The vibrant Shoals Youth Bassmasters (SYBM) of north Alabama opened the club’s 2017 fishing season May 20th on Wheeler Lake. The young bass fishermen, and young ladies, along with their adult boat captains, were anxious to hit the water to vie for trophies in their age groups. Seventy SYBM members participated in the opening tournament.
Any day you can go fishing is a good day. However, some conditions make fishing a little more fun. The SYBM members launched their boats into the waters of Wheeler with an overcast sky and humidity that makes you sweat while tying on a lure. However, these young anglers took the conditions in stride and went after their bag of bass.
(L-R) Landon Crisp, 4-13 Largemouth; Mason Newton, 5-7 Largemouth; Colby Birdwell, 4-0 Smallmouth; J. D. Wright, 4-15 Largemouth
As a reminder, the club’s members compete in one of three age groups: 10 And Under Division; 11 to 15 Age Group; and the 16 to 18 Age Group. Four places are awarded in each age group. Big fish of the tournament is also awarded.
First thru fourth place in each age group:
10 and under
1st Place: Hayden Smith 19lbs 11ozs.
2nd Place: Castin Smith 14lbs 5ozs.
3rd Place: Camden Randall 9lbs 11ozs.
4th Place: Mason Newton 9lbs 1oz.
11 to 15
1st Place: Hannah Fleeman 11lbs 14ozs.
2nd Place: J. D. Wright 11lbs 4ozs.
3rd Place: Colby Birdwell 9lbs. 15ozs.
4th Place: Crawford Saylor 8lbs 3ozs.
16-18
1st Place: Logan Peden 10lbs. 12ozs.
2nd Place: Jacob Davis 7lbs. 9ozs.
3rd Place: Brooke Kimbrough 7lbs. 4ozs.
Lunker: Mason Newton 5-7 Largemouth
The club’s remaining schedule:
June 10 Fleet Harbor – Wilson – NEXT UP
July 15 First Creek – Wheeler
August 12 Colbert Park – Pickwick
August 26 Lock Six – Wilson
Sept 9 McFarland Ramp – Pickwick (Picnic, Awards and gifts)
Tournaments will begin at 7:00 A.M. and weigh-in will be at 11:00 A.M.
Anglers in each division must have a responsible adult advisor in the boat. The year end picnic will be held after the last tournament on September 9. Youth must be a member before the last tournament to be eligible to participate in the picnic event.
For more SYBM information please call 256-757-1660 or send an email to [email protected]
