A signature program of the Kayak Anglers Society of America (501c3), the High School Kayak Fishing Series (HSKFS) has been specifically created to introduce high school students to the sport of competitive fishing, to increase their knowledge of the outdoors, and to help foster a strong conservation ethic in each student angler.

High school club/teams are broken down into districts and regions within their home state, and initially compete against schools in their district in four fall and three spring tournaments. Points are accumulated throughout the school year, with those students earning the most points moving on to fish their respective regional championship tournaments, and from there to their individual state championship tournament.

Governed by a detailed constitution, the club teams are organized and managed by the students themselves (with the help of at least one adult advisor per club). Officers are elected, and each club hosts its own annual tournament so that students learn how to successfully plan, fund, organize and execute an event.

Host clubs have the privilege of identifying both the water to be fished and the type of fish that will be pursued, allowing student anglers to learn the habits of many different species of fish as opposed to only the more popular game fish. Following a strict “no pass, no fish” policy, student anglers must maintain a minimum of a 70 average in all classes in order to be eligible to participate in any HSKFS event. Student anglers are awarded trophies, plaques, fishing/paddling equipment, letter jackets, and most importantly, scholarships.

The Blanco team is now forming and will be placed in a district with Canyon Lake HS, Smithson Valley HS, New Braunfels HS, Canyon HS, San Marcos HS, and Wimberley HS (if they form a team). All that’s needed is to identify a team advisor (can be a parent, teacher, coach, pastor, etc), elect your officers, and the club will be official. You don’t need a kayak to participate, just a desire to compete and a willingness to learn.

An informational meeting will be held at 6:00 on Wednesday, May 28, at the Blanco Library. All interested high school students, parents and potential advisors are encouraged to attend. If you can’t make the meeting or need additional information about the program, email us at info@HSKFS.org, and we’ll do our very best to help.