By John Neporadny
Missouri high school fishing clubs will have the opportunity to compete in a new bass tournament circuit beginning in March.
Teen Anglers, LLC. has established a circuit with three qualifying tournaments leading to a championship in June for all high school clubs in Missouri. Teen Anglers has conformed to a set of rules compiled from the boating laws of the State of Missouri, the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) regulations, and standard rules set forth by the bass tournament industry. MSHSAA is administering bass fishing as an “emerging activity” for high schools throughout the state.
The three qualifying tournaments for the new circuit will be held March 28 at Lake of the Ozarks, April 11 at Stockton Lake and May 16 at Table Rock. The championship is slated for June 13-14 at a location to be announced later. Each team must fish a minimum of two tournaments to be eligible to qualify for the championship.
In accordance with MSHSAA rules, all high school students in grades 9-12 must have passed a MSHSAA physical, have a valid fishing license and be knowledgeable of fishing and boating regulations to be eligible for the tournaments. All participants must be supervised by a boat captain. A school sponsor or designated fishing advisor for the school district must have assured compliance with all of the MSHSAA requirements for all volunteer boat captains being used in an event.
For more information on the tournament rules and a registration form, visit www.teenanglers.net. MSHSAA rules for Missouri high school anglers and boat captains are available at www.mshsaa.org/Activities/Info/BassFishing.aspx. Missouri boating safety laws can be found atwww.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/WaterPatrol. Visit www.mdc.mo.gov for MDC fishing regulations.
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