Fifty-eight youth anglers launched from First Creek for the fourth tournament of the Shoals Youth Bassmasters on July 23, 2022, on Wheeler Lake.
Pleasant weather conditions greeted the young anglers and their adult advisors at launch. The hot temperatures had returned by the 11 AM weigh-in. The longtime Shoals Youth Bassmasters manager and founder, Richard Laxson, had this to say, “We have a 3 fish limit when the heat is like it’s been the last few weeks. I’m very proud of these young anglers and adult advisors for their
effort to keep the fish alive and returned to the lake. We have lost a few in this heat, but these anglers are learning to keep them alive.”
The fifty-eight youth anglers were divided into their three age divisions. Conner Kyle took the first place trophy in the 10 and Under Age Division with 8 lbs., 5 oz. Six pounds, 2 ounces brought in by Hayden Davis won first place in the 11-15-Year-old Division. The 16 to 18-Year-old Division was topped by Jenny Clifton for her 5 lb., 7 oz. bag. Graham Walker got the big fish trophy for a 4 lb., 13 oz. largemouth bass.
Overall, the total weight of the three division trophy winners was 57.4375 pounds.
Age division trophy winners
10 and Under Age Division
1st Place Connor Kyle – 8 lbs. 5 oz.
2nd Place River Comer – 7 lbs
3rd Place Cope Chapman – 6 lbs. 14 oz.
4th Place Graham Walker – 6 lbs. 11 oz.
11 to 15 Age Division
1st Place Hayden Davis – 6 lbs. 2 oz.
2nd Place Cam Andrews – 6 lbs.
3rd Place Preston Nale – 2 lbs. 10 oz.
4th Place Hunter Henson – 2 lbs.
16 to 18 Age Division
1st Place Jenny Clifton – 5 lbs. 7 oz.
2nd Place Fisher Heard – 3 lbs. 4 oz.
3rd Place Briar Terry – 3 lbs 2 oz.
Lunker
Graham Walker – 4 lb. 13 oz. Largemouth
The next club tournament is August 27 on Wilson Lake in North Alabama out of Lock Six. All club tournaments are from 7 A.M. to 11 A.M.
2022 Tournament Trail
May 21 First Creek Wheeler
June 18 Lock Six Wilson
July 9 McFarland Park Pickwick
July 23 First Creek Wheeler
August 27 Lock Six Wilson
Sept 17 McFarland Park Pickwick
Anglers in each division must have a responsible adult advisor running the boat and assisting a young fisherman as required. The year-end picnic will be held after the last tournament. Youths must be a member of the Shoals Youth Bassmasters before the last tournament to be eligible for the lunch, and awards provided at the club’s yearend event.
THE TOURNAMENT PHOTO ALBUM FOR VIEWING/DOWNLOADING IS HERE.
For more information on how to join the club or about the tournament please call Richard Laxson, Club Director, at 256-757-1660 or email him at [email protected].