OU Fishing Club team member Alexis Howard catches record spotted bass during team outing
NORMAN, Okla. – The college and high school fishing scene has erupted over the past few years. Colleges are beginning to recognize it as a legitimate college sport and many are offering scholarships to anglers. At an organized team outing this past weekend, Oklahoma University Fishing Club member Alexis Howard broke the Lake Thunderbird record for a spotted bass.
Howard grew up fishing with her father in local team tournament in the Ft. Worth, Texas area and has had a lifelong passion for the sport.
Fishing on November 13th, the Freshman Meteorology major fished a small crankbait when the three-pound, two-ounce spot hit.
"This was actually my first time fishing Thunderbird so I was surprised to find out that it was a lake record," said Howard. "I've grown up to love this sport and put off joining the club until my busy schedule cleared. Fishing is part of what I love about the outdoors, and I am glad OU is offering this opportunity to students."
Kenyon Hill, team coach and former B.A.S.S. Elite Series pro, along with former pro angler Bradley Hallman were on the water when the significant catch was made.
"This was just a friendly team competition," said Hill. "I've been fishing this lake for my entire life and the spotted bass have just started to gain some size. Alexis is a new member and can hold her own with the guys on our club. She and all our other female anglers are a valued asset."
Going forward, the OU Fishing Club will be helping grow the High School angling community across the state.
"This is important to many students across our state that are simply eaten up with fishing," said Hill. "The OU club is working hard to gain full varsity status. We've worked really hard as a team to establish ourselves on campus and competitively across the nation. We really want to be the first Division I school to recognize bass fishing as a varsity sport."
To find out more about the OU Fishing Club visit their Facebook page.
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