Americana Outdoors E-Magazine - 47th Edition

Host Cities and Economic Impact As the series expanded, destinations like Paris, Tennessee; Kentucky Lake; Pickwick Lake in Florence; and Hartwell in the Carolinas embraced collegiate fishing, understanding the economic and community benefits. Local leaders, such as Christie Graham of Russellville Tourism, and Tara Wilson of the Henry County Tourism Authority,

The influence of collegiate fishing extends beyond the lakes. Many early participants have become industry leaders, tournament pros, and ambassadors for the sport. Cody Huff and Logan Parks, now Bassmaster Elite Series anglers, credit their collegiate experiences for shaping their professional journeys. Others, like Preston Kendrick and Kyle Curry, found fulfilling careers within the fishing industry, leveraging their passion and collegiate experiences to make meaningful contributions.

emphasized the positive impact on their communities, from economic boosts, to fostering local pride.

20th Anniversary of Collegiate Bass Fishing

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THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF COLLEGIATE BASS FISHING: A CELEBRATION OF GROWTH AND IMPACT

Reflecting on Two Decades of Scholastic Fishing The Association of Collegiate Anglers is celebrating 20 years of the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, the longest running college bass fishing trail in history. Over the past two decades, this series has revolutionized fishing, bringing a new level of organization and professionalism to collegiate and high school anglers.

Little did they know that college fishing would ignite an inferno of growth, fostering scholastic fishing at both collegiate and high school levels. The inaugural tournament at Lake Lewisville, organized by passionate individuals like Wade Middleton and Mike Hastings, and supported by partners such as Ranger Boats, Cabela’s, and Fox College Sports, marked the beginning of this transformative journey. That first event attracted over 40 teams and 80 anglers, showcasing professionalism and enthusiasm that set the tone for future growth.

Collegiate Anglers Make Their Mark in the Fishing Industry

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“I had a lot of success at Bryan College. My partner, Bailey Fain and I, won this particular tournament. In my senior year, I thought, ‘You know what? There’s more than just professional fishing.’ There’s the people that work for the brands, and then there’s the people with Collegiate Bass that help us promote our product. There’s so many opportunities to be a part of the industry, whether you’re an angler, or whether you work in the industry.” - Preston Kendrick, Outdoor Brand Team

“ This is one of our favorite events that comes here every year. Over 600 collegiate anglers here ready to fish on Kentucky Lake, which we think is the greatest fishery in the whole country. Then obviously it’s a great economic impact. I mean, it impacts all the stores, all the restaurants, gas stations. it’s a huge impact on our community for the week basically that they’re here.” - Tara Wilson, Henry County Tourism Authority Shaping Careers and Building Futures

“I went to school for broadcast journalism and competed for the University of Arkansas from 2009 to 2013. I have been able to take my passion for college fishing, paired with my education and degree at the time, to now work here with CarecoTV and the Association of Collegiate Anglers. I have the privilege of being the tournament director, editing the television series, hosting the podcast, writing articles, posting to social media. It’s very rewarding and fullfilling at the same time.” - Kyle Curry, CarecoTV/ACA Tournament Director

College Anglers Becoming Pro-Anglers

ACA Collegiate Bass Fishing - Where It All Started

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“It made me into the angler I am today. I fished at Auburn University for five years from 2017 all the way through 2022. Fished the opens two years, qualified my second year, and now I’m a rookie on the Bass Master Elite Series. Fishing professionally and living the dream.”

Looking back to 20 years ago, it was rare to see high school or college students fishing in a structured setting. At the time, industry insiders wondered how to grow the sport.

A lookback upon one of the innagural tournaments of the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series.

- Logan Parks, Elite Series Pro Angler