GREENDWOOD — Beautiful conditions on Lake Greenwood greeted seven youth bass fishing clubs when they met Nov. 3 for the B.A.S.S. Junior Bassmaster State Championship. The weigh in was held at Lake Greenwood State Park with nearly 350 junior anglers, boat captains, family and friends in attendance.

The Dixie High School Hornet Anglers continued with their successful season by taking the top slots in both age brackets. Ben Stone (15-18 age bracket) reeled in two fish weighing in at 5.72 pounds. JT Rawski (11-14 bracket) had three fish with 6.32 pounds. The tournament big fish, caught on a drop shot around a dock, was caught by Chase Norris with the Upstate Jr. Bassmasters at 4.46 pounds.

Current B.A.S.S Elite Pro, former Bassmaster Classic Champion and BASS Angler of the Year Davy Hite announced the weigh-in and signed autographs after the event ended. The participating clubs included: Upstate Junior Bassmasters, Lake Wylie Junior Anglers, Abbeville High School Panther Junior Bass Club, Mid-Carolina High School Junior Bassmasters, TL Hanna High School Fishing Team, Dixie High School Hornet Anglers and the Ninety Six High School Wildcat Anglers.

The winning angler from each age group will become a part of the SC B.A.S.S Federation National State team which will compete April 21-26, 2013 on Douglas Lake in Tennessee.

15-18 age group

First Place - Ben Stone - Dixie High School - two fish - 5.72

Second place - Jody Perry - Mid-Carolina Jr. Bassmasters - two fish - 5.34 pounds

Third place - Michael Morris - Mid-Carolina Jr. Bassmasters - two fish - 4.52 pounds

11-14 age group

First place - JT Rawski - Dixie High School - three fish - 6.32 pounds

Second place - Ethan Lee - Dixie High School - two fish - 5.32 pounds

Third Place - Chase Norris - Upstate Jr. Bassmasters - one fish - 4.46 pounds

Tournament Big Fish - Norris - Upstate Jr. Bassmasters - 4.46 pounds

To start a youth bass fishing club, all you need is a minimum of six students (within the 11-18 year old range) with dues paid. In addition to six student anglers, you’ll also need an adult at your school to help lead the club, provide advice and help arrange at least two club tournaments, fundraisers, speakers and other learning sessions pertaining to fishing for club meetings. The Youth Bass Fishing Clubs is a product of a partnership between the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, The Bass Federation of South Carolina and B.A.S.S with help and support from parents, teachers, school districts, local bait and tackle shops, community partners and Pure Fishing.

Find out more about Youth Bass Fishing Clubs by contacting Aquatic Education Coordinator Lorianne Riggin at (803) 737-8483, RigginL@dnr.sc.gov or by checking www.dnr.sc.gov/aquaticed/youthbass/.