Hubbard and Benson named SAF state champions in bass fishing

Elijah Benson (left) and Braedon Hubbard holding four of the five bass they caught on Feb. 28 to make them the 2021 Student Angler Federation State Champions - photo by Photo submitted

Braedon Hubbard and Elijah Benson were named Student Angler Federation state champions on Sunday, Feb. 28, after placing first in the Georgia State Bass Championship.

The duo beat out 77 other boats represented by high schools all across the state. The event was held at Laurel Park in Gainesville and hosted by the TBF Student Angler Federation.

Hubbard and Benson won by catching bass total, weighing 15 pounds and 5 ounces, which is 1 pound and 7 ounces heavier than the second place finishers.

Braedon Hubbard (left) and Elijah Benson holding their Student Angler Federation state championship trophies after winning the 2021 state championships, beating their next closest opponent by 1 pound and 7 ounces. - photo by Photo submitted

“[Elijah and Braedon] have been preparing for this all year, fishing many lakes and being out on Lanier whenever they can,” Tigers coach Donna Melton said. “I’m very proud of them and can’t wait to see what lies ahead for these talented young men.”

Freddie Jenkins and Luke Baggett also competed and tied for 31st place. They caught two bass weighing 4 pounds and 9 ounces. Only 48 out of the 79 teams caught any fish.

Though Sunday’s tournament was not run by the Georgia High School Association, this is the first year that Bass Fishing is a sanctioned sport by the GHSA. The entire Dawson Co. fishing team plans to compete in the GHSA tournaments.

Their region championship is March 20 at Sugar Creek Marina in Buckhead and the GHSA state championship would be May 8 back at Laurel Park.

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