May 12, 2025
By:
Four high school anglers from Smithville–Mason Taylor, Wesley Kent, Braeden Mangin, and Bill Stanton will represent their hometown in the Tennessee Bass Nation High School State Championship on May 30-31, launching from Sunset Marina on legendary Dale Hollow Lake.
These dedicated student-athletes will face off against the best high school bass fishing teams in the state, bringing their hard-earned skills to one of Tennessee’s most challenging and rewarding fisheries.
Adding to the excitement, Mason Taylor and Wesley Kent have already qualified for the 2025 Bassmaster High School Strike King National Championship, which will occur July 31-August 2 on Clarks Hill Lake in Evans, Georgia. Earning a spot in this prestigious national tournament is a testament to their talent and determination.
“We are incredibly proud of what these young anglers have achieved,” said Coach Taylor. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the sponsors who have supported the teams this season.