Shoals Youth Bassmasters Faced 90 Degree Water Surface Temp and 103 Degree Heat Index On Wheeler

The Shoals Youth Bassmasters launched from First Creek on Wheeler Lake on a steamy morning to go fishin’ for a trophy. At the end of their final 2026 season on September 19, the temperature reached a hot 98 degrees during the picnic and awards, with a heat index of 103.

SYBM Division Winners.

The youth fished through the heat with their adult boat captains, and several young anglers brought some nice bass to the scales. One competitor’s boat captain said the surface water temperature was 90 degrees. But the kids fished on.

Anyone at the 11 AM weigh-in would be impressed with many of the bass brought to the scales in such tough conditions. Several competitors boated their three-fish limit.

Here are the first-place trophy winners in each age division. Trent Sykes nailed down first place in the youngest age group with 9.06 lbs. In the 11 to 15 Age Group, Brock Jewell edged out second place with 8.27 lbs., with a 3.91 lb. smallmouth kicker. The oldest age group division took 2.55 lbs., brought in by Jake Boyd, to grab a first-place trophy.

Division Trophy Winners

10 and Under Age
1st Place — Trent Sykes    9.06 lbs.
2nd Place — Caston Bolton    7.91 lbs.
3rd Place — Hank Rumbaugh    7.75 lbs.
4th Place — Turner Sykes    6.42 lbs.

Division Total: 31.14 lbs.

11 to 15 Age Group
1st Place — Brock Jewell    8.27 lbs.
2nd Place — Jace Smith    7.62 lbs.
3rd Place — Tadd Burroughs    4.78 lbs.
4th Place — Jacob Weir    4.34 lbs.

Division Total: 25.01 lbs.

16 to 18 Age Group
1st Place — Jake Boyd    2.55 lbs.
2nd Place — Wyatt Lancaster    2.46 lbs.

Division Total: 5.01 lbs.
Total Trophy Winners: 61.16 lbs.

Lunker
Brock Jewell — 3.91 lbs. Smallmouth

All Event Photos from the Ramp and Pavilion Are Posted HERE.

The heat was on.

The Annual Awards and Picnic

The young anglers received a gift bag with tackle and a rod and reel.
10 and Under Age
Angler of the Year — Jemma Clifton    49.72 lbs.
Runner-up — Trent Sykes    30.73 lbs.

11 to 15 Age
Angler of the Year — Brock Jewell    45.60 lbs.
Runner-up — Jacob Weir    39.71 lbs.

16 to 18 Age
Angler of the Year — Not Available
Runner-up — Wyatt Lancaster    10.26 lbs.

Largest Fish
Porter Ellison — 7.28 Largemouth
Jep Staggs — 4.78 Smallmouth

Angler of the Year received a $50.00 Bass Pro Shops gift card, a custom-made rod from UPCOAST Custom Rods, and a plaque. Runner-up received a $25.00 gift card from Shoals Outdoor Sports. Largest fish anglers received a $50.00 gift card.

Club director Richard Laxson said, “Thanks to the Alabama State Park Rangers Association for cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for the picnic and their support. And thanks to all our sponsors, volunteers, and Southern Fishing News.”

Post Presented By Southern Fishing News
Veteran-Owned & Fishing Experienced
& Shoals Youth Bassmasters
And These Sponsors:
Slider Lures (www.sliderfishing.com)
Neese Waterfront Real Estate (www.neesere.com)
Bass Assassin Lures (http://bassassassin.com)
EGO Fishing (https://egofishing.com)
Motley Fishing (https://motleyfishing.com)
Frankey & Monica Marine (https://www.facebook.com/FrankeysMarineService)
Bo’s Jigs (http://bosjigs.com)
RipaLip (http://ripalip.com?AFFID=702162) (http://ripalipuniversity.com)