Top Ten Things to Expect as a GHS Angler/Parent

1. Fishing is an expensive sport (travel team in particular)

• Equipment: rods, reels, lures, rain/cold gear:  $1000 - $1500

• Club Tournaments: $30-$60 per angler, per tournament

• Away Tournaments:  lodging, travel gas/boat gas, Captain expenses (food, gas, lodging):  ~$500-$800+ for a two-day tournament *costs fluctuate with the cost of fuel for boat & vehicles/distance of the tournament

2. It is a serious time commitment 

• Club tournaments (6-8)  & 2-4 day Varsity tournaments (5-10)

• Mandatory work days throughout fall & spring

• Practice & tournament days are LONG: 8+ hours on water

• We travel to lakes that are 2- 6 hours away

• The Friday before a tournament is typically an excused school absence

3. Parents will be required to travel/attend tournaments

• Anglers must have transportation to/from by guardian 

• All tournaments over 2 hours will require overnight lodging

• This is not a sport where anglers can be dropped off and then picked up, parent involvement is an absolute necessity

4. Anglers will be required to fish in all types of weather

• Tournaments take place in wind, rain, shine and snow

• Anglers must be prepared for 8-10 hrs in extreme conditions

• Cancellation of events is very rare  

5. Fishing is a team sport, choose your partner wisely

• You cannot fish more than one official tournament as a solo angler

• Partners/parents should have the same commitment/interest level 

• Partners should also be able to maintain the academic standards

6. New to the 23/24 Season: selection to the travel team roster is impacted by the angler's ability to show they have a dedicated boat and captain 

• You are not required to have a boat however, if you do not, YOU are required to secure a guest captain from the list provided & cover all Captain costs not reimbursed. 

•  You may fish for the club-level team (local tournaments) if you do not have a boat/capt.  Anglers would secure a guest captain to take them out.

7. As a team, we are dedicated to two different tournament trails: 

• Georgia High School Association (GHSA): 9th – 12th grade only

• Georgia Bass National High School (GABNHS): 6th – 12th grades

• There are several other tournament trails that anglers can also choose to attend

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8. Communication/Deadlines are CRITICAL:

• Team App: our forum for communication, must be checked daily by anglers/parents

• Coaching staff will also send team text messages for critical updates

• Deadlines are HARD and will NOT be extended: this is true for tournament registrations, reimbursement requests, sponsorship deadlines, etc. (PLEASE READ THIS ONE AGAIN)

9. All anglers will be expected to sign and uphold a behavior contract and the academic requirements CCBOE enforces for participation in sports

10. GHS is a well-respected team that creates skilled anglers