Straughn anglers are first in class at the Smith Lake tournament; SHS is third overall.

The Straughn High School fishing team participated on the field in the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association competition in Smith Lake as Devon Singletary and Shye Davis took the top spot on March 4, the 4th of March.

Singletary Davis’s team named the boat that won first place in the contest after catching about 17.69 tons of fish. Each of them received a scholarship worth $750 as well as an Halo fishing rod to celebrate the victory. SHS got a 3rd-place overall on Smith Lake. The competition was held on Saturday, February. 18 in Lake Jordan, the two boys won the second prize boat and received an award of $500 and an fish rod called Halo.

“First foremost, I’d like to let you know that I am extremely proud of the young guys. They’ve really made a huge leap within the first years of our fish team,” the head coach Benjy Wilson stated.

The team began the year by finishing second in an event held in Lake Jordan.

“This has really helped us the team standings within the state. The second competition in the year was beneficial for us. The team consisting of Devon Singletary and Shye Davis won the overall title as did the team comprised of Ryan Moore and Grayson Cannon was ranked within the top 20 from 135 teams. This helped move Straughn up the rankings for the state in no time. It’s a huge achievement for just our second year,” he added.

The team this year includes Rex Burkett, Kalel Savage, Devon Singletary, Shye Davis, Ryan Moore, Grayson Cannon, Isaac McMath, Drayden Whitten, Rylan Pettie, Austin Alexander, Brooks Clark, Chappel Clanton, Easton Carter, Evan Ray as well as Bryson Harrison. The captains’ parents are Clint Burkett, Tommy Singletary, Roger Moore, Kenneth Jones, John McMath, Gary Meadows, Jordan Pettie, Chad Alexander, Andy Clanton, Casey Ray, and Jeremy Harrison.

“We have an excellent future in the junior section. The boys are learning quickly and are enthusiastic about the future. The boys are working together as a group and it’s not easy to achieve when you are fishing tournaments, but we’re getting closer and more close every day. Our captains of the boat have went above and beyond to put these boys on the right track to be able for catching fish, and to finish the tournament with flying colors. We have a fantastic team in all aspects,” Wilson said.

He expressed his gratitude to everyone who makes it possible for the holiday season.

“I cannot say enough about our community and parents and the love and support of our sponsors is incredible. We couldn’t accomplish this without their support. I love that they are learning about life as well as the ups and downs of life, as well as learning how to fish and take in the outdoors at the same time.”

The second year of the Straughn fishing crew will hold an event for bass fishing on Saturday, April 22nd on Cypress Landing on Gantt Lake. The start time is 6:30 a.m. or safelight , with the weigh-in to be scheduled at 2 p.m. Cost for the event is $125 per yacht and 10 dollars per individual, with third place finishers getting the payback. First place earns 60 percent, second place gets 30 percent and third place earns 10 percent. The winner of the competition will receive 75 percent of the prize. Combinations consisting of chips, a hamburger and a beverage will be available on-site for just $10.

For more information, call Wilson at 334-222-2511 for more information or go to the Straughn High School Fishing Team Facebook page.

The story Straughn anglers claim the first prize in the Smith Lake tournament; SHS is third overall appeared in The Andalusia Star-News.