IHSA Bass Fishing: How to Get Started At My School

[90x]

Last year was a historic moment for high school bass fishing. Illinois was the first state to declare bass fishing a sport ;D ;D ;D

I am lucky enough to live in Illinois. I currently go to Northside College Prep in Chicago. I would like to get a bass fishing team started. We have the Chicago River literally running through my high school's backyard. Can anyone help me get started?

I am going to contact one of the aquatic scientists at my school. I would appreciate any one's input and help on creating a bass team. I am also looking for a bass club sponsor to allow my school to use a boat or two. We can deal with equipment ourselves, but the money for boats will be a little insane.

Plus, i would love the idea of coming to school with my rod and reel and fishing after classes or during my lunch period, that would be awesome.

Thanks to anyone who can help!!!

(I'm posting here and the Illinois section to get people's attention)

PM me if you have any ideas or help. (Only if you live in Chicago and/or you are a bass club member who could be willing to help.)

[Koop]

NIU, SIU and UIC all have teams, I'd contact one of them.

[90x]

Well we're a highschool. I dont know if colleges would have any info for high school bass fishing. Thanks for the help though.

[Dalton Tam]

My highschool has a bass club here. Although its not a sport here, we do have some good competition from another local school. Idk how the team is going for you but I just wanted to let you know of a national Highschool tournament on Toledo Bend in march of 2010. Look on www.icarenation.org for more details. Hope to see some of them illinois boys there.

[BDS165]

Approach your administration with your idea. Present it to them in a well thought out way and try to gain support from others who like this idea and would want to join. If you don't have support from other students you will not be able to make this happen. Try to also figure out the costs of it because that will be a big part of your school's participation. You will probably have to pay a fee for your school's enrollment into the sport.

[Barry R.]

Why not contact the IHSA directly and ask them what your school needs to do to get started.  You can also get your Athletic Director involved.  If he's not an angler, see if you can get a volunteer to help with some of these ideas you have.  BTW: You sound like you could be a leader here....go for it!!!  Good Luck!

[spinnerbaitking]

My 1st post hope this helps, I'm in the middle of trying to start school clubs in my area check out this site, free DVD & hand book to start just fill out a survey after your 1st meeting, try & locate a club to work with you in your area for boats

Sbking

google The Bass Federation, check out youth Student Angler