A record field of high school anglers from all around the state of Texas is expected when the Southeast Texas High School Fishing Association’s 2015-16 season kicks off Saturday at Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
As many as 500 teams – and possibly more – will compete in the season opener, according to tournament direction John Salamone, who said last year’s season opener set a record with 376 teams participating.
“As of this afternoon, we have 487 teams registered and we’re expecting more,” Salamone told BassFan on Wednesday.
The competition will begin at 6:30 a.m. and fishing will conclude at 2:30 p.m. Due to the field size, there is no controlled takeoff. Competitors can launch from any ramp on the lake. Competitors must check in at the Umphrey Pavilion by 3 p.m.
Participation in SETX events is open to students in seventh through 12th grade and each team member must be a TBF Student Angler Federation (SAF) member. Salamone said the majority of field will be comprised of Texas high school anglers, but some Louisiana students have registered, too.
“We’ve had inquiries from a lot of schools in Louisiana, but we’re trying to limit it to just Texas for now,” he said. “In the future, we may explore adding a division format that would allow competitors from other states.”
Salamone said the event’s growth has exceeded expectations.
“We want it to be a large event and we anticipated growth, I’m not sure we anticipated 20 percent growth,” he said. “The most impressive thing about this whole event is the volunteers.
There’s a boat captain for every team. They volunteer their time and use of their boat and expenses.”
With the help of corporate sponsors, Salamone said around $20,000 in cash prizes and an additional $5,000 to $10,000 worth of products will be handed out at each of the five qualifying events this season. The winnings typically go into scholarship funds at the respective schools.
To learn more about the SETX, visit http://www.setxhighschoolfishing.com/.
