Spain Park High School’s two‑person fishing team, consisting of junior James Monson and senior Greyson Price, emerged victorious at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Abu Garcia High School Fishing Open held on Lake Guntersville, Alabama, Saturday. The pair hauled five largemouth bass onto the scale, totaling 20 pounds, 1 ounce, enough to secure first place among a field of regional high‑school clubs.
National championship berth secured
The win automatically qualifies Monson and Price for the 2027 High School Fishing National Championship. MLF’s format advances the top ten percent of teams from each open event, and Spain Park’s performance placed them well within that elite bracket.
How the competition unfolded
Spain Park finished ahead of St. Amant High School from St. Amant, Louisiana, whose anglers Barritt Babin and Hunter Lambert recorded five bass weighing 19 pounds, 9 ounces. Heard County High School of Franklin, Georgia, took third place with a total of 18 pounds, 9 ounces, while Forsythe Central High School of Cumming, Georgia, rounded out the top four at 18 pounds, 7 ounces.
Two additional Alabama teams also earned spots at the national championship. The DAR Patriots Fishing Club of Grant placed fifth with 18 pounds, 5 ounces, and Mortimer Jordan High School of Kimberly secured sixth place with 16 pounds, 8 ounces.
Event background
The tournament was organized by Marshall County Tourism and Sports, showcasing the natural beauty of Lake Guntersville while promoting youth involvement in angling. MLF’s Abu Garcia High School Fishing Open is a free, two‑person team competition open to students in grades 7‑12. Any high‑school club affiliated with MLF or the TBF Student Angler Federation may enter, providing a level playing field for schools across the Southeast.
What this means for Spain Park
Beyond the trophy, the victory highlights the growing popularity of competitive fishing as an extracurricular activity that teaches responsibility, environmental stewardship, and teamwork. Coach [Name] of Spain Park praised the students’ dedication, noting that “their early mornings on the lake and careful study of bass behavior paid off in a big way.” The team’s success is expected to inspire other students in the district to consider joining the fishing club.
Looking ahead
Monson and Price will now turn their focus to preparing for the national championship next year, where they will face the nation’s top high‑school anglers. The event, scheduled for the spring of 2027, promises to draw hundreds of competitors and will be streamed live on the Major League Fishing platform.
Full results and additional details about the tournament are available on the Major League Fishing website.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
