On July 16, North East High School’s Bassmasters participated in the High School State Fishing Championship at Elk Neck State Park. Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania also held individual state tournaments on the same day. Thirteen pairs from different high schools all over Maryland participated that the park. North East’s team had wins across the board, with John Hamilton and Alec Borden coming in first place, and Nick Naggie and Will Gramer claiming second. Ernie Miller, founder and coach/advisor of the club, says this is their pioneer year. The goal of the club is to “spread the high school fishing trail in order to have more competition and push the sport forward. This is a opportunity for the kids who love to fish to compete in a organized structured event.” North East High School's Bassmasters: (Back row) Steven Snyder, Will Gramer, Tyler Ritchie, Paul Simpson, Kyle Oaks, and Nick Naggie; (front) Brian Brochu, Matt Brochu, and Garrett Geiger. Photo courtesy of Ernie Miller He believes the club is a healthy outlet for kids with a lot of free time on their hands. He’s also surprised that the club is the only one of its kind in Cecil County. “I’m baffled that there has not been a club in the past,” he says. “We live basically right in the middle of five rivers at the top of the Chesapeake Bay. The fishery is exploding, and competitors are flocking here to fish tournaments.” Miller was eager to point out that the club is grateful for their sponsors, Bass Pro Shop and the local tackle shop Precision Tackle. “[Bass Pro Shop] helped us secure our jerseys for the team. They have been a huge springboard for us.” The Champs aren’t finished yet. The first-place winners will move on to the regional tournament in New York on Lake Champlain in October. Results of the High School State Fishing Championship tournament will be posted on highschoolfishing.org. https://youtu.be/kGE18-fZBxY