MANNFORD — Two Mannford anglers are headed to one of the biggest stages in high school bass fishing.
Jake Williams and Grant Porter have qualified for the Strike King Bassmaster High School Championship, set for July 30 through Aug. 1 on Kentucky Lake out of Paris, Tennessee.
The pair earned their spot after finishing second at the State Championship and placing second in the Angler of the Year standings.
The national tournament will bring together more than 300 of the best high school anglers in the country, giving Williams and Porter the chance to compete against top teams from across the nation.
The Strike King Bassmaster High School Championship is one of two premier youth events B.A.S.S. will host on Kentucky Lake this summer. The Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Championship will be held July 24-25, followed by the high school championship July 30-Aug. 1.
Kentucky Lake, which stretches more than 180 miles along the Tennessee River and covers about 160,000 acres, is considered one of the most historic and productive fisheries in competitive bass fishing. The lake is known for its diverse habitat, including grass flats, ledges and creek systems, giving young anglers a chance to test a wide range of fishing skills.
“Kentucky Lake has a long history of producing memorable Bassmaster events, and it’s an outstanding fishery for showcasing the talent and dedication of our Junior and High School anglers,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. Tournament Manager for College, High School and Junior Series. “Hosting these championships in Paris allows us to provide a first-class competitive experience while welcoming families and fans to a community that truly embraces youth fishing.”
For Williams and Porter, the trip to Tennessee represents the reward for a strong season and a chance to represent Mannford on a national level.
The high school championship will feature three days of competition, daily weigh-ins, fan engagement opportunities and coverage highlighting the continued growth of youth fishing. Competitors will also have the opportunity to earn national recognition and scholarship opportunities.
B.A.S.S. officials said Kentucky Lake’s size and variety make it an ideal venue for young anglers, with summertime conditions requiring strategy, preparation and adaptability.
Paris, Tennessee, has become a familiar host community for Bassmaster youth events, offering access to Kentucky Lake, lodging and local support for anglers and their families.
Williams and Porter will now prepare to join hundreds of other top high school anglers at the national championship, where they will compete against some of the best young fishing teams in the sport.