Scott West Fishing

Is there an age requirement?

The Scott West Fishing Team is open to students ages 10 through 18.

Are there any prerequisites?

Ages 16 and older must purchase a Minnesota fishing license. Please consult your state DNR regarding age requirements for fishing licenses and watercraft operator’s certificates.

Is any experience required?

Our team runs from Spring to Fall with team meetings, guest speakers, and opportunities to compete at both the junior and high school levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, there’s a place for you!

How does school athletic eligibility work?

If you are a Jordan, or Belle Plaine Public Schools student living in the district, a student of the district through open enrollment, or home-schooled living in the district you are eligible for our team. If you are living in the district but are open enrolled in a school outside the district you must compete for that school if they have a team; if they do not have a team your eligibility reverts back to your district of residence. Students enrolled in Elevate Online through Southwest Metro 288 will be eligible to compete with the Scott West Fishing Team. Students enrolled in other online entities will not be able to participate on the team.

We will follow the MSHSL bylaws 205 and 206:

• 205: No alcohol/controlled substances/etc. violations
• 206: Be a good person! (Cheating on a test, fighting - anything that could cause you to be suspended or arrested)

What equipment/gear does each angler need?

Each student is responsible for bringing their own fishing pole, lures, hooks, plastic baits, fishing pliers, etc. Live bait is not allowed in any of the events/tournaments.

Each student should dress for the weather and bring appropriate accessories for the day (rain gear, warm/cold weather layers, sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, etc.).

Boat captains and students are responsible for abiding by local/state guidelines pertaining to relevant safety equipment (e.g., life jacket).

Do I need a boat?

Participating in virtual tournaments provides students with the opportunity to fish individually or as a team from a boat, canoe, kayak, or from shore. Competing in live tournaments requires a boat, partner, and boat captain.

We will be looking for boat captain volunteers for our tournaments. If you do not have a boat and/or boat captain we will work to pair you up with other students or boat captains during tournaments.

Please consult tournament trail rules regarding minimum boat length, maximum horsepower, and other rules/regulations. Live tournaments require a functioning livewell.

What’s the cost to register and are there any other fees/expenses to consider?

Registration through Community Education & Recreation is approximately $160 for the season. This fee covers community education expenses, jerseys, insurance, and membership fees that are required to participate in tournament trails.

Additional tournament fees are generally $20 per angler per tournament to compete in the Lund Virtual Fishing League and Student Angler Tournament Trail (SATT).

How do I determine or select the tournaments/events to compete in?

It is up to the angler team and boat captain to determine which events they choose to enter and compete in. We suggest participating in the Lund Virtual Tournament Trail and MN Junior BASS Nation tournaments to start with and then if your schedule and calendar allow then consider the Student Angler Tournament Trail (SATT) tournaments or other Bass Federation/Student Angler Federation events.

How do I sign up for the tournaments/events?

Lund Virtual Fishing League and Student Angler Tournament Trail (SATT) registration is completed online and each angler is responsible for registering on their own. SATT registrations fill up quickly so mark your calendars for the registration dates you’d like to attend.

MN Junior BASS Nation registration is completed in partnership with your coaching staff as additional administrative steps are required.

What kind of time commitment can I expect for my student?

The team meets in person several times in the early spring and summer to learn and hone angling skills, discuss tournament preparation, and hear from guest speakers. There are also several volunteer opportunities that we ask team member participation from. Lastly, tournaments are held throughout the summer and generally start at 7 AM and last until early afternoon.

How are teams formed?

Teams are comprised of 2 anglers and a boat captain. Students are able choose their angling partners. If a student doesn’t have a partner the team will work to pair up other available anglers.

How do teams find a boat captain?

Neighbors, Friends, Family, etc.! Anyone ages 18 and older not fishing as a member of the fishing team, has a boat, and can drive a big motor with knowledge of watercraft safety laws and rules in Minnesota. All boat captains who will be working with a child outside of their home require a background check on file. Background checks come at no cost to our boat captains.

The team has limited access to additional boat captains so if you are unable to find a boat captain on your own please let us know and we’ll do our best to connect you with a volunteer boat captain.

If you know someone that may want to volunteer to be a boat captain please have them contact us! This is a fun experience for the anglers and boat captains alike and we need more volunteers!

We encourage ALL student-athletes to be leaders on the team. To be recognized as a leader of the Scott West Fishing team a student-athlete must:

• Set a good example for other anglers
• Be a good communicator
• Make good decisions when representing Scott West Fishing - Be Ethical
• Motivate and empower other anglers
• Be respectful of teammates, coaches, boat captains and nature
• Be dependable

The team awards letters to student-athletes in grades 7-12 who exemplify what Scott West Fishing strives to teach. The Scott West Fishing Letter is awarded to people who consistently attend team meetings, competitions (must fish 3 out of 5 virtual and one in-person event, or 4 out of 5 virtual events), and at minimum one team volunteer event.

Additional criteria the coaches will take into consideration: