Jacksonville, AL – Per Andrew Canulette, Bassmaster JSU students Seth Elkins and Dale Hansard burned an estimated 80 gallons of gas over two days on Red River in Natchitoches, LA, as part of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops on May 4-5. It was worth every last drop.
The tandem finished with a total of 10 bass that weighed 29 pounds, 9 ounces, which was enough to win the derby in northwest Louisiana – claiming their spot to compete in the College Series National Championship with authority.
A total of 135 teams from colleges and universities across the US competed, and 14 punched their ticket to the championship to be held later this year on a fishery yet to be announced.
“It’s the first time either of us have made it,” Hansard said about making it to the national championship. “It feels good like a weight is off our shoulders. And I’d like to think the win is for our past teammates…We had eight people on our team last year and now we’re the only ones here.”
Competing in the national championship is a first for Elkins and Hansard but not for the JSU Fishing Team. Established in 2012, the club has built a winning program, with Gamecock anglers bringing home the trophy in 2019 and 2020. Students interested in joining the team should contact Elkins, who serves as club president, at [email protected].
A video of Elkins and Hansard discussing their win is available on the Bassmaster site.
