Feb. 25, 2025

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials announced today that the Bassmaster Junior National Championship will be held July 25-26 on Clarks Hill Lake in Evans, Ga., followed by the Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship July 31-Aug. 2. Visit Columbia County will host both events, with daily takeoffs and weigh-ins held at Wildwood Park.

The Junior Series National Championship will feature qualifying anglers from grades second through eighth, while the High School Series National Championship will have a field comprised of eighth- to 12th-graders. With the High School and Junior Series kicking off the season last month on the Harris Chain in Leesburg, Fla., young anglers are busy qualifying now through regular-season events at both levels.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Bassmaster High School/ Junior Series Championship to Clarks Hill Lake,” said Shelly Blackburn, Visit Columbia County Georgia’s executive director. “Hosting this prestigious event is an incredible honor, and we are excited to showcase the natural beauty and hospitality of Columbia County to anglers and spectators alike. The economic impact of this championship will be significant, bringing numerous visitors and opportunities to our local businesses and residents. We look forward to a successful and memorable event that highlights the very best of what our community has to offer.”

Chase Clarke perfectly executed a big-bass pattern to win the weather-shortened St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Clarks Hill Reservoir presented by SEVIIN last month with a two-day total of 47 pounds, 7 ounces.

The 2022 Auburn University graduate caught three 6-pound-or-better largemouth during the tournament, two on the first day that lifted him to a daily total of 25-14 and one on the second day that anchored his 21-9 Day 2 total. Those two bags propelled him over second-place Blaine Bunney by 6-plus pounds.

“I’m super-excited about these National Championships,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. tournament manager for the College, High School and Junior Series. “I’m excited about sharing the stage with the best student anglers in the country and having this event on the outstanding fishery that is Clarks Hill Lake.”

2025 Bassmaster High School Series Title Sponsor: Strike King

2025 Bassmaster High School Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster High School Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster High School Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew’s, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC

2025 Bassmaster High School Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano

 

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.