By Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships

When it comes to chasing bass at the collegiate level, few anglers embody passion and precision like Banks Shaw. A junior at the University of North Alabama, Shaw is more than just a geography major—he’s a student of the game, both on and off the water. With roots dug deep in Chickamauga, Tennessee and a competitive edge sharpened through years of hands-on experience, Shaw has emerged as a rising star in college fishing—and a proud beneficiary of Yamaha’s Power Pay contingency program.

“I’m originally from Chickamauga and go back and forth from there and Pickwick where I go to school at North Alabama,” Shaw explained. “I’ll probably move back to Chickamauga once I graduate.”

That connection to Chickamauga isn’t just sentimental—it’s foundational. Shaw grew up on its banks, quite literally learning the water before he learned to drive.

“I would say what makes me so confident at Chickamauga is the time I’ve spent on the fishery,” he said. “The experience I’ve had out there is just crazy compared to everywhere else I’ve fished. Ever since I could walk, I’d go to Lake Chickamauga and go fishing. When I got home from school, I’d go fishing. As soon as I could get my boater’s license, my grandpa would drop me off in a little John boat with two trolling motors and I’d fish down to the next boat ramp and he’d pick me up.”

It’s the kind of upbringing that instills both instinct and discipline; two traits that define successful tournament anglers. Shaw’s love for “old-school” techniques further sets him apart in an era where forward-facing sonar and finesse tactics tend to dominate headlines.

“No doubt, my comfort zone is flipping a jig on any type of cover,” he said. “Boat docks with a jig is just my favorite thing in the world. There are a lot of techniques that are new now, but I really love old-school fishing. A 3/8-ounce or 1/2-ounce jig in green pumpkin-orange is my favorite. I’ve always liked a trailer that has a flapping action to it, something with some paddles. Man, I’ve caught some great big ones with that combination.”

Though Shaw is chasing bass with fierce determination, he hasn’t lost sight of the academic path he’s on. His major in geography plays directly into his angling acumen and could open doors in the future.

“What I can potentially do with my degree is a lot of topographical and contour mapping,” he said. “My major helps me a lot with fishing. What it could do, if I do want to use my major, I could work for a fish-mapping related company and do things like that. But I definitely want to fish for a living. That’s absolutely my dream and main goal.”

That goal was brought into sharp focus in 2021 when Shaw won the Bassmaster High School National Championship on Chickamauga. It was a milestone he still considers among the most satisfying wins of his young career.

“I’ve won some other open-type tournaments but that one propelled me to where I am now,” he said.

Shaw’s story isn’t just one of trophies and technique. It’s also about being smart with opportunities and particularly financial ones. For many college anglers, tournament winnings barely cover the costs of travel, gear and entry fees. But Shaw has found a winning formula with Yamaha’s Power Pay contingency program, which rewards eligible Yamaha owners for their tournament finishes.

“I’ve won tens of thousands of dollars through Yamaha Power Pay,” he said. “One of my favorite things about Yamaha Power Pay is that contingency money is about the only money we really get to keep as college anglers.”

The program, which is open to anglers competing in sanctioned events, provides significant payouts that can be the difference between staying on the road or staying home. For Shaw, it’s been a crucial resource in continuing to fish at a high level without breaking the bank.

But more than just the money, it’s about trust and reliability. Shaw runs Yamaha motors exclusively and for good reason.

“The best thing about my Yamaha is this is my fifth Yamaha motor, and I don’t know what a beep sounds like,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t know what it sounds like when it throws a code because it never messes up or has problems. And the Power Pay contingency is a gigantic bonus. It seems like they’re indestructible.”

That confidence in his equipment allows Shaw to focus on what matters most; learning, growing and competing. And when it comes to learning, Shaw is a vocal advocate for college fishing as the ultimate proving ground.

“College fishing is the best way you can prepare for future big tournaments,” he said. “There’s no other trail out there that has the diversity of fisheries like the college ranks does. You can travel around and learn for free almost. There’s no better opportunity to learn. Being on a team, being able to talk and compare notes with your buddies… you just learn so much and it’s totally invaluable.”

Whether it’s flipping a jig into shaded boat docks, breaking down a new lake with a map in hand or cashing in on contingency programs that reward preparation and performance, Banks Shaw has laid out quite the blueprint for young anglers.

His story is one of rooted tradition and modern savvy. One that blends the past, present and future of competitive bass fishing. If he keeps fishing the way he’s been, don’t be surprised if you see that name—Banks Shaw—at the top of leaderboards across the country for years to come.