HHS bass fishing team to host tryouts on Aug. 1

The Highland High School bass fishing team will hold a tryout on Saturday, Aug. 1 beginning at 9 a.m. in the teacher’s parking lot at HHS.

For the tryout, bring your gear, and be ready to tie both a palomar and trilene knot. For more information on tying, go to www.netknots.com. Also, be ready to pitch, roll cast, and overhand cast. For more detailed information, see the HHS Fishing Team Try Outs and Timeline information below.

Coach: Jon Rinderer - Phone: 664-9597 or 541-2177

Tryouts will consist of a knot tying and casting evaluation and possible mini intramural tournaments. The first cuts will be made following the first tryout on Saturday, Aug. 1. This tryout will include the knot tying and casting evaluations. Only four HHS bass fishing team members will be selected to fish the IHSA Sectional Tournament. Those members who demonstrate the greatest fishing knowledge and ability will be chosen for these four positions. There will also be two alternates chosen for this team. The entire team will consist of only six members.

Fishing concepts that will be taught to fishermen:

▪ Terminal tackle - the things you need or the the basics.

▪ Selecting a rod and reel

▪ Types (techniques) of bass fishing

▪ Lure types and their applications

▪ Knot tying/Types of knots

▪ Casting Techniques

▪ Seasonal Patterns

▪ Cover - Preferred habitat

▪ Hooking, landing, netting, bumping, culling, and caring for fish

The IHSA Sectional Tournament will be held at the end of April or beginning of May, and the IHSA State Finals Tournament will be held in early to mid May. IHSA Bass Fishing information is available at: IHSA

Costs involved for those that make the team: $30-$40 insurance fee and $40-$50 for the team t-shirt.

Fishing Team evaluation guidelines for first tryout on Saturday, Aug. 1 are:

▪ Knots to be Tied: Palomar Knot and Trilene Knot

▪ To score total points, knots must be tied properly within a minute, moistened and cinched down. Tag end will not need to be trimmed off. The following website demonstrates the proper way to tie these knots. www.netknots.com.

Casting Techniques to be performed:

▪ Pitch - Will be completed at three/four different stations.

1. Approximately 20 feet in distance and will be aimed at a target.

2. Approximately 30 feet in distance and will be aimed at a target.

3. Approximately 20 feet in distance and will be aimed at a target that is placed beneath an object

4. Approximately 20 feet in distance and will be aimed at a target between two objects

▪ Roll Cast - Approximately 40 feet and will be aimed at a target.

▪ Overhand Cast - At least 70 feet in distance, parallel to a given straight line, and within 6 feet of the given

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 3:00 AM with the headline "HHS bass fishing team to host tryouts on Aug. 1."