Mooresville, NC
The first stop of the 2023 spring season for the North Carolina BASS High School and Junior Series was held at Lake Norman in typical late winter/early spring fishing conditions! The blast-off for our 85-boat field was on a cool, windy, but clear day. The young men and women took off in search of big largemouth and spotted bass that inhabit these clear waters.
Taking the win in a very close Junior Division (20 teams) were Alvin Martin and Parker Wicker from Rowan County with a five fish limit that weighed 10.58 pounds. Alvin and Parker traveled back home with the 1st place plaques, Woods to Water cash ($200) and Skyline Marine/Shimano gift cards. Finishing a close second was the Southlake Fishing Team of Larson Morgan and John Ballzerak. Their limit weighed 10.20 pounds and won them $100 of Woods to Water cash, and Academy Gift Cards as well.
In the High School Division, the Rowan County duo of Hunter Alexander and Chase Wodzinski brought in an impressive bag of five fish that weighed 16.10 pounds. The had a great mixed bag of spotted and largemouth bass. Running and gunning at key locations across the lake led to their victory. They took home the high school champions plaques, the Woods to Water cash prize ($300), Water Wood Crankbaits, and $100 Shimano gift certificates from Skyline Marine.
Close behind in second place with another impressive limit was Ty Allison and Brayden Padgett of McDowell County. Their nice bag of spots and largemouth was anchored by the Big Bass of the tournament which weighed 4.85 pounds. Ty and Brayden took home the second-place plaques, the Big Bass plaque, Woods to Water cash ($200) Water Wood Crankbaits, Academy gift cards, and $100 Shimano gift certificates from Skyline Marine.
Finishing in third place was the Caldwell County team of Tyler Eggers and David Stroupe who brought in another solid limit of 5-fish weighing 14.40 pounds! The team received the third-place plaques, Woods to Water cash ($100), Academy gift cards, and Water Wood crankbaits for their catch.
Matthew Norton and Ian Shroeder of Riley’s Catch claimed fourth place weighing in a five fish limit of 13.15 pounds. They received the fourth-place plaques and Academy gift cards. Next, the Bandy’s High School team of Isaac Patrick and Jacob Loflin secured fifth place with five fish weighing 12.74 pounds. Their first top 5 finish together landed them 5th place plaques and Academy gift cards for their effort. Places 6-10 also were rewarded with gift cards from Academy.
Next, we’d like to thank all of our sponsors and volunteers for making this tournament possible that include but are not limited to: Bryan Moore, Todd Bare, Deanna Garmon, Academy Outdoors, Skyline Marine, Shimano Fishing, Water Wood Custom Baits, and Woods to Water Outdoor Company.