Anyone know the story about the boat that got swamped and ultimately ended up capsized on Ray Hubbard last Saturday during the high school event?

I have a pic from a friend at the ramp of it capsized and I got a call from the tow boat operator after it happened, but never heard the entire story.

Here is the pic I received, it�s not that great of a pic but def the boat capsized at some point

Not Good

There is no telling with that crew

See! This is why immature teens should not be exposed to the great outdoors! There�s plenty for them to get in trouble with in the big city on weekends! ....JK, glad nobody got hurt. Well dad probably was very hurt (assuming it was his boat). Anyone know what happened?

The transducer is on backwards.

And not pushed up to bow stop. I mean neglect!

I was part of this tournament as a boat captain and never heard anything about it a weigh in.

Growing the sport!

it 100% happened, just trying to see if anyone wants to share the story

Yep I've been saying, accident waiting to happen...

Lots of assumptions here... let me play devils advocate

Just because it happened during the event doesn�t mean the person it happened to was in the event

That looks more like a dinghy or sailboat than a bass boat. Look how small it is....and why isn�t the outboard sticking up in the air

As for the boat on the trailer....how do we know he�s loading? He may just as easily backed down with the winch straps loose and be about to climb aboard when he took the photo.

I was thinking the same. Looks like a little flat hull rowboat.

We were called and notified by the tow boat Captain that they were recovering a swamped vessel that was participating in the tournament.

The picture is from another person who was at the tournament and said that was a tournament boat in the picture. Not sure if it is the same boat or a different vessel.


That is why I posted here, just curious about the details.

I work with the boat captains dad. He told me that his son told him they had a wave come over the side and started taking on more water. From wat I understand he was on the trolling motor when this happened. I actually saw the boat washed up against a retaining wall. The game warden, captain and the kids were standing on the bank.

Winds were crazy last Sat out of the west not sure about RH but I was driving around GV and it was as rough as I have ever seen it.

You mean like every other tournament series, it seems Rayburn and Toledo claim a boat or two each year. Then the �pros� have lost a boat or two in the last couple of years along with lives.

Maybe we should just cancel all tournament fishing then. I have fished adult tournaments in Texas where boats collided and killed a driver. At a local lake near me a tournament boat ran into a pleasure boat killing numerous people. I guess tournaments are just a an "accident waiting to happen." With the number of boats in these high school tournaments I would say there has been less accidents per capita than there has been In club tournaments. Sounds to me like you two are just butt hurt about something.

Lots of conjecture here on the TFF(surprise!) but little known facts. �My brothers, cousins, friends, sister told me...� Little to no facts here except that is not a picture of a swamped bass boat!

I only captained about 20 events for kids (not my own) I guess I shouldn't say anything. It's all perfect out there. Lol

I think you should say something. However, you should say something of substance that can help benefit others. You obviously have experience in these events so shouldn't you say something that will help others instead of just making negative comments. If you are willing to captain then I assume you are the type of person that is willing to help teach and educate others. Not just kids but other captains that are new to boating. Shouldn't this site be about helping others?

Well said buddy I was a boat captain for my grandson team before they graduated and granted there is some people that don�t know what they are doing but I guarantee there is in a lot of tournaments , I�m just glad no one was hurt.

Must of been a supper small boat for a wave to capsize it while your on the trolling motor at the boat ramp..

I was a captain for a highschool Team. The problem I see is that they need boat captains so bad they are willing to let anyone be a boat captain as long as they have insurance. A lot of the people being captain have never been in a bass tournament before and have no clue. They get on the lake when it's dark and I had seen were they boat did not have running lights.

Who says it's a boat? Could be a belly up carp.

I just call it like I see it. There is this idea on here that if you say anything other than great things everyone thinks you hurting high school fishing. I have captained all over north texas for 4 years, regional, state, the lake fork summer deal multiple times. There are way too many inexperienced captains, there are also way too many inexperienced kids on these boats. Sometimes you need 2 people capable of doing things in certain weather conditions. The fields are way way too big. I have fished in conditions in high school events that kids have no business being on the water in but directors wont delay, cancel, etc. I have high limit insurance and an umbrella policy and even with that I'm not willing to take on the liability of anyones kid other than mine in these deals anymore. It's my opinion that someone's gonna lose a kid eventually and the good deed of trying to help a kid go fishing is gonna go really wrong, for the kid, the parents, the school and the best intentioned captain. That said I'll take a kid that wants to go and learn anytime.

Wawi - I have no problem with someone stating the negatives or problems with something. However, after stating a problem then try to come up with a solution. Even better, try to get involved and help implement a solution. If we ignore the problems we will never improve. If we only complain about problems and do nothing to help then we are no better than today's politicians.

In regards to safety in bad weather conditions it ultimately is the captains responsibility to maintain safety of the occupants of the boat. THSBA sets some standards for boat captains but it is really up to the school/club to approve them. How do you suggest we educate new boat captains in a manner that still allows all the kids who want to participate to do so?

It's the organization wanting to borrow me and my boat so I dont know that I need to fix anything. Secondly there are too many boats because there is no screening, qualifying, etc. Find a captain and jump in, the meeting are a joke, you have women (moms) who have never fished a tourney, seen a take off, been in windy conditions etc running these clubs, the faculty advisor is probably in the same position. And you just hit the nail on the head about what's wrong, its ultimately the captains as you say from providing life jackets, insurance, boats, etc. The organization makes a habit of being able to point the finger at captain. As sure as something happens they will jump up and down screaming it's not us it's the captains. They will run for cover and some poor widow will be defending the estate of her husband who lost a couple kids and himself. I dont fault the cause, I dont fault the enthusiasm of the organization but when I have kids shoe up to fish that cant cast, never been in a tourney, a big boat, etc I question that they need to be in the competition. Hell I dont know if they can even swim.

Hope nobody was hurt.

Couldn't each school do some casting practice and basic familiarization of fishing at neighborhood ponds and such? Progress up from there before they are in a boat in an event. I cannot understand why they could not also limit the entries of the regional events to a ratio reflective of number of members on the team. Something like 1 team per 10 members. Have the schools conduct smaller qualifying tournaments within the club and those that finish at the top go to the regional events to represent the team overall?
Just seems like it can work but I am just a sideliner. I choose other ways to support some of the teams and not trying to bash anyone here.

Me and my partner were there fishing the event. We ended up talking to the guys whose boat it was at the ramp. They were waiting to put boat on trailer near ramp wall when they were flooded by the wake coming in. They said water started coming aboard faster than they could get any out and boat just started going under.

I agree with everything you've said WAWI.

And dont just think in terms of doomsday accidents, kid gets hook in eye, mommy doesnt have medical, who pays, kid slips and falls unloading, who pays, literally kids that cant operate a reel. You would like to think that nothing will happen but sooner or later it will. It can really be like herding cats with a couple kids that are new in the best of weather conditions. The life jacket deal always gave me pause, I'm required to provide one for them. So I guess it's on me if the jacket I provide fails. Why are the kids responsible for providing their own? That would be a start, you gotta be committed enough go buy a life jacket.... and there are kids fishing with captains that the kids parents have never even met. Can you imagine that?

I can easily see that, captain getting the truck waiting in line, kid cant run big motor and keep nose pointed the right way and evidently the tm either which could be hard for anyone in tough conditions, boat gets sideways or backwards and there you go.

I�m surprised aledo parents haven�t hired a bass elite guy to give lessons starting at the age of 5

Give it time

From personal experience with fishing out of a smaller, older boat it is much harder to maneuver around and keep control in that kind of wake on RH that day. I know for us we were barely able to make even small runs on the water, and putting back on trailer we were having to hold on to concrete wall waiting for the loading line. It is dangerous and you have to be very careful in a smaller boat due to conditions. With that being said, all anglers in the same situation as us and them; does not mean we can give up on the water and not fish, all points matter in these tournaments. Boat captains are also quite difficult for a lot of people to find, because of some of the risks involved, meaning more inexperienced people on the water.

Well said WAWI!

Need to limit the number of entries.

Tell the kids they can't fish or do you have a better option to limit the entries? THSBA is an awesome organization that helps younger kids get their first start in tournament fishing, so reducing the amount of entries would be a very bad idea for the future of tournament fishing imo.

This is a sport that is almost completely reliant on the generosity of someone donating their time, money, expertise, boat, equipment and is willing to accept the responsibility and liability that goes along with it in the incredibly litigious society that we now live in. I'm all for young people learning to fish but learning to fish and fishing tournaments are two completely different things. The time to learn is not during a tournament. I'm sure some have learned to fish and have some capabilities but they are still reliant on someone else to pony up what is needed and we're not talking about a set of pads and a helmet, we're talking about a very expensive boat and all the maintenance that goes along with it. I have been asked several times to be a boat captain and have declined due to the above reasons. On top of the all the reasons I stated above there is the wear and tear on my boat and chances of something being damaged that I'm willing to bet no one would offer to help you with the expense of fixing. I wish I could provide some suggestions but the hard fact of life is it's a very expensive hobby and not all can do it.

Crazy! I was a captain in the Tourney and never heard anything about this either until now

Not saying it didn't happen just saying I wish there was a better Broadcasting/Communication going during these tournaments

More for safety purposes...Like a radio station similar to what they got going during the Sealy Big Bass Splash

It could announce an emergency like weather or an accident...if someone need help the closest boat could run and assist...

So the "LAST" 2 boats weighted in with 20 min to go- NO MORE BOATS WEIGHED IN! (THERE WERE 6 UNACCOUNTED FOR)

So my question was -HOW DO WE KNOW THE 6 "UNACCOUNTED" BOATS/TEAMS MADE IT BACK TO THE RAMP/TRAILER SAFELY (Just a question)

Maybe they Zeroed and used a different ramp than the weighin and just went home??? But how are we sure everyone made it back safe?

I was just curious since I have only captained 3 tournaments and new to the tournament scene as a whole...

Anyway- My Buddy (Jason Quon)...His Son "JJ" and Partner "TY" actually took 1st place-Way to go guys!

The wind was tough but everyone I saw was being very safe and professional

I am sure there is an old saying about how the best way to get inexperienced kids some experience is to restrict them from the experience, or something along those line. Lets take our inexperienced kids and have them become inexperienced adults before they get in a boat. Better yet, lets get the government more involved and have them regulate some more so we can let me decide who is qualified to be on the water and in what kind of environment.

I am not sure if people are aware of this or not, but sometimes things happen because someone is being dumb and sometimes things just happen. You cant regulate everything to SAFETY, people have and always will learn through experience. This is likely the same way all of you learned.

And, THSBA is doing a lot to limit the number of boats at each event. In the last 3 years they have gone from 4 divisions, to 6, and now 8. They arent doing that because they like to spend more time away from their families going to more lakes. They do that each year because they are trying to limit the number of boats at each event, while still giving every kids that wants to fish a chance to go and experience it (Now if you want to complain the 500 boats on Rayburn during the SETX tournaments then I completely agree that is ridiculous and needs to be fixed).

I have a stepson that is involved in high school fishing and this is perfectly stated!! well done WAWI

Not a bass boat.....jumpers gonna jump.

As previously stated... each school should have their own qualifiers and only send "X" number of competitors to the tournaments based on either school size or number of participants. How many High School sports teams allow every single person that signs up to play in the games? NONE! The best fishermen/women get to go represent the school in competition, the rest are simply part of the program working to improve in hopes of making "The Team". I've given my .02 on the THSBA since it started, they have brought it a long way from that first year. I applaud their efforts to this point but believe they still have a long way to go... schools that want a fishing program need to step up and host inter squad qualifiers to determine who gets to fish the THSBA events. IMHO.

if you don't want the kids doing something or using your life jacket then tell them to get their own jacket and to stop doing whatever it is that is bothering you. it isn't rocket science - it's your boat.
I've been involved with THSBA almost since it's inception. I've carried kids for the lastt 6 years that weren't part of "my team" because they needed a captain and for whatever reason they couldn't get one. Some had zero skill or tackle, some had tons of gear and no skill, some were focused and serious and some didn't care to be there. Didn't matter, theu needed a ride.
I agree with most of "turn off your damn lights WAWI" is saying. I've voiced the same concerns and more with the guys that run THSBA - often face to face, occasonaly on the phone - and we discussed options and traded suggestions on how a problem might be corrected. They know that I am always available if they need a hand See what I did there......a conversation with the people in charge, not justbashing on the interweb.. Trust me, these guys are well aware of things and are doing all they can to improve things. Not so that they on't get bashed by keyboard heroes who have all the answers but won't share them - but because they believe in the program and the kids. (they are some pretty thick skinned people, interweb bashing is something they usually ignore.)
But while we are degrading the program and pointing out all that's wrong with it, maybe we should be looking at the kids it helps.
Kids that needed the structure and requirements as an incentive to keep their grades up and not get in trouble. Kids that have been able to put some money back for college, something that might not have even been a thought before they started this program. Kids that are spending time and money on fishing instead of sitting on a couch or buying dope/alcohol. Kids that needed a male mentor because their mom was doing all she could just to start and run a HS fishing program - even if she doesn't know anything about fishing, boating safety or running a club.

American-Texan- The wristband check in system is the way to account for the boats all being safe and off the water. The problem is that every tournament there seems to be a team or two that does not feel the need to follow the rules and check in with their wristbands. When that happens no one knows if they are safe or not. If the team does not check in after the tournament they will not get any points for that tournament and likely will not have a chance of qualifying for regionals. If people would follow the rules then THSBA would know when someone was still on the lake and likely needed help.

There is a system of sending out messages to participants cell phones through the remind 101 ap. This ap can be used to notify of weather changes and any other issues that evolve.

Their biggest problem is their schedule. They could easily run two tournaments in sept and one in October. Then break and run one end of feb and March and April

Instead they�ve got kids getting on lewisville in 20+ winds in December then Middle of winter on Texoma

They really need to adjust their schedule. I�m not a fair weather fisherman at all, but these are still kids. They�re running more off then bringing into the sport

I dont know that they have been bashed, there are real issues and concerns. It can be dangerous. It's one thing when it's just you, or you and your kid, it's another when it's you and minors of another person. I think the concerns are valid, and for the record the captains are the life blood of the deal. Be careful about getting on high horse with them or you might fall off saddle. I did it for years, I'm not going to again unless my kid wants to and I'm not alone in this. And again I'll help a kid out, take them fishing gladly but not in these anymore.

This is a good thread, high school fishing needs a big time re-fresh...

I cannot disagree with a single thing WAWI has said.

This discussion still about a picture of a capsized rowboat?

So someone's boat got swamped, which happens at all levels, and high school kids tournaments need to be reworked. Just sounds like complaining to me. Sweet bejesus I have seen some inexperienced boaters before, heck I have done things that would not pass this forum's expectations.

How does one get experience these days? Seems like we are closer to California then most want to admit..

This is my sentiments exactly. This is a similar thought process that I had before I respectfully declined to �help out� and be a captain. This is literally NOTHING positive that made me lean towards accepting. The current laws and opinions of the citizens of this country, nowadays, would make it necessary to be an LLC just to HELP prevent financial destitution by �helping out�.

Also, first for me, I totally agree with WAWI�s comments.

Lots of good comments on here- Saturday was ruff out of Chandlers Landing- we speared a pretty good wave and i thought i was an awesome driver LOL. I would say i do enjoy fishing with the high school kids but one of them is related to my wife and i think that def changes the way I feel about it. I wouldn't be a boat Captain if i personally did not know or was related to these kids. The qualifiers is a great idea, it would help with the kids that want to fish and the ones that think they want too.These are tournaments, just like every other sport- their are winners and losers and some just wont make the team. Next year will be questionable on if i do it or not- if they get a little more serious about fishing and want to practice then i might, hopefully they change the Schedule!

Valid example, but tournament fishing is very different from every other high school sport. At my school, we pay our own entry fees, pay for transportation, meals, gas etc. In every other sport all of this is paid for by the school so they have to limit the amount of people that can be on each team. As well as this, high school fishing is a sport where individual teams of two compete and because of this there are some schools who have upwards of ten teams or more. I don't believe it it would be fair to do a qualifier between teams at the same school due to the fact that there is no telling how they will perform on the day of the tournament. I believe that schools should be allowed to have as many teams as they want because it gives us young anglers a great opportunity to fish.

I drew a high school kid in a Federation qualifier and put him on enough fish to win 2nd and 400 dollars. He never saw the lake before getting in my boat. Didn't offer a dime of gas money and this was on Texoma. Kinda burned me with the kids playing adult games. If they want to fish so bad they (high school kids) should figure out it takes a good job to be able to afford all the things it takes to lake fish.

It's funny to see how old and responsible the internet has become.

Ok yea...The Wristbands help keep track...makes sense.

Honestly I was nervous as heck doing it the 1st time...But it has been a pleasure so far.

Not saying it hasn't been a little stressfull...but when you have 2 teen boys in a boat your gunna have stress.

My #1 priority is their safety and #2 is to have fun

I need to get that app so I can be in the loop on weather and stuff...

I wish I would of known someone needed help-It was cold and windy out there!

I pushed a lawnmower down the streets of my neighborhood starting in the 7th grade, paid cash for a new 1995 ProCraft V-150B with a 60hp Mariner in the 12th grade as a result of it. If they want it bad enough they can figure it out.....

I think this is said 1000 times a year, I don't disagree.
However, if you expect fuel money (or whatever ) then you HAVE to let the anglers/parents know up front. unfortunately, you can no longer count on someone (adult or kod) offering fuel money at the end of the day.

I think many of the concerns could be handled with communication BEFORE anyone steps foot in the boat.

I do not disagree with you fully, but we also need to acknowledge times have changed. It isnt exactly realistic for most at 18 to have the money to afford a tournament boat and the ability to pull it without some help. I also do not think that is the issue here either, it is very realistic to expect anglers (even young ones who want to get into the sport) to practice and learn the basics of fishing. There are 1000's of resources out there for people to use who want to start learning the sport, there are also a lot of people here on TFF that would be more than happy to help someone learn the sport. But you dont go run in a track meet before you learn how to walk, in other words you dont start you journey to learn to fish with a tournament.

If this happened today we would still talk about how inexperienced and irresponsible you are since you are a senior in high school.

how long was the boat that capsized? looks about like 14'. I think safety for the kids need to be a big concern. they do need to do something to limit the field.

This seems so obvious. On every team on which I played there were guys who sat the bench. Some of them never played at all, or maybe got in for a play or two just because the coach wanted to let them participate. In high school fishing not only does everyone get to participate, they are all "starters".

If you don't like how THSBA manages their organization or tournaments, then don't allow your kids to fish them. There are rules in place to minimize risk, key word is minimize. Nothing is for certain especially when navigating Texas lakes or rivers (or any waterway for that matter). For those that claim the tournaments have too many participants, keep your kids from participating. I captained my son for 4 years (he now fishes for a university) in the THSBA organization to the tune of 27 tournaments to date (I continue to do so for other kids), so I have a little experience with the organization. There is not a tournament trail out there that can please everyone regardless of organizer or size. For those that feel the need to complain, you should rate your experience on yelp*.

Clint

OMG Yelp!!!

I bet they won�t do that they will just keep gripping about it.

So they doing random pairings now? i agree with it because there was cheating last year whenh some of the parents were captaining their own kids, dad catches big fish and gives it to the kid, it was a cluster last year... but I digress and see your point of strangers with kids.

No random pairings, kids find their own captains. Some of the parents dont take the time to even meet or call. I had one like this.

TO HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAINS AND PARENTS:

COACHING YOUR KIDS.
I am a coach and teacher with 37 years of experience in working with students. I would like to offer my life time of tournament experience to teach your students everything they need to know about boating etiquette, safety, fishing instruction and setting goals.

My courses are offered as a full day course geared to the students experience and covers all of the basics.
- Organizing your equipment
- Using that equipment
- Casting
- Safety: equipment, boat and weather
- Knowledge of the boat
- Pleasing the Captain with experience and responsibility
- Interpreting the Rules
- Partnerships with Team and Captain
- How to Sell yourself as a valued Team Member
- Paying to Play; when and how
- Practice Daily

Just like any other after school program that patients sign their kids up for; I will also teach them on a weekly basis 3 days per week and take them to the lake for instruction once a month. These students get instructions on: baits, techniques and mapping skills.

Real solution here, nice Mr. Harper.

So, exactly what was the �cluster� last year? I�ve been doing it for three years now and while I�d certainly like to see a few minor changes and improvements I think it�s gone very well. One dad cheated, so what? Adults in adult tournaments cheat also. Some people will always cheat no matter what. Some guys like to bitch about everything. Kids stay home they bitch, they get outside and fish they bitch, blah blah blah. Too bad kids can�t be perfect like some of you guys used to be.

It�s definitely not perfect but from my experience it�s 99% the parents, not the kids. After running a club for three years now nothing surprises me with some parents. I agree on the fact some parents don�t even care enough to meet the adults taking their kids out. It�s pathetic but happens all the time. I can�t imagine letting my kid out on a lake with a person I�ve never met.

Glad nobody got hurt, I helped two ladies who got swamped this year and would be curious about what you should do to recover a boat like that? How do you roll it over etc?

I have a grand total of one HS tournament to my credit as captain. Not my kids, but two young men from Rockwall Heath I had never met. One of their dads offered a credit card, cash, anything I wanted, more or less, as thank your my help. His son texted me twice before the event, texted first thing that Saturday morning. They were on time, had their own gear and life jackets, they definitely were pretty solid fisherman and were very polite all day. I never asked for a nickel, but at the end of the day, they each gave me $40. We had a really good day in every possible way, in spite of the rain. I was very impressed with these kids!!

I saw a few clueless people, boaters, kids, truck drivers, etc. but with a very large sampling that day, overall it was a well run tournament and very few problems.

However, I think it's funny when anyone says, "times have changed" and then is able to excuse rude behavior. Yes, I am now 56 and much more easily annoyed. But, I might not have been perfect but, my friends and I were held accountable by our parents, our coaches, other parents, teachers, most adults. Now, kids flat aren't accountable. They are rude to adults, they can't spell, they don't speak, even when spoken to, they have no work ethic, they don't give a crud about their grades, they don't have chores, they are hermits in their rooms, they don't go to church, they don't eat with the family, they don't do squat with the family, on and on. We allow the behavior because we have little help, from like minded adults. As a group, adults/parents/coaches/preachers/teachers we seem to be so afraid of these kids fragile egos that we don't correct in certain terms, we speak softly and act as if the kids run the show. Yes, times are different. However, there are some really good kids who need to be encouraged to fish, hunt, etc. and there are some parents who need to be encouraged to fight the fight. Can you tell I'm a little sick of it !!!! Seems in general, there are far fewer parents who want to PARENT and too many who want to be friends with their kids!! I'd suggest that if you have the time at all, volunteer your time, your boat, and yes, possibly your gas, rods, reels, etc. to maybe help a kid who is actually trying to do right!

Good post, Its different with your own kids or even those that are relatives and will captain those for THSBA, but otherwise due to liability issues I like WAWI I won't be taking other kids out on these.

I sunk a boat years ago. Used large inner tubes to inflate the boat then towed it to shallow water. Once you are in shallow then it is getting help and using the buoyancy of the inner tubes to roll it over. My boat was only a 15 footer so 2 of us were able to roll it over then pump water out. A larger boat may require a winch to roll it. Not easy but doable.

I hope all the kids are able to stay safe out there tomorrow on Lewisville... 20 mph N winds with gusts, sub 30 degree wind chill for most of the morning, rain off an on till about 10am, and 52-53 degree water temp. Its good to know the safety of the KIDS takes precedence .

^^^^^^^^^^^^

No �skin in the game� here...If safety of the kids is not considered, and coercion of kids and captains to do dangerous things, then this is one screwed up deal.

Live to fish another day.

Back trailer into the water, leave boat attached, make several casts, then leave.

Nothing will change until they lose a life. I�ve captained for one on Texoma! Great kid, very polite, great angler! I did see several inexperienced Captains allowing their team to cut off other boats. The ramp was a nightmare. They fish with a lot of boats in each tournament! I pray all are safe tomorrow!

Great Post, lots to think about, planning to capt for my grandson in Lindale, and partner to be named in future, Feb is first tourney, Thank you all for your input

Do they make money off the tournaments? I mean since it�s not a UIL sport then I would guess it�s a for profit organization. That�s my only guess why they would allow things to go on lik they do.

Do the kids get a free Halloween spinner bait?

I can't believe this topic has generated 7 pages.

You mean, like a free participation trophy.

Been a captain for 3 years now for my son and his partner and also some other local teams (other schools) that needed a captain.
Yes, there are a few that don't have a clue from ramp to water or anywhere in between, but let's be honest, it's like that in any tournaments these days with all the guys that don't have a lot of experience in tournaments.

To me, THSBA has done a great job cutting tournament sizes up here in East and NE Texas anyway. When we started, there were over 250 teams in some of the tournaments. They have split the divisions where they can keep them down to reasonable numbers. Now I have heard that other divisions like southeast have over 300 in some now...But that may be another organization other than THSBA.

As far as safety, it's really a common sense deal and the captains that are experienced usually don't put their boys in any danger in bad conditions...again, it's the few "novice" boaters that you can tell don't know how to run in the rough stuff, etc

Obviously one of the goals is to catch some fish, but I also try to show the boys how to correctly have boat/truck ready at ramp (lights off) and how not cut other boats off as we are coming into a spot. Basically general courtesy on the water for fellow fisherman, whether it's fellow competitors or not, the way grandpa and my dad taught me.

I have one son fishing in College and another in high school. They have their own boats and I hope they handle theirselves as I've taught them while fishing without me.

I'm disappointed to hear so many on here that have nothing but negative things to say about kids high school fishing, but that seems to be the trend on TFF lately....a lot more bitching and whining than getting invoilved and trying to help kids do something other than finger bang a phone all day or play video games.

It just amazes me that there is so much negativity around THSBA. Every time a THSBA topic comes up it turns into a bash fest. While every other segment of the fishing industry does all they can to get youth involved in fishing. The crusty old bass tournament angler is doing all he can to run off the future competition. I've been a captain for 3yrs now for various kids that do not have a ride. I approach it as a teaching experience and work with the kids to make them better anglers. To fish on my boat you must make time to come pre fish with me, take an interest in learning electronics, and abide by all the rules without me having to constantly remind you. I make these expectations known ahead of time and honestly I have never had a single issue. Many of you guys with the negative experiences have nobody to blame but yourselves. These kids can't read your mind. Learn how to be an adult and actually communicate before things become an issue.

It really pisses me off that most of the problems listed above are being discussed like they are unique to THSBA. That is complete load of BS and everyone that fishes any adult tournaments at all know that. The problems listed above are constant issues for many adult tournament trails. They are systemic issues to the entire bass tournament world. Cheating is not new. It happens at every level to some extent. We continue to see failed lie detector tests in almost every tournament trail on occasion. Every organization does all they can to prevent it but when human beings are involved it will be a constant battle. THSBA does all they can to prevent it and I suspect you will see more and more things done as they evolve.

The other thing that is really frustrating about many of the comments on this thread is that they come from guys who direct tournaments, sit on boards, and have a say in many of the tournament trails and clubs that are popular across the state. One in particular directs tournaments for an organization that just last weekend hosted a tournament that I saw more rules violations in 10 minutes than I have seen in the last 3 yrs of THSBA. Rules violations just like the ones above and one in particular way worse. I say that not to get someone in trouble or bash a particular trail, but rather to say that maybe some of you guys should do some self reflection and take an honest look at the trails you fish before you go bashing another one. Lots of hypocrisy on this thread......Nobody is holding a gun to your head to help THSBA. If you don't like the organization why don't you simply ignore it?

I really do not see the benefit of High School Fishing Teams or Tournaments , my opinion it favors the ones whose parents or relatives already in the sport who can supply the nice boats/equipment etc. The young ones will find a way to learn the sport on their own , come on when you first heard of H.S. Fishing Tournaments didn�t a ? Mark come on over your head . It�s not the kids fault they are in the house all day - on the phone , playing video games . As a kid I could not sleep the night before I was going fishing , The bike , fishing pole and a bank along the lake is all I needed , I Still cannot sleep the night before I go fishing , This is my opinion .

I have not captained myself,but have a son who fished very successfully in college,so made all of those tournaments all the way to the National Championship level,that being said there were all levels of skill within the angler ranks,but one thing they all had in common was a love of the sport and a want to learn.My son has since captained highschool anglers(boys & girls) a couple of times,Were they skilled -no,did they want to learn - YES!I believe just like Bass Champs,Media,TTT it might be the captain as much as anything.I see folks that have no business in a boat that will do 80 mph doing just that,you see many anglers,and I use that term loosely,that have no ides what courtesy is,so how can they teach a young angler the sport when they don't know how to act themselves.I would also hope that before a parent would let their child climb into a boat for a day with someone they don't know they would at least meet them and see what they are lke,offer to pay for their gas,help them get the boat in the water,make snacks for everyone,make sure they are early,do something.Teach these kids right and they won't grow up to be THAT GUY and we all know who THAT GUY is!Mi dos centavo!

Since the UIL doesn�t recognize �high school bass fishing�, is it REALLY high school bass fishing? Or just youth fishing?

As for it �keeping kids off their phones and games�, that is the world we live in. Unfortunately. When I was a kid, I�d ride my bike or motorcycle from The Colony, to little Elm or highway 121 where it crosses the trinity to go fishing every weekend. I found a way to go fishing. If a kid nowadays wants to fish, they will find a way. If a kid doesn�t want to fish, but dad wants them to fish, or mom wants them to fish so they can have a �free day�, then there are these kamikaze tourneys with inexperienced strangers hauling kids out to fish, then complaining about it afterwards.

Bahahaha.

Who made you an expert on fishing and who should or shouldn't compete? There are guys on all levels of bass fishing who are in way over their head. What does it matter? I think this thread exposes the fisherman's ego as much as I have seen. Hate to be one to say this, but none of us are as good as we think we are, and nobody is impressed with your $128 workingman's tournament win. Embarrassing to see a bunch of grown wannabe's talk about high school kids. The issue isn't the kid, it's all the guys out there they see playing "dress up" in the fishing industry. Most of which have no business in a boat. See what I did there?

That�s something worth noting

Don't ya know thats the way your supposed to put it so you can see the fish in front of the boat How did the high school deal go today?

[Who made you an expert on fishing and who should or shouldn't compete?]

They did!!! They being the 'self appointed judges' on TTF. You typically have to be a member of the 10,000 Post Club. I hear its a very prestigious club that only a select few can be a member of. It requires you spend more time with a keyboard in your hand than a rod & reel. You must believe you are smarter and better than everyone else at the ramp, on the water and at weigh in. It takes a very special person to achieve this status. Just ask them, they'll tell you via social media later on when they get home.
Disclaimer: This is directed to the know-it-all's on this thread who foolishly try and predict the worst, not the folks that have genuine and logical information.

touche

Id take out some high schoolers, if they are having tourneys in Jan Feb March. Where do you find the schedule?

Jeff, see that you�re an Ex SERE instructor. Man, you guys were too realistic! I left survival school thinking no way you guys are right, you�re way too god at doing your job.

haha, I enjoyed the training, imagine 10x what you went thru.. I didnt enjoy the job much.

Ok tough guy. I fish 2-3 days a week year round, somewhere north of 35 tournaments a year, organize and run 26 tournaments a year. Was on the water both Saturday and Sunday last weekend. I know what I�m talking about, come see me when you�ve actually organized, directed, and fished half as many as I have. In this case your the key board warrior.
Limiting the size of the field is a very logical thought, not because I�m predicting the worst but because I fear the worst. Qualifiers could determine the people that get to fish the actual big tournaments, the anglers finishes would determine if they get to move on not a decision made by an individual. Your thought process it�s whats wrong with our country and why today�s youth can�t handle loss or being told no. Let em all fish... we can�t hurt anyone�s feelings...Heck give them all a participation trophy while your at it.

This thread is the Energizer Bunny!

BTW......Well Said Buda!!!

If they would have had high school tournaments back in my high school days, I would have dominated .... probably would have become better than KVD.

Again, every year the THSBA does make an effort to limit the size of the tournament field. They expand their divisions every year so the number of boats will hopefully get smaller. The divisional tournaments are the actually qualifier tournaments. I can assume, since you organize tournaments yourself, that you must have some type of qualifing tournament rule prior to being able to participate in one of your tournaments, or are you allowing anyone who shows and pays to be able to play because......"we can�t hurt anyone�s feelings...Heck give them all a participation trophy while your at it."

The only difference between THSBA and Media/TTT/etc. is that the THSBA is exclusive to high school aged kids. Media/TTT/etc. they arent limiting the number of boats in the field, and they dont care the age of the participants. If 2 high school kids wanted to fish TTT this year they could register, pay, and fish all events the same as THSBA only without a captain in the boat.

People just love to get on TFF and bash the high school trails because they can. Please remind me the number of lives that have been lost in a THSBA event? Maybe just provide the actual data that is being used to determine how often the THSBA has caused these kids to be injured? Or put the kids in a situation where there was a catastrophic, or even significant, injury? I am not saying something cant happen, but anything can happen on any given weekend regardless of whether there is a tournament, and so far the THSBA has provided at least enough rules and regulations to have prevented anything major from happening at one of their events.

That is quite the resume! I'm sure they would love to have a veteran tournament guru like yourself volunteer. You should give them a call and dontate your time. I believe their two paid positions are filled so it would need to be done out of the goodness of your heart.

Ok tough guy. I fish 2-3 days a week year round, somewhere north of 35 tournaments a year, organize and run 26 tournaments a year. Was on the water both Saturday and Sunday last weekend. I know what I�m talking about, come see me when you�ve actually organized, directed, and fished half as many as I have. In this case your the key board warrior.
Limiting the size of the field is a very logical thought, not because I�m predicting the worst but because I fear the worst. Qualifiers could determine the people that get to fish the actual big tournaments, the anglers finishes would determine if they get to move on not a decision made by an individual. Your thought process it�s whats wrong with our country and why today�s youth can�t handle loss or being told no. Let em all fish... we can�t hurt anyone�s feelings...Heck give them all a participation trophy while your at it. [/quote]


I will never be able to fish 35 tournaments or organize 26 tournaments a year, but I can still come see you if you would like.

My assumption is you're not a member of any high school bass fishing organization and you don't have a child that participates in one (please correct me if I'm wrong). Yes the THSBA has a very large field of participants which makes it a challenge logistically. The field begins to thin itself out over the course of the season due to inclement weather, poor performance and the teenage nature of loosing interest. As stated before, it's the Tournament Director's, parent's and captain's decision to fish or not to fish, not the kid's. You should probably read the rules and bylaws for a better understanding for future discussion.

[ Your thought process it�s whats wrong with our country and why today�s youth can�t handle loss or being told no. Let em all fish... we can�t hurt anyone�s feelings...Heck give them all a participation trophy while your at it.]

You are dead wrong about me and my children. My son wrestled for 6 years (junior & high school) and was a state qualifier his last 2. They don't give participation trophies in that sport. He fishes in inclement/crowded functions because he is good at it and he put the time in to be competitive. My daughter plays varsity tennis and is sub 1% academically in a 6A school, she expects nothing without hard work. I'm about as RED blooded of an American as one can get. I believe in survival of the fittest, I don't need additional GOVERNING from someone not a part of the organizations I or my children participate in.

Sincerely, 'tough guy'

Shallow water there is a difference. I coach high school and when I coached basketball we had 30 kids try out. Since I can't use 30 kids on the team I had to cut 15. I narrowed down the field. NOT everyone made the team. Now when I picked my 15 players not all them played not unless we were by 20 with 5 minutes to play. You said they limit the size of the tournaments. NO they just add another region. That does not narrow down the field. NOT everyone who wants too fish should be able to. Yes kids can fish TTT but do they sign a wavier since they are minors? Probably.... Shallow waters have you been a captain for a high school team? I have and have seen the boat captains and their in experience first hand. I do not fault the kids. They are playing by the rules given to them. Yes no lives have been lost in a THSBA tournament yet. If one does happen they will get sued beyond belief and well as the boat captain.

We have parents who pay thousands of dollars to send their kids to all kind of sports camps or travel teams in hopes that they will become the next great Magic Johnson, Tom Brady or Tiger Woods... Why not buy a boat so they can fish with their kids and be their boat captain? I am not letting my kid get on some on boat and not know if they are capable of being a boat captain. Parents are not involved in the sport. I am sorry but if one of the kids does not have a boat to which they can fish out of then sorry you should not get to fish. Question for you. So why are they fishing in highschool? Because it is cheap and inexpensive for them since they most don't own a boat.

This thread has potential.

Hey Coach, yeah I captain. This is my third year. And your facts are not correct. the THSBA was able to add a new region last year but they have also split current divisions in an effort to limit the field. Yes, they expanded with a further reach, but also restructured in order to cut down on size.

What does the waiver have to do with anything? The kids have to sign waivers for THSBA, hell they have to sign waivers to go on a school field trip. I am sure they have to sign waiver to pay basketball for you. As for your basketball team analogy, that sport requires a maximum number of players, fishing doesnt. The only level of fishing that stops at a number of boats is The Elites, and would like to tell me what that number is? 100-150 boats. The THSBA East Divisions tournaments have been around 130 boats this year.

These reports that the field is full of kids in boats with unknown captains is completely ridiculous. And you saying the "Parents are not involved in the sport", is even more ridiculous. The majority of captains are parents. The majority of the kids have been fishing with their parents since they were toddlers. Most of the kids grew up in boats on the weekends and are very skilled. Are there some that novice, or even newbies .... yes, of course, but that happens in every walk of life. Are people supposed to stop trying new things once they get a certain age? Maybe kids who havent played basketball by the time they are 13 should just never try for their entire life.

By the way, no one ever, in the history of life, has claimed fishing is "cheap and inexpensive". Even for people who dont own a boat, fishing is not cheap and inexpensive. It has been said many times on this thread, if you expect money when you volunteer to captain then let the participants know.

Last note, why on earth would you think the THSBA operates any differently then your basketball organization as far as insurance coverage and liability. The THSBA has an insurance policy that covers them for liability. They also have signed waivers from all participants. This isnt a fly by night, steal your money, organization. Try looking up facts, allow me to point you in the direction of a good resource - http://www.texashighschoolbassassn.com/_ufiles/files/bylaws.pdf

And why are kids fishing tournaments in the winter?, can they not move the schedule during the warmer months... like summer... no connection to UIL so why not?

I have captained also. yes parents are NOT involved. Give me a break. That is why I had two kids, that did not have a boat but wanted to fish. It is also why I did not captain this year. We had 5 captains from our bass club because their parents don't own a boat and 80 % of our kids from the school we captained the parents were not involved. I know of kids right now that are not fishing because NO boat captain.These kids parents could care less about what they do. Insurance and liability will not enough should something bad happen. The east is probably the smallest field they have. Go figure.. Fishing as non boater their a lot less cost than owning a boat and if you think other wise than you are clueless. You give $40 to the boat captain to be a guide for you. I know Tim a little bit ( don't know if he is still the president or not) and I think he has done a great job of managing it. The problem is the grew to fast. Insurance and liability. I could tell you my story on it but it would take up an entire page.

Waiver of Liability and boat ownership have nothing to do with whether or not you are sued. It 'may' make it more challenging to win, but does nothing to prevent it. Your idea of boat ownership only competing would cause these kids to compete solo unless they have a brother or sister. That is one way to definitely reduce the number of participants (highly unlikely that would be received without objection). As far as high school age vs high school age tournaments, the answer was clear for my son and his partner. They didn't have much of a chance of being competitive against seasoned more experienced fishermen in TTT, Bass Champs, TTO or local clubs for that matter. It makes sense to compete in similar age brackets. You being an ISD basketball coach can recognize the difference in ability between high school athletes and college/semi pro athletes.

Ok tough guy. I fish 2-3 days a week year round, somewhere north of 35 tournaments a year, organize and run 26 tournaments a year. Was on the water both Saturday and Sunday last weekend. I know what I’m talking about, come see me when you’ve actually organized, directed, and fished half as many as I have. In this case your the key board warrior.
Limiting the size of the field is a very logical thought, not because I’m predicting the worst but because I fear the worst. Qualifiers could determine the people that get to fish the actual big tournaments, the anglers finishes would determine if they get to move on not a decision made by an individual. Your thought process it’s whats wrong with our country and why today’s youth can’t handle loss or being told no. Let em all fish... we can’t hurt anyone’s feelings...Heck give them all a participation trophy while your at it. [/quote]


Buda, which tournament circuit do you run?

Get the net... I agree that they need fish against someone of the same ability. The smaller schools to me don't have a chance to win the team side of it. Now how do you that? We have a freshman team a JV and a varisty team. I do not know what the answer is for that. Some schools have 10 teams and so have 1 or 2 teams and some kids just started fishing and some like my son has been fishing since he was 4.

I would like to see a parent be boat captain and then have their child fishing and then you can pair them with another kid. I love fishing with my son and he can flat out fish. We are not doing the highschool fishing this year but we will next year. No one at his school wants to fish. He is part of a small charter school.

Also I get all the Liability and getting sued and not sued.

No good solution on team points and evening the playing field. Rockwall HS is a 6A school and we are right on the lake, yet we are lucky to field 4-6 teams due to interest. You head out east, you'll find significantly smaller schools fielding 10-13 teams. Realistically, the only way I see the number of tournament participants reducing is if another high school trail is started. It would have to be trail that emulates THSBA's values and structure in order to capture some of THSBA's members. To all on this thread, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! (except for you Buda13, for saying I'm the problem with our country. I hope you get a lump of coal in your stocking)

The sky is the limit and you would've run some of the big sticks out of the sport

This thread is unbelievable. Seriously you want to limit the number of kids who participate in tourneys and somehow equate it to football, basketball, baseball etc? Not even in the same ball park. Not to mention aren�t you trying to grow the sport? Preventing them from fishing will sure help with that. You have a guy who fishes and runs a few tourneys and all of the sudden he�s an expert on high school bass tourneys. Then you have a coach of all people who equates his girls basketball team to this. Laughable to both. THSBA does a fantastic job of running tourneys and doing the best they can to make things the best they can for the kids. Instead of celebrating and embracing the growth of bass fishing in the high school ranks some of you geniuses want to limit it and discourage the growth. Unreal.

Growing the sport!

What you fail to understand is that many bass fishermen and the majority on this forum have no interest in growing the sport. In fact they want the exact opposite. They see high school fishing as more future competition. Even more, they see the growing numbers as added pressure on lakes and fish populations that they see as their own. They see the rising cost of boats, lures, tackle, etc and blame that exclusively on the growing numbers from youth fishing. That's just the unfiltered truth. Most of the the other negative comments are just excuses not to say what they really mean. There's an older thread in this section with the title "grow the sport" . You should read it because there is substantially less beating around the bush in that thread. It is pretty eye opening.

Yes they are comparable since they are both highschool sports. I don't think the sport of bass fishing is going to be hurt if some kid who does not have a boat can't fish a highschool tournament. We did not have highschool bass clubs and I think the sport has survived. Never said THSBA did a bad job. I don't think anyone one here said that so don't put words in my mouth that I did not say. I have run more sports camps ( tournaments) than you can ever dream about. I have also run bass tournaments so i do know a little about it. Maybe not as much as your big brain. Not everyone gets to be on the football team not all should be able to fish since they don't own a boat. I want parents involved in their kids lives. Some schools are not big enough to do football so I guess we should just make it 7 on 7 football since it will grow the sport. A kid has No golf clubs and he wants to play Golf in highschool. He has never played before.and does not have the equipment. His parents won't buy him the clubs. Should someone provide the golf clubs for the kid and provide lessons and talk them to the golf course?

You have a big school that might have 10 to 15 teams in a region and in the same region another that has 3 teams. Why not limit the larger school to 5 teams? The larger school could do a qualifier before the went to next level.
Oh by the way I don't think the sport of fishing is in any danger of not growing.

Question... Have you been a captain yet? I have and my son who is 15 can flat out fish and I don't have a problem with youth fishing. He has a boat he can use and he still bank fishes.