JAMESTOWN, Ky. — The Lane family, which includes REDCREST champion Bobby Lane, Bassmaster Classic champion Chris Lane and Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit pro Cal Lane, already has a strong claim to be considered one of the first families in bass fishing.
Looks like there’s another up-and-coming Lane name for fishing fans to know.
Bobby Lane III and teammate Bryden Tyler of the Lakeland Christian Vikings grabbed the early lead on Day 1 of the Abu Garcia High School Fishing National Championship Presented by Tackle Warehouse. Lane and Tyler caught a stout three-fish limit weighing 12 pounds, 2 ounces on Lake Cumberland. That puts them a full pound ahead of second place – Caston Carden and Sawyer Sheffield of Alabama’s Shelby County Wildcats – with two days left in the competition. Keaton Coe and Macoy Johnson of the Anoka Junior Bassers were the only other team to crack double digits. They sit third with 10-6.
The National Championship is being held concurrently with The Bass Federation’s High School Fishing World Finals, which will crown another champion on Saturday. The Top 10 tandems after Day 2 will duke it out for the National Championship on Friday plus earn automatic entry into the 31-team final-day shootout for the World Finals title. Between the two events, more than $1 million in scholarships and prizes will be awarded to student anglers.
Clutch kicker carries Lane and Tyler
Coming from Florida, it’s no surprise Lane and Tyler had never fished Cumberland before. However, the two recent graduates were able to quickly break down the 100-mile-long reservoir and zero in on a productive pattern during their two days of practice.
Lane said the fish changed a bit on Day 1, but he and Tyler adjusted and were rewarded with a 5-12 kicker at the end of the day.
“We had a really good practice, but a lot changed throughout the week,” Lane said. “We located some fish that weren’t there, and we just kind of went out, and at the end of the day, we caught a big one.”
That 5-12 won big fish honors and created some separation from the rest of the 236-boat National Championship field. Fresh off a fifth-place finish at last week’s Bass Pro Tour event on Grand Lake, Bobby Lane, Lane’s father, cheered on the duo at weigh-in.
Even as well as practice went, Tyler didn’t envision holding the lead.
“I’m fired up,” Tyler said. “It feels great. I’ve never had a feeling like this. I know there’s going to be pressure on us, but we just gotta keep our minds on what’s going to come next and just put our faith in the Lord and see what happens.”
Lane will compete collegiately for Emmanuel University next year, while Tyler is headed to Carson-Newman. For now, though, they’re intent on ending their high school careers in style.
“I’m very excited to be here,” Tyler said. “I’m shaking right now holding the lead. I’m ready to go, ready for Day 2. Hopefully we can repeat it and take the win back home to Florida.”