Bass Fishing Club is a Cherokee High out of school activity arranged by club host and CHS ELA teacher, Adam Johnson. This club allows students to practice and compete practically on their own therefore creating lifelong friendships and diligent working skills. Members deserve a spotlight for their hard work and countless hours they have dedicated to the sport.
Tournament Prep
To prep for tournaments, members of the Bass Fishing club spend careful time studying the map of the lake they will be fishing at. It is the student anglers job to inspect weather reports and closely examine the water conditions. The use of sonar, fish migration patters, and finding the right bait also play a big roll when catching fish.
For example, when fishing for bass student anglers must pay close attention to the water clarity. Bass are extremely cautious species of fish, and they notice when clear water leaves them exposed to predators. Bass also thrive when stable weather patterns are present. The fish will be most active during consistent climate therefore, easier to catch.
Their practice requires them to spend a good amount of time slowly navigating the lakes using their sonar to locate schools of fish.
Head of Bass Fishing Club Adam Johnson
Fish travel in large groups called “schools” and as Mr. Johnson states, using sonar helps make finding schools of fish easier. Sonar is sound waves that are used to to detect underwater objects. When using this technique sound pulses are released from the boat and if they hit a school of fish the waves will be reflected back to the boat. Then the fisherman will know what area they will catch the most fish in.
Student anglers also have to know what bait is best to use to catch the most bass. When finding the right bait its important to consider different weather and temperatures. For example, on cold days MossyOak claims that it is best to use hair jig lures. When the weather is windy spinnerbait is a highly recommended lure to use.
Tournament Day
A typical tournament day begins the night before. They have to prep their boats and equipment, charge batteries, fill up fuel tanks, spool up fishing line, tie on lures, and organize/prep their tackle for the next day.
Head of Bass Fishing Club Adam Johnson
As Mr. Johnson describes, tournament day is extremely rigorous. In fact, due to competition locations being far away, student anglers often set out for the day hours before sunrise. Upon riving at the location each boat receives a number and they begin to prepare for blast off. Mr. Johnson describes blast off as an “adrenalin rush,” for all participants are impatient to arrive first at the spot they found best during practice.
Boats speed across the water at 60+ mph trying to get to the best spot. Approximately, the next seven hours is spent on the water trying to catch the five biggest bass as possible. Then, student anglers will return to land to weigh their fish and a winner will be determined.
State Championship
Student anglers travel all over the state and even sometimes out of state to compete in tournaments. This seasons members have been traveling to locations including Lake Seminole, Lake Oconee, Lake Lanier, and many more. In May 2021 the state championship will take place on Lake Lanier.
Student angler teams must be in the top 4 in one of the 4 qualifying events to fish the state championship, or they must be in the top 10 in points based on finished in the 4 events.
Head of Bass Fishing Club Adam Johnson describes how student anglers move on to the state championship
Student Spotlight
Student angler Ethan Baldwin caught a 4.72 pound spotted bass on Lake Lanier. Ethan’s catch was the second largest fish caught at that tournament. Students like Ethan thoroughly enjoy being apart of the Bass fishing club for it brings long lasting friendships. Competing with and against each other teaches the students teamwork skills.
Interestingly, bass fishing is now a GHSA sport and this will be the first year members will receive a letter for their hard work.
This sport will grow as college scholarships and money is and will continue to become available to student anglers.
Head of Bass Fishing Club Adam Johnson
Congratulations to Cherokee High’s Bass Fishing Club members for putting in tiresome hours of rigorous work making a great season so far. A big thank you to Mr. Johnson for allowing The Warrior Word to cover the club.
THE WARRIOR WORD 