By Steve Weisman

(photo submitted) Talk about inspirational! The national anthem presented at last year’s Championship!

For the third consecutive year, Bass Federation’s (TBF) Student Angler Federation (SAF) is heading to the Okoboji Chain of Lakes for the IGLFC/Strike King SAF Iowa High School State Championship. Scheduled for Saturday, April 19, the championships will bring the best of the best in high school and junior high bass anglers in the state of Iowa to target the acclaimed bass fishery of the Okoboji Chain of Lakes.

There will be both High School (grades 9-12) and Junior (grades 3-8) categories all trying to earn a qualifying sport for the High School National Championships and the Junior World Championships, respectively.

According to Bob Harris, tournament director, the tournament looks to have the largest turnout ever in the state of Iowa. Harris says, “The numbers keep increasing each year. As for the waters, the size of the bass throughout the chain is incredible. In addition, there will be plenty of water and places to explore. We want to give special thanks to the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club (IGLFC) and Strike King for being the official title sponsors for this year’s championship.”

Each team has an adult mentor, who provides the boat (must be at least a 16-foot boat with a working livewell and acts as the boat captain. Harris says, “These boat captains are so important for the success of this tournament circuit. It would not be possible without their investment of money, time and emotional support for our youth. They have such a positive impact on these youngsters. At the end of the day, it’s about integrity and learning to solve the fish and the changes that can occur throughout the day, just like the problem solving they do in real life.”

About the tournament

Tournament anglers must be off the water by 5 p.m. on Friday afternoon, which will end any last minute prefishing.

Registration and check-in will take place at Oak Hill Outdoor at 6 p.m. on Friday followed by the mandatory rules meeting. Harris says, “We certainly appreciate Oak Hill offering its facility for us. The venue has the perfect outdoor (hunting and fishing) atmosphere with lots of room to hold the high school anglers, their boat captains, along with any family members.”

The tournament itself will launch and have its weigh-in at Emerson Bay Boat Ramp. Take-off will begin at 7:00 a.m. or first safe light with weigh-in at 2:30 p.m. Prior to the launch, representatives of the American Legion will present the colors and Sara Taylor will sing the national anthem. Harris notes, “We all appreciate the efforts of the color guard. Last year’s presentation was an incredible way to start the State Championship.”

The 2:30 p.m. weigh-in will take place in flights, and it will be like a major bass tournament weigh-in with a trailer and stage, with teams bringing their fish up to the official scale. A PA system is used to announce weights with everything livestreamed. The livestream can be accessed at highschoolfishing.org.

Harris encourages the public to attend the weigh-in. “The teams appreciate having people come to their weigh-in. It’s always fun to see what these teams bring to the scales. There is plenty of room for people to gather around, and the morning take-off with the national anthem is also fun to watch.”

For the youth anglers

Harris says, “In addition to our presenting sponsors, we want to also thank Pure Fishing, Fisherman’s Factory Outlet, Stine Seeds, Scheels and Oak Hill Outdoor for their support in helping make this a true ‘bucket list’ of memories for all our participants.”

Harris continues, “This will be a true showcase for the young anglers. Because of the generosity of the sponsors, a total of over $10,000 in trophies and prizes will be awarded. In addition, there will be no entry fee for the youth anglers, and this year every angler will receive over $125 in tackle, and each one will be guaranteed a fishing pole, Lew’s spinning reel and tackle from Pure Fishing. We will also be drawing for Scheels gift cards.”

Paul Daniels of the IGLFC shares the club’s excitement of being part of the State Championships. “Our club is proud to bring this tremendous youth event to our region. The Iowa TBF Student Angler Federation puts on a fantastic event, and we are honored to be mentioned with a fishing manufacturer like Strike King as a sponsor. If you’re a local youth angler and want to participate, there is still time to enter. Good luck to all the anglers.”

Harris also gave a shout out to all the coaches, parents and sponsors of all the TBF clubs who are sending these anglers to the State Championships, including the Iowa Fishing League, Northwest Iowa Bass Fishing, Northeast Iowa River Rats, Central Iowa Student Anglers, Indee Bass Club, Cedar Falls Fishing and Prairie Fishing Club.

For the second year in a row the U. S. Army will present a special leadership award to individual student angler and one team. Harris is proud in having the U.S. Army being involved with the Iowa TBF.

To register or to learn more, go to www.highschoolfishing.org or contact Harris, who is also the Iowa TBS Youth Director, at swifishingteam.com.