TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
LINES, LURES, & LUCK BY STACIE DENNARD
They sit in the dark, claiming their coveted spot, with only the man in the moon reflecting off the water and the croak of frogs for company. They wait for the sun to peek over the horizon— the signal that their dance of lines, lures, and luck can begin. They will cast in the cold, the rain, the dark, or the heat—no matter the weather, no matter the cost. They will endure it all for one chance at their prize, their treasure, their gift, the biggest bass in the lake. School districts in and around Texarkana proudly support competitive fishing teams, where young men and women cast their lines in pursuit of the next big bass. Each team pairs off into fishing partnerships and is joined by a boat captain. The boat captain is a volunteer who provides the boat, guidance, and a dose of wisdom. These captains selflessly take the young anglers across lakes for a chance at a big bass. The tournaments, organized by Texas High School Bass Association (THSBA) or Ark-La-Tex Bassmaster, host hundreds of anglers each tournament, enticing what every fisherman desires—a chance of hooking a big fish plus big money. Texas High School and Hooks High School attend the THSBA tournaments, competing against approximately 185 anglers at each event. THSBA comprises nine regions, representing fishing teams from all over Texas. Throughout the year, more than 450 high schools, private schools, and homeschooled anglers, totaling over 3,000 students, compete for titles such as Angler of the Year and State Champion. After fifty tournaments, each division advances
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