MILTON — In an effort to promote and encourage youth fishing in Santa Rosa County, along with stimulating awareness for competitive bass fishing, the recently formed Santa Rosa Bass Team is looking to enlist interested youths, grade levels 7 through 12, to learn more about the popular outdoor activity.
“The biggest thing is that we want more youth involvement,” said Adam Lassiter, a volunteer with SRBT. “We are hoping a lot of area high schools will help up promote this.”
Through SRBT, Lassiter said the goal is to reach out to kids and keep especially those who are unable to participate in school sports.
“They could be phenomenal at bass fishing,” Lassiter said.
The SRBT has 15 anglers from Pace and Milton High Schools along with Hobbs Middle School.
So far, the group, which is affiliated with Alabama Bass Anglers Sportsman Society Nation, has had eight anglers already qualified for the state championship tournament in June.
SRBT organizer Rhonda Alexander said team members have placed well in tournaments held in Alabama.
“It has been very exciting,” she said.
Alexander hopes to invite a local, professional angler to speak to SRBT members and share their insight.
In addition to educating youths on fishing techniques, being part of B.A.S.S. high school nation allows kids the possibility to earn a scholarship through the tournaments.
According to a press release from SRBT, more than $93,000 in scholarships were given out by the B.A.S.S organization in 2014.
SRBT’s first youth bass tournament on Saturday, May 14 in Milton is also open to interested youths outside the club. Lassiter hopes this will be the first of many local tournaments.
“We are hoping for a good turnout,” he said. “It is not just for Santa Rosa County; we will take members living in Escambia County as well.”
While the local team has 14 sponsors, Lassiter said more adult volunteers are needed to serve as boat captains for upcoming bass fishing tournaments.
For more information on the SRBT, visit facebook.com/SantaRosaBassTeam.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Santa Rosa Bass Tournament
WHEN: Saturday, May 14. Launch at safelight, weigh-in at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Launch and weigh-in site are at Carpenter’s Park in Milton off Munson Highway
COST: $30 per boat entry fee
INFO: For more information on the tournament contact Rhonda Alexander at 777-1000 or email her at rhondajoy3@gmail.com or call Adam Lassiter at 554-4902. For more information on the SRBT, visit facebook.com/SantaRosaBassTeam
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: New club seeks young anglers interested in bass fishing, tournaments