So what is the North Louisiana Junior League?
The North Louisiana Junior Fishing League is the newest competitive bass fishing league and trail. Formed in 2019 we are focusing on 5th to 8th grade year old boys and girls.
We are creating a foundation for young junior anglers to be successful in the sport of bass fishing by hosting competitive bass fishing tournaments for late elementary and junior high students. With the help of sponsors, parents, and our coaches and captains, we will be the premiere junior school aged fishing league in the state of Louisiana and region!
Of course, the North Louisiana Junior Fishing League is closely associated with the North Louisiana High School League. While we are an independent League and group, our goal is to get the junior youth interested in competitive bass fishing so they can move into the high school league at the appropriate age.
The North Louisiana Junior Fishing League is developing character and sportsmanship in our junior aged youth through fishing and giving back to the community. We require all anglers to become members of The Bass Federation’s (TBF) Student Angler Federation School (SAF) club program.
Want to know HOW TO JOIN?
If you have a school or group that would like to join our League then the steps are pretty simple.
- [ Click Here ] for the “Team Info” – Boat Captain Release and Angler Release Forms to digitally sign up.
- Review our [ Rules ] and read our [ FAQ ] page.
- Join TBF (The Bass Federation) and create a team / roster. EVERY student angler must join TBF – and we strongly encourage the coaches and captains to do the same.
- Follow Us on our [ official Facebook page ] and watch any videos or pictures that we share out!
- Email Us for further help in setting up your meetings, recruiting anglers and captains, as well as how to get sponsors and donations.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
Q. Does the Junior League have a website and FB page?
A. Yes. Of course you are on the website at www.nljfishingleague.com or go to www.facebook.com/juniorfishingleague for the official page.
Q. Is there a calendar of events?
A. Yes – the tournaments / meetings are created as FB events which are embedded in the website too.
Q. How does an angler get included in the cool videos?
A. You have to let the media person (Rex Moncrief) know your fishing location or you need to record your own video via GoPro or iPhone and supply it to the media person. Call or txt or email the media person directly. Inclusion in the official Junior League videos, photos, and other marketing is at the sole creative discretion of the media person.
Q. Do the Junior League sponsors also sponsor school teams?
A. Generally, each school is responsible for its own fundraising and sponsorships. While there is some crossover with Junior League sponsors, typically sponsorships are separate.
Q. Can a team member fish alone?
A. All teams must be 2 anglers plus a boat captain. However, a team member can fish alone only under extenuating circumstances. This requires school coach approval AND Junior League approval on a “per event” basis.
Q. How does the point system work?
A. The team with the winning weight at an official League event / tournament receives 200 pts. The next highest team gets 199 points – and so on until the first team that has 0 lbs in weight. Each of the teams with 0 weight (weighed in no fish or had points removed for a rules violation) then receives 10pts less than the last team that had weight.
Q. If an angler’s school doesn’t have a team, can that angler fish for another school?
A. Yes. The angler needs to contact the coach for the other school. The participating school coach must also advise the Junior League in writing (email is fine).
Q. How does someone start a new school club or organization?
A. School backing is not necessary in our League nor the TBF, although we encourage it. If a local group (ex: homeschooling group) wants to start a club / organization and join our Junior League, the best way is reach out to our League via our Facebook Page or website. We will help you coordinate it. Per the TBF it takes 6 members (anglers) with paid dues to create a sanctioned club / organization. You will need to register as a club with the TBF online to receive the full benefits as well as event insurance coverage.
Q. What does the TBF insurance policy cover?
A. For a detailed explanation please contact the TBF directly. This policy does not replace the boat owners need to purchase boat liability insurance. See the TBF Insurance FAQ in this packet or on the TBF website.
Q. What is expected of the hosting school(s) for each tournament event?
A. Hosting school(s) provide volunteers to help run the tournament along with League members. For example, volunteers are need to direct parking, direct anglers through the weigh-in line, and assist with setup as well as general weigh-in duties (bumping fish, releasing fish, etc).
Q. Can student anglers operate the outboard engine?
A. During tournament hours, which includes arrival time at the lake until weigh-in time, the answer is no. When the outboard engine is running, it must be operated by the boat captain. After official weigh-in time, student anglers may operate the outboard engine with the permission of the captain as long as all state laws are followed.