Madison Consolidated High School’s new bass fishing team will commence its first season this summer with five events throughout the state of Indiana.
Although not an official IHSAA sport, Bass fishing is one of the fastest growing sports in the state. Madison will join Floyd Central, New Albany, Indian Creek, Salem, Scottsburg, Mitchell, Bedford North Lawrence, East Central and Washington as regional schools participating in the Student Angler Federation. Silver Creek and Corydon are also in the process of developing teams.
High School anglers compete as two-person teams with two anglers per boat with an adult boat captain. Bass fishing is a co-ed sport with a high school division (ninth through 12th grade) and a junior division (eighth grade and below).
Madison High School will compete in four events during the summer: Rocky Point at Cannelton, June 10; Patoka Lake, Paoli, July 15; Lake Monroe, Bloomington, Aug. 26; and Patoka Lake, Paoli, Sept. 30. The state tournament will be held in April 2024. High school anglers may also compete in other federations or or tournaments on their own.
Madison had a call-out meeting for the team last Tuesday but several spots are still available on the team.
The team is also seeking boat captains, adults who operate the boat and can help land fish with a net, but they must not operate or hold any rods or reels.
Boats must be at least 16 feet in length and can be fishing boats, bass boats, aluminum boats or fish/ski boats.
Cost for student anglers is $25 for the federation fee and a $20 entry fee per tournament. The team is also looking at getting uniforms for its members.
If interested in joining the team, or offering services as a boat captain, call the Madison High School Athletic Department at 812-274-8002.
