the creeks.
For complete results and photos of this event please CLICK HERE.
