2014 Florida High School Fishing State Championship Returns to Lake Toho, Kissimmee
OutdoorHub 01.23.14
The Bass Federation (TBF), in partnership with FLW is pleased to host the 2014 Student Angler Federation (SAF) FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP on Sunday, March 2 at Big Toho Marina and the Kissimmee City Park.
The state championship is a two person team event for students in grades 9-12. Registration for anglers and their “coach,” who will provide the boat they compete in, is online at HighSchoolFishing.org. Check-in is 3-4:30pm EST on Saturday, March 1 at the weigh in trailer at Big Toho Marina in Kissimmee, Fla., with a mandatory rules briefing to follow. We highly encourage all teams to pre-register online or by phone in advance to avoid late registration fees.
Matt Larson and Don Meirs at Experience Kissimmee are dedicated to continuing their support of young anglers. They offer a first class experience and location at the newly renovated City Park and Big Toho Marina in Kissimmee.
“State championships allow every SAF member in North America the opportunity to fish in a championship tournament setting,” TBF National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, stated. “This year, with the help of our partners at FLW, we’re expanding the program again by offering more advancement opportunities based on field size. In 2014, the top 10% of the field will advance. This rewards areas of the country working hard to grow the sport of high school fishing.”
Students and parents can go to HighSchoolFishing.org for details on the Student Angler Federation (SAF) and to sign up. Cost is only $25/ year. Membership includes full TBF and FLW benefits, FLW Magazine e-Edition and insurance coverage for clubs and students. The top 10% of each SAF state championship and the top 3 teams from any SAF National OPEN event will advance to an FLW/TBF High School Fishing Conference Championship. The top 10% of each conference championship will advance to the FLW/TBF High School Fishing National Championship held spring of 2015 in conjunction with a major TBF or FLW event. The National Champions win a $5,000 college scholarship to the school or their choice. All SAF members nationwide and all open and state championship participants automatically qualify for the largest event in high school fishing, the 2014 High School Fishing World Finals. At the 2013 World Finals, over $40,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded. As with all SAF national events, there is no entry fee to this come one, come all, family vacation event that gives every high school team a shot at thousands in scholarships and prizes.
If you’re not a 2014 SAF member, there’s a one-time $25/per angler fee. This includes full TBF & FLW membership for the year, as well as, free entry to ALL National SAF events!
A unique SAF event feature is the “angler testing” component. It’s not “just about fishing” but also about education. This year’s angler testing will come from TBF’s new on-line education format with Faculty of Fishing. Anglers can go to highschoolfishing.org and click on “Online Education” then type in their SAF number and zip code to access the FOF site. They have a host of chapters covering a wide variety of topics. “Angler testing and education is an industry first by TBF,” Gintert said. “We built education into the foundation of the entire program when we began, and our partnership with FLW provides even more benefits and opportunities for them to take advantage of,” Gintert continued. “For only $25 per year these young anglers and have opportunities unlike anything the industry has ever seen.”
Event Details:
Sign-up: PRE-REGISTER ONLINE at HighSchoolFishing.org or a $25 late registration fee applies to those registering onsite. The best way is to pre-register online at highschoolfishing.org.
Mandatory Check-in: Saturday, March 1 at Kissimmee City Park and Big Toho Marina 3-4:30 pm with the rules meeting immediately following
Takeoff & Weigh-in: Sunday, March 2 at Kissimmee City Park and Big Toho Marina. Take-off at safe light. Weigh-in at 3pm. Questions? 580-765-9031
Tournament Waters: Lake Toho and the Kissimmee Chain of lakes up to but not including the Kissimmee River. (Locking is permitted)
