B.A.S.S. officials announced today that the Bassmaster Junior National Championship will be held July 25-26 on Clarks Hill Lake in Evans, Ga., followed by the Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship July 31-Aug. 2. Visit Columbia County will host both events, with daily takeoffs and weigh-ins held at Wildwood Park.
The Junior Series National Championship will feature qualifying anglers from grades second through eighth, while the High School Series National Championship will have a field comprised of eighth- to 12th-graders. With the High School and Junior Series kicking off the season last month on the Harris Chain in Leesburg, Fla., young anglers are busy qualifying now through regular-season events at both levels.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Bassmaster High School/ Junior Series Championship to Clarks Hill Lake,” said Shelly Blackburn, Visit Columbia County Georgia’s executive director. “Hosting this prestigious event is an incredible honor, and we are excited to showcase the natural beauty and hospitality of Columbia County to anglers and spectators alike. The economic impact of this championship will be significant, bringing numerous visitors and opportunities to our local businesses and residents. We look forward to a successful and memorable event that highlights the very best of what our community has to offer.”
Chase Clarke perfectly executed a big-bass pattern to win the weather-shortened St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Clarks Hill Reservoir presented by SEVIIN last month with a two-day total of 47 pounds, 7 ounces.
The 2022 Auburn University graduate caught three 6-pound-or-better largemouth during the tournament, two on the first day that lifted him to a daily total of 25-14 and one on the second day that anchored his 21-9 Day 2 total. Those two bags propelled him over second-place Blaine Bunney by 6-plus pounds.
“I’m super-excited about these National Championships,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. tournament manager for the College, High School and Junior Series. “I’m excited about sharing the stage with the best student anglers in the country and having this event on the outstanding fishery that is Clarks Hill Lake.”
2025 Bassmaster High School Series Sponsors
- 2025 Bassmaster High School Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
- 2025 Bassmaster High School Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
- 2025 Bassmaster High School Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
- 2025 Bassmaster High School Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew’s, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
- 2025 Bassmaster High School Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
