Students respond to lure of competitive fishing
RUSSELLVILLE — A new countywide fishing team is giving more Franklin County students the chance to cast a line and compete.
The Franklin County Anglers, created this fall with approval from Superintendent Greg Hamilton, bring together students from schools across the county — including Belgreen, Phil Campbell, East Franklin, Red Bay and Tharptown — along with a few homeschool participants.
The goal is to make fishing opportunities available to any student, even those whose schools don’t have their own programs.
Sonny Boyd, who serves as president, said he and fellow organizer Shane Mansell began discussing the idea during last season’s tournaments after realizing how many students wanted to fish but lacked the chance.
“We talked to Mr. Hamilton about it, and he agreed to let us form a county team so all the kids who want to fish can have that opportunity,” Boyd said. “It just opens the door for more of them to get involved.”
The team’s first tournament took place on Neely Henry Lake in Gadsden as part of the Bass Tactix Trail, organized by Shane and Alicia Mansell of Russellville.
Three boats represented Franklin County in a field of 158 competitors. Eli Boyd and Trey Hicks, both Belgreen eighth graders, placed eighth overall.
Eastyn Moats and Madelyn Holmes, who are homeschooled, finished 11th, and McGill Willingham and Ben Wilkin, seniors at Belgreen, finished 101st after experiencing boat problems.
“It’s peaceful,” Sonny Boyd said. “It puts you in God’s country. We pray before tournaments and just go fishing. That’s why these boys do so good — they don’t get stressed out.”
Jana Boyd, who serves as the team’s coach, said she is excited for the new season and for what the experience it offers students.
Eli Boyd, left, and Trey Hicks showcasing three quality largemouth bass caught in the Smith Lake tournament.
“I’m thrilled we have the opportunity to do this for all the kids in the county,” she said. “Fishing gets them outdoors and involved in something positive that can even lead to bigger opportunities in the future.”
The Boyds said the program is already helping students work toward college fishing scholarships.
“There’s a higher percentage of kids getting scholarships through fishing than through basketball or football,” Sonny Boyd said. “Most of them are fully paid for — boat, dorm, gas, food, everything.”
The team’s second tournament was on Smith Lake in Jasper, also part of the Bass Tactix Trail.
Students interested in learning more can go to the team’s Facebook page, Franklin County Anglers.
