Walnut Springs Middle School Fishing Club
Founded in 1974, the Walnut Springs Middle School Fishing Club is one of, if not the longest running youth fishing clubs in the United States. The club's rich history includes three (3) B.A.S.S. National Titles as Best Youth Club in the US, ten (10) B.A.S.S. and FLW/TBF Regional Titles for Best Youth Club in a nine state and Canada region, as well as a host of state and local recognitions. The club was founded by Charlie Hartley who would go on to become a B.A.S.S. pro!
Club members are taught proper equipment and tackle use, lure presentation and safety and compete in 8-12 local seasonal tournaments for a chance to compete at the state level. WSMS Fishing Club competes each year in the Ohio Junior Bass Federation State Tournament which allows the anglers to compete against a field of over 100 other anglers from around the state.
Charley Hartley and Zak: Picture courtesy of B.A.S.S
Charley Hartley and Zak: Picture courtesy of B.A.S.S.
Hartley's Hawgs
Hartley's Hawgs is a fishing team that serves the high school age youths in Westerville and surrounding areas. The club was named after Charley Hartley/B.A.S.S. Angler who started the club at WSMS and who makes appearances at local tournaments and activities. Like the WSMS fishing club, Hartley's Hawgs hosts several local tournaments each year which give anglers the opportunity to earn a trip to the State Tournament. The club also offers anglers informational classes, lectures, and the fundamentals of catch and release fishing safety.
For more information, please visit:
Hartley's Hawgs – Youth Bass Fishing Club (hartleyshawgs.com)