IHSA high school bass fishing

[HesterIsGod]

Well, it finally happened. The IHSA (Illinois High School Association) sanctioned a state bass fishing championship for the spring of 2009. Various high schools of Illinois will compete. The only thing left that can stop this is if Illinois does not get adequate sponsorship. Illinois will be the first and only school to do this. So in a lot of Illinois high schools bass fishing tournaments will be right up there with basketball, football, soccor, etc...

I am a junior at an Illinois high school so I will have an opportunity to participate my senior year if my school gets a team going. I am pretty excited. I think this is a pretty big step for bass fishing. What do you guys think?

[HesterIsGod]

Here is a couple of links:

http://www.ihsa.org/announce/2007-08/2008-02-11.htm

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/02/14/scholastic/doc47b3cd2fe6f02790489679.txt

[The Bass Guy]

Hey Hester... It is nice too see that fishing is becoming acceptable in schools, but...  The only question I have is how will the school teams be able to compete..  I.e.  Boats, tackle, etc. etc..  I know alot of people that love to fish, but can't afford it...  

Hmmm I wish they would have had fishing when I went to school...  

[Speedy]

well i heard this rumor a couple of weeks ago. i didnt kno if it was true or not but now from your posts i see it is. i am a freshman so if we do get it i will be able to do it unless it interfears with other sports. the only problems i see are where we are going to fish and with what because i know many dont have enough equiptment.

[Bass XL]

The only question I have is how will the school teams be able to compete.. I.e. Boats, tackle, etc. etc.. I know alot of people that love to fish, but can't afford it...

Go here for your answer:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1199222869/all

I posted about this a little bit ago when it wasnt yet official. Gosh I wish I could move one state over now!!

[jrhennecke]

Hey that very cool.  I hope all you guys that want to compete get to.

[bmadd]

That's pretty awesome guys. That would put ya'll in line to jump right to the next level...Collegiate Bass Angling!!!! It's grown a huge amount in 3 years. Hopefully it will go sooner for ya'll

[HesterIsGod]

The only question I have is how will the school teams be able to compete.. I.e. Boats, tackle, etc. etc.. I know alot of people that love to fish, but can't afford it...

The coaches, or teachers who like to fish, would provide most of that stuff. Also, boat and other sponsorship will be key. Like I said before sponsorship, or lack there of, is the only thing left that stands in the way of this becoming a reality.

[bassdocktor]

Well they are also working closely with the BASS Fed Nation clubs aswell. There is a big push by our state board of directors to "sponsor" by which they mean help some of these schools. They want the clubs to be actively involved by being the boaters for the school. I personally think that the Fed Nation is going to try to push this process through. It will be pretty cool to see if it gets going.

[Tom H.]

Think I'll be putting in a phone call to our atheletic director here . Be something good for my step-son to get involved in . Wish they would of had this when I was in school .

[ohiobassmaster93]

i wish my state had somethin like that

[Bartlesville Fisherman]

Man that sounds great. Personally I think If you want to do it you should take charge. Not only will u get to fish, but you will gain valuable experience and it will look good on a college application. Especially if u go to a school that has a tourney team.

As far as sponsorship goes, don't be afraid to go big. There are alot of major corporations who would praobably love to get involved with something like that, especially since you will be the first. I coach a 12 and under baseball team in OK and we have sponsorship from nike, gatorade, and under armour. They are just waitng for people to ask.

Good Luck and keep us posted. 8-)

[Rayraff]

I just talked to a teacher today, I live in Chicago and fully expect to compete in the spring of '09.  I can't believe that it is actually going to happen and I'm kinda mad that I will not be able to compete in future years (That will be my senior year).  From what the teacher said its pretty much going to be 1-2 tournaments a season. I'm lucky enough to have a boat but it will be interesting to see how much support we get.

I think its great that students will finally be introduced to the "sport" of fishing at a young age not just catching bluegills off a dock.  Unless you have a father that is really into fishing you just do not get exposed to the sport.  I'll keep you guys updated on how it's all working out at school.

[FR0G]

Lucky dogs. We need one over here in Antioch! We are right here next to the Delta!!

[Rayraff]

I'm sure that other states will fallow once they see how successful Illinois will be.  Florida is already debating whether they are going to have it or not.

[HesterIsGod]

I'm sure that other states will fallow once they see how successful Illinois will be. Florida is already debating whether they are going to have it or not.

Correct, but it will take a couple of years for the states to start it, so a lot of us high schoolers will probably have graduated by then.

[bassdocktor]

Well guys I think it will be great if it happens. I really think that it will come together nice. They are talking with some large sponsors (corporate) and if those come through this will be very exciting. Alot of the success will come from anyone that volunteers. Anyone that gets to take part in this will be pretty lucky, both anglers and volunteers.

[Rayraff]

Hester, You better win your sectional so the BR members can kick some butt at the state tourny.

[HesterIsGod]

Hester, You better win your sectional so the BR members can kick some butt at the state tourny.

I'll sure try