The Broaddus high school bass fishing club held a fundraising fishing clinic and big bass contest over the weekend drawing other high school anglers, parents and supporters of high school fishing from the southeast Texas area. Legendary fisherman Tommy Martin talked about what it takes to be a better bass fisherman and demonstrated specific techniques that anyone who wants to catch more fish needs to master. The crowd was treated to several additional pro fisherman who dropped by to show their support for the Broaddus team and the fast growing sport of high school fishing here in southeast Texas. Another legendary bass fisherman and lure designer Lonnie Stanley of Stanley Jigs stopped by with plenty of his newest frog baits for everyone in attendance as well as local favorite son Clayton Boulware who stopped by after fishing day one of the bass master weekend series tournament being held on Sam rayburn. Tommy Martin first began guiding on Sam Rayburn in the late 60's before beginning an impressive pro career that included winning the Bass Master Classic and being inducted into the bass fishing hall of fame in 2003. Tommy talked about the importance of dedication and practice to the success of anything that you want to do well. Tommy told the high school anglers that if they wanted to succeed in the competitive environment of professional fishing that they needed to consider going college to study business management and marketing while honing their skills on the water. Today's sponsors look for more than fishing ability, they want people that can speak to an educated audience with confidence and can represent their organizations in a professional manner. Tommy also donated a raffle prize from his rod sponsor Seeker Rods that was given away to a lucky participant. A beautiful custom fishing rod that was handcrafted in the Broaddus school colors and donated by Cody Comeaux from Elite Custom Rods was presented to Joey Woods the Broaddus Faculty Advisor and Terry Sympson the Club Advisor. The prized rod will be earned by one of the Broaddus team anglers before the start of the first high school conference tournament and is currently on display at Jackson Hill. The big bass contest was held on Sunday morning with the Broaddus team of Trent and Thomas Vardeman winning in both the boater and high school categories. Trent Vardeman had the mornings big fish at 5.83 lbs and younger brother Thomas won the high school division with a fat 3.48 lb bass. The Broaddus fishing team is gearing up for the December 14th start of the new South East Texas High School Bass Fishing Conference where they will compete with around 20 other high schools for bragging rights and scholarship awards. "it is hard to imagine how fast this sport is growing" said Terry Sympson of Jackson Hill Marina and Broaddus fishing club advisor. "The support from the high schools, communities and the entire fishing industry is amazing" he added. "Southeast Texas is full of fishing families and kids that love the outdoors". For more information about high school fishing you can contact Terry at Jackson Hill 936-872-9266 or [email protected]. You can also go to www.highschoolfishing.org for information how you or your kids can join the student angler federation. Pics Below #1 - Tommy Martin demonstrates proper flipping technique to the gathering while fellow Nitro pro fisherman Clayton Boulware looks on. #2 - Trent Vardeman shows off his winning big bass at Sunday's high school big bass challenge #3 - Joey Woods Broaddus high school faculty advisor and Terry Sympson of Jackson Hill the clubs fishing advisor are presented a custom made fishing rod donated by Cody Comeaux from Elite custom Rods made in the schools colors blue and white. #4 - Lonnie Stanley, Tommy Martin and Clayton Boulware pose with some of our local high school anglers at Saturday's clinic