Bassmaster Youth Programs
CastingKids
In 1991, BASS developed the Bassmaster CastingKids program, which is similar to the NFL punt, pass and kick events. However, in CastingKids the challenge is to flip, pitch and cast a hookless lure to a bull's-eye target. Mastering these three techniques will give any angler the skills they need to present any lure and catch bass. Scoring is based on a points system so the young angler with the most points wins! To date, nearly two million children have been awarded more than $3 million awards, prizes and scholarships, the Bassmaster CastingKids program is the most successful youth fishing program in the world.
Like the Junior Bassmaster program, the CastingKids program mirrors the BASS Federation Nation tournament structure. Participants compete in local events conducted by an affiliated BASS Federation Nation club. Each local event has two winners, one in each age group (7-10 years of age and 11-14 years of age). The winners then proceed to their respective state finals. The CastingKids competitors who emerge as the top-performing competitor in his or her state will advance to one of six Federation Nation divisionals, based on geographic criteria.
The first BASS Federation Nation divisional of the year typically takes place in March or April with the remaining five Divisional competitions taking place throughout the spring and summer. From the six Federation Nation divisionals, only the top-performing 12 contenders will advance to the CastingKids Championship, to be held in conjunction with the BASS Federation Nation Championship, typically each November. The championship contenders will compete for $21,000 in scholarship money, with the winners earning the distinction as the best CastingKids in the sport and in their respective division. This qualifying ladder provides youth with a firsthand look at competition venues they can pursue when they reach adult competition age.
In addition to the seminars, BASS will encourage its Elite Series pros to serve in varying capacities at the CastingKids Championship held at the BASS Federation Nation Championship.
The six divisions of the BASS Federation Nation consist of - Northern, Southern, Eastern, Mid-Atlantic, Western and Central.
Awards: $21,0000 in academic college scholarships are awarded to the 12 finalists
- $5,000: National Champion in each age group
- $2,000: 2nd Place
- $1,500: 3rd Place
- $1,000: 4th Place
- $500: 5th Place
- $500: 6th Place
Junior Bassmaster Program
The competition program mirrors the BASS Federation Nation tournament structure. Junior Bassmasters compete on a state level for the chance to advance to their respective Divisional competitions. Central to the enhancements is the exposure of youth anglers to all levels of Federation Nation competition. Youth competitors will be mentored by Federation Nation anglers and will learn the elements that are central to the passionate Federation Nation membership.
The qualifying ladder for the JWC, which will mirror the Federation Nation structure, will provide youth with a firsthand look at competition venues they can pursue when they reach adult competition age. The junior competitor who emerges as the top-performing angler in his or her state will advance to one of six Federation Nation divisionals, based on geographic criteria.
The first BASS Federation Nation divisional of the year typically takes place in March or April with the remaining five Divisional competitions taking place throughout the spring and summer. The top-performing anglers from each of six divisionals will then qualify for the JWC Championship, to be held in conjunction with the BASS Federation Nation Championship, typically each November. The championship contenders will fish for $23,000 in scholarship money, with the winners earning the distinction as the top youth anglers in the sport in their respective division.
In addition to the seminars, BASS will encourage its Elite Series pros to serve in varying capacities at the Junior Bassmaster World Championship held at the BASS Federation Nation Championship.
Junior clubs are sponsored by adult Federation Nation Clubs with members of the adult clubs acting as mentors and educators for these young anglers. Junior members gain skills from how-to clinics, educational workshops based on conservation, good fishing ethics, catch and release and habitat restoration. Junior members also get involved with youth tournaments, adopt waterways, Bassmaster CastingKids programs and community service projects.
Youth Membership & Master Angler Program (MAP)
The Master Angler Program is aimed at the youngest of BASS members, but will benefit anglers at any age. The $15 membership includes a personalized certificate, decals and an instruction booklet that covers several skills. As the skills are completed, the member places the decals over the corresponding symbol on the certificate to track progress. Once the first three skills are completed, the member completes an included form and sends it to BASS officials, who then send out instruction for the next set of skills. A member earns a Master Angler decal once all of the skills are completed.
Many important skills are taught, including knot tying, casting, soft plastic baits, hard baits, topwater baits, bass behavior, landing bass, conservation and pattern fishing. Youth members will receive a BASS patch and decal, official membership card, two issues of Junior Bassmaster Magazine and are eligible for the Junior Lunker Club and prize drawings.
Please call 877-BASS-USA for more information.
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