WEST POINT, Ala. – Two West Point High School student duos have qualified for The Bass Federation 15th annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship.
Pearce Parker and Kaylie Pearce landed in 10th place in the Alabama Bass Federation (ABF) State Tournament in April, securing the team’s spot. With a weight of 24.59 pounds, the Big Fish title for the first day of the tournament was given to Parker and Pearce.
The second team, consisting of recent West Point graduate Kaden Mathis and his partner, West Point junior Nick Lee, had an unexpected journey to the championship. Their decision to enter the ABF State Tournament was a spontaneous one; they registered for the event at the last minute. However, they had a blast, bringing home a second-place title and a bid to nationals. Like West Point’s other qualifying fishermen, Mathis and Lee got the Big Fish title on the tournament’s second day, and closed the competition with a weight of 12.72 pounds.
“It could have been the last fishing tournament I was in,” said Mathis. “I just wanted to have fun one more time.”
His dad, Micheal Mathis, has been a major force in his son’s fishing career. He often accompanies his son on those early morning fishing trips, helping maintain the boat and equipment and offering unwavering support.
“We are one of just 16 high school teams from the entire state of Alabama that qualified for this event,” Micheal Mathis shared. “The boys are very proud and excited to represent our community and state on a national level.”
The Bass Federation 15th annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship will take place June 19-22 on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina.
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