Bass Fishing Championship

Caige Bragg, an 18-year-old Alabaman, won the Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship with 11 pounds 3 ounces of bass.

“I just love fishing for bass, to be honest.”

Scholarship Prize

Bragg received a $25,000 boat and a $5,000 college scholarship for winning the championship.

Bass Fishing Growth

Bass fishing has grown from 600 clubs and 6,000 anglers a decade ago to 12,000 anglers in 1,100 high school clubs across 35 states.

High School Sport

Bass fishing is sanctioned as a high school sport in at least eight states, with clubs in many other schools.

Tournament Rules

Each team could catch up to three fish of at least 15 inches, which had to be alive when weighed and returned to the lake.

Cost of Competition

New bass boats cost $100,000, digital fish finders $2,000 or more, and teams spend $1,000 per athlete per season.

College Scholarships

About 600 colleges have fishing programs, with Bethel University offering 20 scholarships at the national tournament.

Professional Path

Caige Bragg plans to skip college and pursue professional fishing, working 40 to 60 hours a week.

Bass Fishing Business

Bass Pro Shops sold fishing gear, including $250 rods and bait for $20 each, at the tournament.

Bass Fishing Future

Bass fishing is becoming a high-stakes pro sport with big sponsors and media deals for young anglers.