PCHS fishing team wins MLF High School Fishing Open

The Pike County High School fishing team of Joe Haren of Molena and Cohen Smith of Williamson, brought five bass to the scale April 29 weighing 20 pounds, 3 ounces, to win the Major League Fishing High School Fishing Open in Guntersville, Alabama, presented by Favorite Fishing. 

A field of 70 teams competed in the no-entry fee tournament, which was hosted by Marshall County Tourism and Sports. In MLF High School Fishing competition, the top 10% of teams competing advance to the High School Fishing National Championship. Among the top seven teams advancing to the 2023 High School Fishing National Championship are Pike County’s own Joe Haren and Cohen Smith in first place.

The nearest team to them were Murphy Chider and Tyder Colee of Albert P Brewer High School in Somerville, Ala. who caught five bass at 18-3.

Pike County’s fishing team defeated teams from across the states and those who finished in the top 10, represented schools from Georgia, Alabama and Illinois.

The 2023 MLF High School Fishing National Championship will be held on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin, June 20-24, and is hosted by Explore La Crosse.

The High School Fishing National Champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice and advance to the 2023 MLF Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers.

For complete details and updated tournament information, go to MajorLeagueFishing.com.