Huntington, known as the "Gateway to Sam Rayburn Lake," can now also help be the gateway to college for Huntington High School Bass Club members. This next generation of anglers are casting their worries aside when it comes to paying for college and are hoping that their hard work will pay off--in the form of scholarships. The Huntington High School Bass Fishing Club was developed just this past spring and many youth have already taken the bait and joined--nearly 20 so far. It has been a collaboration between youth, parents, administrators, and sponsors, which has begun a ripple effect, not just in area lakes, but throughout East Texas. The HHSBC is one of many newly developed fishing clubs that have sprung up in East Texas, just this year alone, and is the only one in Angelina County so far. Most of the schools, including Huntington, have never had a club, but with Lake Rayburn literally at their back door, it is a natural movement. The inspiration for the development of youth fishing clubs has spawned from the college fishing circuit becoming more popular and televised as well as the Forest L. Wood professional fishing circuit, which has begun to support high school fishing and begun hosting tournaments. Kris Hunt, a Huntington High School physics teacher and the bass club faculty advisor, said that contrary to popular belief, fishing is more than just sitting in a boat and watching bobber. It's something that could have a major impact on the students' futures. He said, "I would love to see the club grow and we are in Huntington and I don't see any reason that we can't have a competitive club. Mainly, I just want them to be able to have a chance to get money to go to college to help them do things they normally wouldn't have a chance to do." Beginning December 14, a series of five tournaments will take place, one each month, followed by a two-day regional championship in May--most likely to be hosted at Jackson Hill Marina on Sam Rayburn Lake. However, before the fishing can begin, club members need sponsorships to support their activities. The club does not get any financial assistance from the school, which, according to Hunt, shows just how dedicated club members are, and he is pushing to give them even more ownership. "The first contact should be the kids for sponsorship. We want them to take over and get out there and let the community know they are in it because they want to be and not just letting someone else do all the work," he said. While some fishing supplies have been donated, including rods, reels, and tackle, which helps to support students that do not already have their own equipment, sponsorship is still needed to help pay for registration fees and scholarship awards. Club members are asking larger corporations for help, but would like the local community's support as well, whether through sponsorships, donations, or participating in upcoming fundraisers. In return, sponsors are given a spot on team shirts, media publicity, and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping today's youth participate in an activity that can help them now, and in the future. Bass club member Jacob Knight, 16, said, "An incentive for sponsors is mostly to get their name out there by showing they care about the youth and the community and the youth will show their company in a positive light through fishing." In addition to sponsorships, boat captains and mentors are also needed to help students to practice, learn, and gain experience. Experience is not a requirement to participate in the bass club. Hunt said that anyone can join and anyone can learn. However, the bass club isn't just about learning to cast lines and tie knots, it also teaches students leadership skills, responsibility, appreciation for the outdoors, and provides networking opportunities, but most importantly, it teaches students the importance of education and opportunities for their futures. Knight, who plans to go to college at Stephen F. Austin State University and get a degree in wildlife biology and forestry, is hopeful about the things he has already learned through bass club and the experiences and opportunities that lie ahead. Since becoming a club member, he has already found many new friends as well as leadership opportunities. Jeremiah Faris, one of the bass club founders, said that the club can help students like him get into college. He also plans to attend SFA to earn a degree in wildlife management and to secure a spot on the SFA Bass Team, with the help of scholarship money that he hopes to earn through the Regional Tournament in May. His ultimate goal is to become a game warden. Jarrod Jenkins, 18, also a bass club member, who said he has been fishing his entire life, hopes to attend Angelina College and then become a police officer. He said that his favorite thing about the club is the opportunity of "being away from it all" and that the lake is his "home away from home." Hunt said that any Huntington High School student can join the bass club, as long as they meet official eligibility guidelines, which includes passing all classes with a grade of at least 70, having a good attendance rate at both school and club meetings, no major disciplinary issues in or out of school, and remaining active and engaged in club activities and fundraisers. Members must also maintain individual membership in the Bass Federation because it provides insurance and liability. For more information about the Huntington High School Bass Club, or to become a sponsor, contact Kris Hunt at 936.366.8594 or at [email protected] Photo Below: Members of the Huntington High School Bass Fishing Club Photo Credit: Kris Hunt