Jan. 21, 2021

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is seeking nominations for the best and brightest high school bass anglers in the country.

The Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors recognizes the 12 most outstanding high school anglers in the nation. The program is designed to reward young athletes for their performance in tournaments, leadership in their communities and involvement in conservation efforts.

Applications for the team, which is now in its seventh year, will be accepted today through Feb. 22.

To be considered, a student must be nominated by a parent, coach, teacher or other school official. Students currently enrolled in grades 10 through 12 with a current grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible.

Judges will select up to two student anglers in each state. These All-State Fishing Team members will become semifinalists in the selection of the 12-member Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. Criteria include success in high school fishing tournaments and involvement in conservation efforts and other community service activities.

The anglers chosen will compete in a one-day Bassmaster High School All-American Tournament to be held in conjunction with the 2021 Bassmaster Elite at Neely Henry Lake which will be held May 6-9 — one of nine regular-season Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments being held this year. Elite Series anglers will serve as “coaches” for the student anglers in the one-day fishing event near Gadsden, Ala. The high school standouts and Elite Series coaches will be honored before the weigh-in crowd.

“The continued growth and success our High School All-American program has had over the past seven years is amazing,” said Hank Weldon, senior manager of the Bassmaster High School program. “We are so proud to offer a platform that not only recognizes successful student athletes on their accomplishments on the water, but on their academic success and community involvement as well. We can’t wait to see what this 2021 class of anglers has in store.”

All students who compete in high school fishing events are eligible, regardless if they are affiliated with B.A.S.S. or another fishing organization.

Notices have been sent to youth fishing directors of the B.A.S.S. Nation and other organizations, as well as leaders of state high school fishing programs. Adults can nominate students by filling out an online form at Bassmaster.com/allamerican. Nominations must be submitted before midnight on Feb. 22. Please send all questions to [email protected].