Virginia High School Fishing State Championship Set
OutdoorHub 04.19.13
The Bass Federation (TBF), in partnership with FLW, The Virginia Bass Federation and Franklin County Commerce and Leisure Services will host the 2013 Student Angler Federation (SAF) Virginia High School Fishing State Championship on Sunday, May 19. The event will be held in Franklin County on Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, Va., launching out of Gills Creek Marina.
The state championship is a two person team event for students in grades 9-12. Registration for anglers and their “coach,” who will provide the boat they compete in, is online at HighSchoolFishing.org. Check-in is from 6:30-8pm EST on Saturday, May 18 at Gills Creek Marina in Moneta, Va., with a mandatory rules briefing to follow. We highly encourage all teams to pre-register online in advance to avoid late registration fees.
“Franklin County is excited to host such a prestigious event as the Virginia High School Fishing State Championship tournament within our community,” Director of Franklin County Commerce and Leisure Services, Michael Burnette, stated. “Smith Mountain Lake is sure to provide competitors and fans alike with an unforgettable tournament experience.”
Students and parents can go to HighSchoolFishing.org for details on the Student Angler Federation (SAF) and to sign up. Cost is only $25/ year and includes full TBF and FLW benefits, including FLW Magazine e-Edition and insurance coverage for students and their club. The state champions from each state will advance to an FLW/TBF High School Fishing Conference Championship. Conference winners will advance to the FLW/TBF High School Fishing National Championship held in conjunction with the FLW College Fishing National Championship in the spring of 2014. All SAF members nationwide and all state championship participants automatically qualify for the largest event in high school fishing, the 2013 High School Fishing World Finals. At these events students will compete for thousands in college scholarships and prizes. Each team qualifying for a conference and/or national championship will receive a travel allowance to help offset expenses. The National Champions will also receive a $5,000 scholarship each to use at the university of their choice.
If you’re not a current 2013 SAF member, there’s a one-time $25/per angler fee. This includes full TBF & FLW membership benefits for the year, as well as, free entry to ALL SAF sanctioned events!
Another unique feature of an SAF sanctioned event is the “angler testing” component. Anglers can take a free online test at HighSchoolFishing.org about boater safety, conservation and angler ethics, which makes them eligible for contingency awards at their state championship. “Angler testing and education is an industry first by TBF,” TBF National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, commented. “The Federation is driven by our desire to promote education through fishing and the testing component is designed to do exactly that. The Virginia Bass Federation offers these young anglers and their parents a home to participate in the sport of fishing locally and year round. Our partnership with FLW provides more benefits and opportunities for them to take advantage of too,” Gintert continued. “For only $25 per year these young anglers and their families have opportunities unlike anything the industry has ever seen.”
Event Details:
State Championship sign-up: PRE-REGISTER ONLINE at HighSchoolFishing.org. Boat numbers are determined by date registered. A $25 late registration fee applies to those registering at check-in. The best way is to pre-register online at highschoolfishing.org
Mandatory Check-in: Saturday, May 18, 6:30-8pm EST at Gills Creek Marina located at 790 Fox Chase Rd, Wirtz, VA 24184; rules briefing to follow at 8pm EST.
Takeoff & Weigh-in: Sunday, May 19 at Gills Creek Marina, 790 Fox Chase Rd, Wirtz, VA 24184. Takeoff is at first light and weigh-in times will be announced at the Mandatory rules briefing. Questions? 580-765-9031
Host Hotel: Westlake Waterfront Inn; call 540-721-3307 for reservations. Group rates will be $95 a night. Those who book 3 or more nights will receive a special group rate of $90 a night. Group name will be “Student Angler Federation”.
