Junior Tournament Bass Fishing Takes Big Step Forward

The Georgia Bass Chapter Federation’s first Junior Club State Championship was held April 30, 2005 on Clarks Hill Lake. Three junior teams participated in the first championship tournament.

Anglers competed into two age classes, 11 to 14 and 15 to 18, with the winner of each age group advancing to the Junior World Championship, which will be held the end of July in Pittsburgh, Penn. in conjunction with the 2005 Bassmaster Classic.

Overall, the 14 anglers in the tournament weighed in 30 bass weighing a total of 41.13 pounds.

Franklin Newkirk III was the top angler in the 15- to 18-year-old age group with five bass that weighed 9.23 pounds. Franklin advances to compete in the Junior World Championship in July.

The winner of the 15- to 18-age group was Franklin Newkirk III, of Shady Dale.

Dylan Peppers, of Good Hope, won the 11- to 14-age group.

Dylan Peppers of Good Hope won the 11- to 14-age group with a four-fish catch of 6.18 pounds.

The next state championship has been scheduled for October 2005. The top-six anglers from each junior team are eligible to compete. For details on qualifying a junior team, contact GBCF Youth Chairman Robert Phillips at (770) 787) 3043.

Here is the 14-angler field of the first-ever GBCF Junior Club State Championship, which was held at Clarks Hill on April 30.