The Maine BASS Federation Nation hosted the 2008 Junior Bassmaster State Championship on Highland Lake in Bridgton on July 19. Twenty-four of Maine’s top junior bassmasters representing L/A Junior Bassmasters of Lewiston, Mainely Bass Junior Bassmasters of Lyman and Reel Deal Junior Bassmasters of Gardiner competed in two age groups, vying to be crowned state champion. They faced tough fishing conditions as the temperature soared to near 90 degrees under a bright sun during their five-hour tournament.

In the 11-14 division, L/A Junior Bassmasters reigned supreme with Brian Volkernick of Dixfield capturing first place with 10.24 pounds and winning big fish honors with a 4.11-pound largemouth. Second place went to defending state champion Nick Deering of Portland of with 8.93 pounds and third place was awarded to Kaitlyn Deering of Portland who had 5.66 pounds in her first state championship.

Mainely Bass Junior Bassmasters reeled in the trophies in the 15-18 division. First place in the 15-18 division was captured by defending state champion Nathan King of Dayton, with 8.47 pounds, followed by Cory Laflame of East Waterboro with 6.70 pounds and finishing third with 5.66 pounds was Collin Hart of Lyman who also had the group’s big fish at 3.07 pounds.

Brian Volkernick and Nathan King will advance to the 2008 Junior Bassmaster Eastern Divisional Qualifier at Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia, N.H. on Sept. 19-20. Winners at the Eastern Divisional will advance to the National Championship in November on Milford Lake in Junction City, Kan.

Earlier this month, Mainely Bass Junior Bassmasters completed its August tournaments. The members of shore division held their final catch, measure and release tournament for the year at No. 1 Pond in Sanford. Hunter Beyea of Arundel and Brian Radel of Kennebunk finished in a tie for first ahead of Matthew Boynton of Standish, who finished third. Beyer won the tiebreaker, to claim first place and he clinched the Angler of the Year title for the shore division by one point over Radel.

Members of the Junior Pro division competed in a weigh-in tournament at Little Sebago Lake. For many anglers – the big one got away (really). Finishing first was Chase Laflamme of East Waterboro with five bass totaling 6.61 pounds. Second place went to Alex Williamson of Gorham with three bass weighing 6.31 pounds and Connor Curran of Kennebunk captured third with two bass weighing 5.12 pounds. Junior pro division angler of the year standings remain very close and will be decided at the final club tournament on Square Pond.

Mainely Bass Junior Bassmasters is a fishing club for anglers age 6 to 18 that promotes and encourages youth fishing, sportsmanship and appreciation of our natural resources. For more information about Mainely Bass Junior Bassmasters, call 499-2692.