SHELBYVILLE, Ky. — In a year filled with honors, an angler from Martha Layne Collins High School just landed his biggest.
17-year-old Evan Fields has spent years floating on Guist Creek Lake in Shelby County, hoping to catch the winning bite.
For some, fishing is merely a hobby, but for experienced anglers like Fields, it’s much more.
“Something I’ve always had an interest in and that grew into a passion and this is what it turned into,” explains Fields.
The Martha Layne Collins High School senior is among 12 top high school anglers from around the country to earn a spot on the Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team.
“It’s unbelievable. It’s still surreal. I can’t believe it. Twelfth in the nation and I’m one of them, that’s what’s hard to believe, that’s crazy,” said Fields.
Over 400 applications nominating students in grades 10-12 were submitted from 34 states across the country. Of those, they chose 53 students as Bassmaster All-State Anglers. But they select only 12 anglers to the All-American team.
“I’ve had a great high school fishing career. I guess this is just what I worked for. It’s all been worth it getting all-American,” adds Fields.
They selected fields for the honor based on his success in bass tournament competition, academic achievement, and leadership in conservation and community service, according to Bassmaster.
To be considered for the All-State Fishing Team, a student must have been nominated by a parent, coach, teacher, or other school officials.
“You just got to be able to adapt and do everything. You can’t be focused on doing one thing. You got to be able to fish the conditions,” suggests Fields.
The seasoned angler credits his success to his persistence in practice and having a great boat captain.
“I wanted to do it for my dad. He’s put in so much effort and so much time for me that he didn’t have to do and so I’m glad I could do it for him,” explains Fields.
Above all else, Fields says patience is a virtue of good anglers.
“Honestly, it’s muscle memory at this point. Lots of practice that comes into it. You got to be able to hit your spots, you got to be able to make your cast and do everything right,” said Fields.
Meanwhile, the 2022 All-American team has been invited to take part in an exclusive Bassmaster High School All-American tournament in Texas next month.
The rising teen is fired up to represent the Bluegrass State while doing the activity he is passionate about.
“I’ve got tons of confidence in myself. I think I can go down there and win that thing. I hope so at least. That’s the plan. Don’t go into a tournament if you don’t think you can win,” suggests Fields.
Fields plans to continue his bass fishing career on the collegiate level for Campbellsville University.