For the past three years, I have watched my little brother competitively bass fish all over the southeast as part of a high school team and as an individual. When he started fishing for a high school team in a neighboring county, we had no idea what kind of family we would become a part of. I have truly marveled at the friendship, hard work, courtesy, manners, and fun that make up the competitive fishing culture, and I'd love to tell you about it.

Fishing

I mean, duh. But really, fishing is awesome, and the kids love it.

Friendship

My brother's teammates are some of the best friends he's ever had. They all support each other at every event. They cheer each other on, and are always there to lend a helping hand.

Professional Development

My brother's team has been very successful in their tournaments. As a result, they have had many occasions upon which they have encountered representatives from big companies that want to sponsor them. These kids have handled themselves extraordinarily well in these situations, and get better at interacting with sponsors every day. They also are featured on local radio shows often and are sometimes even interviewed as they weigh in their fish. These experiences improve their confidence and public speaking.

Once in a Lifetime Experiences

In the three years that my brother has been a member of this team, two pairs from it have made it to the Bassmaster Classic, which is like the Super Bowl of bass fishing. These young teenagers actually get to meet the Pros and weigh in their fish on the same stage the pros do. They walk out onto this huge stage and weigh in while the whole event is live streamed to bassmaster.com.

Character Development

I have seen my brother and his friends grow as individuals so much throughout their time on the water. These kids are mentally tough, as fishing is really a mental sport. They accept losses with dignity and wins humbly. In no other setting, have I ever seen young teenagers go out of their way to give a firm handshake and congratulations to someone who beat them. I've never seen kids cheer each other on as much as these do at weigh-ins. While the actual scoring is usually based on either one person or a two person pair, the whole team, and even sometimes friends from rival teams, get so hyped up when people they know are on stage weighing in.

I can think of several occasions when these young anglers have detracted from their own fishing time because another boat had trouble or was missing some equipment. Lose something? Motor quit? A quick phone call can have another boat across the lake in a matter of minutes to help.

Teamwork

In high school fishing, there are two anglers to a boat with a boat captain, usually a parent. The boat captain is not allowed to really give advice to the young anglers. So, the two must work together. If one gets frustrated, the other picks them up. When one hooks a big one, the other grabs the net. These anglers are in close quarters with each other for long periods of time starting often before daylight. They must work as a team, and they often build a pretty awesome bond because of it.

Mental and Emotional Toughness

Fishing can be extremely frustrating. What worked the day before, may not work at all today, and it can be because of the slightest change in wind- something you have no control over. These young anglers learn to roll with the punches, think through problems, and to be innovative. The get good at strategizing but also at maintaining composure. This past year, for the first time ever, a professional angler cursed while on camera during the Bassmaster Classic. This is a dignified and classy sport, and cursing, temper tantrums, and bad attitudes are not well accepted. Young anglers could easily become frustrated or discouraged, but the nature of the sport grooms them to be emotionally tough, and to maintain composure.

Scholarships

My brother will be a senior this fall and is beginning to look at colleges. Some colleges have already awarded him guaranteed scholarship packages for tournament wins. He has also been awarded several non-school- specific scholarships from businesses and organizations for both winning and for sportsmanship. There is money to be made for these young anglers.

Community

One thing that I just can't help but notice when I go to these tournaments whether it's a high school tournament or a National Bass Trail one. Older kids and adults are always helping out new or young anglers. They encourage them, answer questions, and make them feel like they belong. No one walks around with the nose in the air in bass fishing.

Lifelong Memories and Friends

My whole family has made memories and friendships at these tournaments that will last a lifetime. There have been so many laughs, fun trips, and good food involved with these weekends on the water. My brother's involvement in high school fishing has truly been a one of a kind family experience.

In short, I truly can't explain all the good that I see in competitive bass fishing for anglers both young and old. I encourage everyone to get on the water if you can. Take kids outside; it's really good for them. And, if you want to start a High School Bass Team in your area visit: http://www.bassmaster.com/high-school .

P.S. Shout out to my brother and his friends for being featured in the photos above and the video below. Also, special thanks to David Lowrie for inviting my brother and several of his teammates to join the GCHS Bass Team.

Check out my brother and his partner on Facebook and watch this video about their experience at the Bassmaster Classic last year!

This was in February, so the boats had frozen to the trailers. What you're seeing in the beginning is the boys breaking the boats loose from the trailers.