Do you remember the times when you and your family grabbed fishing equipment and went off to the lake to test your luck? The times were indeed good, and those memories are dear to your heart. But you can also create new ones! You can invest in your hobby and succeed at it during your college years. Fishing may not be one of the most popular sports to enroll in during studying, but it is definitely possible to do so.
College offers a variety of areas where you can discover your unique talents. While you split your homework with the academic paper writer at EssayPro, you can look for the opportunities the summer season offers at different locations. While COVID-19 is still a problem in some places, it is important to be updated about the dates and terms of tournaments. Therefore, this summer may not be as fruitful as before the pandemic in terms of different challenges available.
Being a part of the team is always a good choice to add to your future resume. Even if you don’t want to participate yourself, you can follow the latest tournaments and cheer for your college.
Why fishing?
You still can feel fifty-fifty about your choice to follow or enroll in fishing sports. Even if you have warm memories or it being your favorite hobby, you may not be so sure as an adult. We often hear how people say it’s more for elder folk. The ones who shoosh at you while they focus on the water.
Reconnecting with nature
Fishing is one of those sports that help you reconnect with nature. How often do you get to experience the outdoors and get far from the urban jungle? It is different from a vacation trip or going out to music festivals. It is really good to appreciate the beauty we are surrounded by, aside from our daily routines.
It is a much better way to pay attention to the environment and find your place in the calming practice of fishing. Of course, it is not for everybody. Some people would much rather spend their time indoors, but if you prefer outdoors, fishing can give you much more than cash prizes from tournaments.
Additional knowledge
You get to learn more about the environment. Every tournament or event has its basic rules. In the process, you get knowledge about different species and specifics of the locations you work with. This is a big advantage for anyone who loves to add informativeness to the competitive aspect of the sports.
At the same time, you get to understand local rules and regulations when it comes to outdoor sports. Fishing doesn’t mean you just focus on the result. You also pay extra care to the environment and other aspects of the sport.
Developing new skills
Fishing teaches you patience, time management, research skills, and movement coordination. It is a meditative sport, one that encourages you to consider mindfulness and memorization rather than just speed or force. Here, you calculate each of your movements and then make a final decision.
Fishing is a sport for people who value quality time. It requires the same amount of practice any other athletic competition will demand from you. The obtained skills would be helpful not only during the competition but in your life.
MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing
The tournament is open for full-time undergraduate or graduate students of four-year colleges or universities or community colleges. The contestants must be members of Major League Fishing (MLF) to enroll and participate in a college fishing club recognized by their institution. To participate in 2022, you need to be a part of the top 10 teams from each 2022 qualifying event and the top 20 teams from the 2022 College Fishing Open competition. The tournament consists of several events:
- Qualifying events, or the preliminary contests, where winners are determined by the heaviest catch;
- College fishing open, a two-day tournament, where the winners are determined by the heaviest combined weight from both days;
- The 2022 national championship, where winners are determined by the heaviest combined weight from three days of the competition. The winners receive priority entry to the following Championships;
Entry fees are $75 per team, and the onsite entry fee is $100 per team.
Bassmaster College Series
The contest is open to student clubs and individuals that are already registered in the tournament. You have to be a member of B.A.S.S. and the B.A.S.S. Nation, with the support of your college advisor. Just like in other tournaments, the participants have the right to enter practice the three days before the competition starts. The locations of the tournament are Lake Norman, Norfork Lake, and Saginaw Bay.
Bassmaster College Series is a part of larger championship events, including junior, high school students, and pro leagues. The prize amount depends on the place you hold.
For instance, the Bassmaster College series include various college events. This includes the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship and Barnett Reservoir Rumble. Pay close attention to these two events, as they are the two main ones to follow.
BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship
The Championship is a two-day, two-angler team format where all full-time college students can take part. The Championship requires a GPA score of 2.0 or higher to be a part of the tournament. At the same time, your team must be recognized by the institution and represent the college. You can participate within five months after your graduation, but not more.
The scoring of the team is determined by each team’s catch, and the limit is five basses per team. This year BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship will be the 18th edition of this National Championship event, hosted by Lake Lewisville. The prize payout values at over $30,000 and the title of Bass Pro Shops School of the Year. This tournament is a must add to your following list or participate.
Barnett Reservoir Rumble
The Barnett Reservoir Rumble is a two-day, two-angler team format, much like the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship. Anglers are allowed to fish alone, but only with the permission of the Tournament director. The winners are determined by the combined weight per team. Additionally, the two highest score teams for each college will have the right to get Bass Pro Shops School of the Year points.
The winners will share more than $20,000 in prizes and contingencies.
How to prepare for a tournament?
First and foremost, you always need to register in time to be a part of the tournament. Late entries can be rejected, so you need to master your time management.
It is crucial to observe pro leagues and pro tournaments. Also, you should look at students’ championships and make notes on the style and technique of your opponents. Take notes on locations and how different aspects impact the performance of the athlete.
Even if you don’t plan to become an angler yourself, you can become a pro reviewer or specialist. The sport is developing and always needs new talents.
Conclusions
It takes a lot of patience and dedication to turn your hobby into a career. Even if you don’t pursue a career in fishing, you still acquire skills that are a must for any young professional.
