The pro and federation contenders of the Citgo Bassmaster Classic truly show their support of the Junior World Championship by stepping to the plate and volunteering their time on Sunday July 24^th for a day of practice and on Monday July 25^th for the tournament.  This is an exciting opportunity for the kids, being able to share a boat with the very best bass fishermen in the world. 

On Sunday, July 24^th during practice, the kids and their assigned pro angler ventured out into the Allegheny River where the pros drove the boats and served as advisors to the young contenders, providing them with tips on the best lures to use, types of areas to fish in and educating the kids on how the lock and dam systems work. Fishing in a large river was a new experience for many of the young anglers and this day of practice with the pro anglers provided many valuable tips.   Monday, July 25^{th the} day of the tournament, the pros anglers were responsible for driving the boats while the young anglers were on their own to choose the fishing spots, rods, lures and get the keepers into the boat …no advice that day from the pros. 

During the Junior World Championship, Rhode Island’s Chris Charpentier was paired with Tom Biffle and Scott Gettings was paired with Jimmy Mize. 

The day of the tournament was HOT!!! And the fishing tough …. After all was said and done Rhode Island’s Chris Chapentier caught some fish but none were keepers.

Rhode Island’s other youth angler Scott Gettings proudly walked away with the title Junior Bassmaster World Champion in the 15–18 year old division.   Scott was the only angler to catch 2 fish during the tournament.  The combined weight of Scott’s fish was 2 pounds 13 ounces, enough to earn this junior angler the championship.  Scott said he caught his fish in different locations but said he got them both out of the grass using a Senko.

As the Junior Bassmaster World Champion Scott was invited to remain in Pittsburg for the Citgo Bassmaster Classic tournament and all of the events associated with the Classic.  During the Citgo Bassmaster Classic Scott was awarded the following prizes:

            $5,000 in scholarship money

            A Triton boat with a Mercury motor (trailer too)

            A trip to Disneyworld

During the week, following his win, Scott was asked to participate in many media interviews where he proudly and knowledgeably represented Rhode Island and junior anglers everywhere.

Thank you to the many sponsors of the Rhode Island Junior Bassmasters that help make opportunities like this happen:

            RI Bass Federation       

            Adult Bassmasters

            Bassett Boat Company

            Exclusive Auto Body

            Erickson Bait and Tackle

            R.S. Embroidery

            Langford & Sons Land Clearing

            Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits

            Calvino Law Offices

            ‘Sew’-phisticated

            Triton Boats

            Ranger Boats  

Additionally, Scott himself is sponsored by:

• The Husky Angler
• Diamondback Rods
• Courtland Line
• Hart Tackle
• Yamamoto Custom Baits

A very special thanks to all the Boat Captains who continually volunteer to provide their boat and services during the many youth tournaments.  Without you the RI Junior Bassmasters would struggle to get the kids out on the water.

A special thanks to:

 Craig from Erickson Bait and Tackle, who for the second year in a row equipped our contenders with a supply of tackle to use during the Junior Bassmaster World Championship,

Gary Goddard from Bassett Boats (RI Triton Dealer), for flying to Pittsburg to show his support of Scott during the Citgo Bassmaster Classic events.

Thank you everyone, for your continued support of the RI Junior Bassmasters.

As a result of Scott winning the Junior World Championship the RI Bass Federation will receive $1500 of which $1000 is designated for the sponsoring chapter, The Adult Bassmasters.

The Junior Bassmaster World Champion in the 11-14 age group is Joey Nania, 14, from Liberty Lake, Washington.

Congratulations to both Scott and Joey!