As the weather gets warmer, snow melts off the ground and ice melts from the lakes, allowing the bass fishing team to get on their boats and back on the water. Last year, the team qualified for sectionals, but didn’t make it to state – this year, the team hopes to change that outcome.

Bass fishing became a sport in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) 16 years ago, with members fishing for large mouth bass fish. Assistant coach Daniel Maric has fished since his childhood and says it’s not only a crucial skill to learn, but it’s also enjoyable.

“When you catch a fish, it’s hard to explain the excitement comes over you, you start yelling,” Maric said. “It’s also a way for me to share my skills with kids that probably don’t know how to fish. I think it’s a really important life skill to have, so for me to pass my knowledge onto somebody else is very important – you’ll never go hungry if you know how to fish.”

The team can only take eight players to the competitive season, and last year four of those eight were freshmen. Sophomore Noah Mohip was one of those freshmen that helped take the team to regionals and he was able to recognize what the team struggled on last year.

“Last year, we competed in 2 tournaments, and as a team, I think we did well,” Mohip said. “At our first tournament, we qualified to move on to the text tournament at the Chain O’ Lakes. I think something we struggled with was using lures that are more fun to use rather than using lures that we know will catch fish.”

Only able to have team practices two or three times a week at the Skokie Lagoons, the team plans to work on their skills individually as well.

“[I plan on] going out on my own, practicing more by myself before team practices,” junior Adrian Arcona said.

Bass fishing is an independent sport, but last year the team found success in helping one another and plans to continue growing together.

“Everybody ties on something different, we all try different tactics and which ever works, we tell the other guys,” Maric said.

The team was close to qualifying for state last year, placing two teams under the top 10 teams that go on to state. This year, the team has aspirations to go all the way in the competition.

“This year, I want to make it to the state tournament. Last year we were close, and I think we can make it this season,” Mohip said.