Bass tourney snags youths from across the state

Families traveled several hours to the Ohio Bass Nation youth fishing tournament at Mosquito Lake State Park in Bazetta over the weekend. Tasha Burgess, Ohio Bass Nation youth director, said the event was the first of four tournaments in Ohio, with separate junior (4th to 8th grade) and high school (9th to 12th grade) groups. Students competed for college scholarships, plaques, and the chance to advance to the Bass Master Junior and High School national championship. Burgess said participants can represent any state, though Ohio hosts state championships in spring; in 2025, Ohio sent three junior and three high school teams to nationals. Teams could weigh up to four bass, with top team weights earning plaques and the top high school team receiving scholarships.