On a bright, hot, July day, 46 young anglers fished Wheeler Lake, launching from Elk River, Saturday, July 26th. A 17 pound plus, and a 14 pound plus limit of bass was brought in by two of the contestants, Hayden Smith and Jacob Clifton, respectively, demonstrating the Wheeler bass were hitting in at least two places. There was roughly a ten pound difference between first and second place in two of the age brackets.
The Shoals Youth Bassmasters winners from the Wheeler Lake tournament. Courtesy photo
Mr. Smith, Mr. Brewer and Mr. Aaron watched after the fish when released back in the water. The men retrieved the fish and “Fizzed” them to keep the bass alive. According to the club, this is an important part of catch and release which they practice. The young anglers learn to keep the fish alive for the future.
The first thru third place winners in this youth tournament were:
10 and under:
1st Place, Hayden Smith-17 lbs. 3 oz.
2nd Place, Camden Randall-4 lbs. 15 oz.
3rd Place, Luke Mattox- 3 lbs. 10 oz.
11 to 15 age group:
1st Place, Logan Peden-4 lbs. 1 oz.
2nd Place, Diven Gooch-3 lbs. 11 oz.
3rd Place, Ty Cobb-1 lb. 13 oz.
16 to 18 age group:
1st Place, Jacob Clifton-14 lbs. 10 oz.
2nd Place, Matt Perry-4 lbs. 15 oz.
3rd Place, Makenzie Henson-4 lbs. 8 oz.
Jacob Clifton brought in the lunker bass that weighed 4 lbs. 4 oz.
Jacob Clifton brought in the lunker bass that weighed 4 lbs. 4 oz. and a winning bag.
The Shoals Youth Bassmasters conducted their annual food drive at Elk River. The club members brought in and collected a great deal of food. This project will continue for the next two tournaments.
Club members also cleaned- up around the ramp at Elk River after the tournament.
Regardless of the weights and winners, the premise of the club tournaments is to introduce bass fishing as a hobby, or even more, to the youths and give them a lifelong skill. The events also provide an opportunity for the adults, especially the fathers fishing as boat captains, to spend quality time with their sons and daughters.
Richard Laxson organized the club years ago, and continues to be the driving force, deserves a big thank you from the Shoals area. The Shoals Youth Bassmasters is one of the largest and oldest youth bass clubs in the nation- if not the oldest and largest.
The remaining tournaments for the club are August 23 on Wilson Lake from the
Hayden Smith with his dad. Courtesy photo
Lock Six ramp, and September 6 on Pickwick Lake launching from McFarland. The Pickwick event will also feature a picnic and gift bags for the members. Laxson points out that a youth must sign-up as a member prior to the Pickwick tournament to be eligible to participate in the picnic and gift bags.
The Shoals Youth Bassmasters tournaments begin at 7:00 A.M. and weigh-in is at 11:00 A.M.Anglers in each of the three age division must have a responsible adult advisor in the boat.
For information and sign-up for the club call Richard Laxson at 256-757-1660 or email him at [email protected].
