Dawson County is set to be represented well at the upcoming High School Fishing National Championship in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with six DCHS students qualifying for the event through different routes.

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At the third annual Georgia High School Association Bass Fishing Championship on Saturday, May 20, Tigers duo Cara Perry and Madison Hawkins finished third out of 106 boats with a total weight of 16 pounds, 5 ounces. 

The pair, steered by Madison’s father, Tim Hawkins, formed a successful partnership over the past several months.

Cara and Madison participated in four regular-season tournaments and finished in the top 10% of all teams in order to qualify for the state championship. 

Both of them described how enjoyable it was to learn from each other and form a special bond that led to a high level of success. 

“It’s honestly been an amazing experience,” Perry said. “Being partners with Maddie has definitely been one of the best things to come out of this year. Over these past few months, she’s become one of my closest friends.”

“I’ve been on other fishing teams with other partners and I can honestly say teaming up with Cara has been my best experience with a partner yet,” Hawkins said. “I’ve learned a lot more about teamwork and what it takes to reach our goals that we’ve been striving for.”

They also mentioned individuals who inspired them in their fishing journeys, with Perry paying tribute to her late friend Glenn Worley and Hawkins recalling the influence of her papa Thomas Hammond. 

Also representing Dawson County at the Nationals are the teams of Carter Cunningham and Landon Glander as well as Hayden Seabolt and Reed Rooke.

Both of those pairs qualified through separate Georgia High School Fishing trails. 

All six of those qualifiers are currently raising funds for the long trip up to Wisconsin. The National Championship will last from Wednesday, June 21, through Saturday, June 24.