About the Team
We're building a Severna Park, Maryland high school bass fishing program around safety, skill development, and competition. Members learn how to plan, adapt, and work together, then apply those skills in tournament conditions.
- Team meetings: seasonal patterns, tackle/rigging, rules mindset, fish care, safety
- Practice opportunities: bank sessions and boat sessions as captains are available
- Competition prep: mapping, decision-making, communication, time management
- Conservation: ethical catch-and-release, habitat respect, clean-water awareness
- Reading conditions: season, temperature, wind, water clarity, weather shifts
- Building a plan: primary pattern, secondary option, backup water, and when to move
- Executing: presentations, lure selection, line/rod choices, landing + fish handling
- Competing: staying calm, smart risk decisions, teamwork, and sportsmanship
- Open to students associated with Severna Park High School in grades 9 through 12
- Members must meet team safety expectations and complete any required paperwork for events entered
- Tournament participation depends on roster space, available boat captains, and event requirements
- Students ready for structured team meetings, practice planning, and tournament preparation
- Anglers who want to compete in high school events and grow within a team environment
- Families who can support scheduling, transportation, and event readiness as opportunities arise
Junior Division
Our junior division gives younger anglers in Severna Park and the surrounding Maryland area a place to learn the fundamentals, grow in confidence, and develop within the same team culture that supports our high school anglers.
- Designed for younger anglers who are not yet in high school and want to develop within the program
- Best for students ready to learn safety, fish care, tackle basics, and team expectations
- Participation depends on age-appropriate opportunities, family support, and available team capacity
- The junior division is intended to prepare anglers for future participation in the high school division
The junior division helps us build the next wave of anglers and strengthen the future of the program.
How Competition Works
Most high school events are built around two-student teams in one boat with an adult boat captain focused on safety and boat operation. Students do the fishing and the strategy.
Students run the fishing decisions
Students decide where to fish, what to throw, how long to stay, and when to pivot. Great teams communicate: "What are we seeing?" "Is it a pattern?" "Do we chase big bites or secure a limit?"
Boat captains run safety + timing
Captains operate the boat, manage safe navigation, watch weather, and ensure the team returns on time and stays within rules. On tournament day, safety comes first.
Results are by total weight
Teams are ranked by the total weight of their legal fish. Details like limits, penalties, and scoring vary by trail; always confirm the rulebook for your event.
Tournament Basics
Here's what a typical day looks like so new families know what to expect.
- Check-in, boat number/flight, safety check
- Gear ready: PFD, kill switch, livewell prep, water/snacks
- Team plan: primary area + backups + time budget
- Pattern to confirm to refine to adjust when it slows
- Team roles: one can target a limit while the other hunts upgrades
- Respect other boats and manage travel time for check-in
- Return on time (late penalties vary)
- Fish care matters; healthy fish is the standard
- Rankings by weight; some events award points/qualification
- Operate safely and legally, manage weather calls
- Help with timing and logistics
- Ensure rules compliance for the event entered
Tournament Schedule
The current Maryland high school and junior bass fishing schedule is posted below. Check back for additions, timing updates, and captain assignments.
Sunday, April 19th - Upper Bay, Dundee Creek Marina
Sunday, May 17th - Upper Bay, Dundee Creek Marina
Sunday, May 31st - Potomac River, Smallwood State Park
Note: To fish the championship, teams must enter at least one prior trail tournament.
Memberships and Registration
Each angler needs two official memberships plus our team roster signup. Here is what each registration is for and where to complete it.
Every team member must complete and maintain both annual memberships below before fishing team events.
Team roster signup
This is our team contact list. We use it to share meeting details, captain availability, practice updates, and tournament sign-ups.
B.A.S.S. Youth Membership
This is the national youth membership through B.A.S.S. It is required for anglers participating in B.A.S.S.-connected youth and high school fishing programs. Cost: $12/year.
Register for B.A.S.S.Maryland Bass Nation Membership
This is the Maryland state-level membership. It is required in addition to the B.A.S.S. Youth Membership for anglers fishing Maryland Bass Nation events. Cost: $30/year.
Register for Maryland Bass Nation- PFD, polarized glasses, rain layer
- 2 rods if you have them (we'll help you build a simple plan)
- Confidence baits: one moving bait + one bottom bait
- Small tackle bag, pliers, cutters, sunscreen, water/snacks
Community Partners
Strong local support helps our Severna Park bass fishing team grow. We are grateful for the clubs, businesses, and anglers who invest in student fishing and help build more opportunities for our team.
We want to publicly thank Crabtowne Bassmasters for their support of the SPHS Bass Fishing Team and for investing in the growth of student fishing in our community.
Their partnership strengthens local youth fishing, supports the development of student anglers, and reflects the kind of community investment that helps this program keep growing.
Visit Crabtowne Bassmasters
We appreciate Park Hardware Bait and Tackle for supporting the SPHS Bass Fishing Team and helping local student anglers grow in the sport.
Visit Park Hardware
We appreciate 4-Ten Baits for backing the team and supporting more opportunities for our anglers on and off the water.
Visit 4-TEN BaitsTeam Constitution
Customized constitution for SPHS Bass Fishing Team (printable).
Article I - Name and Purpose
Name: Severna Park High School Bass Fishing Team ("SPHS Team").
Purpose: The SPHS Team exists to:
- Teach safe, ethical bass fishing and proper fish handling.
- Develop student leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.
- Compete in appropriate youth/high school tournament formats as feasible.
- Promote conservation and respect for waterways and other anglers.
Article II - Membership
Eligibility: Students associated with Severna Park High School (grades 9-12).
Good standing: Members must follow safety expectations, team conduct standards, and complete required paperwork for entered events.
Article III - Officers
- President (Team Captain): leads meetings, coordinates with officers and sponsor.
- Vice President: supports President; leads when absent.
- Secretary: attendance, notes, announcements, roster updates.
- Treasurer: tracks funds (if any), sponsor receipts, planned expenses.
- Safety & Conservation Lead: promotes safety reminders and fish care.
Article IV - Meetings and Activities
Meetings will be held regularly during the school year, with additional sessions before tournaments. Activities may include skills clinics, conservation projects, and practice days.
Article V - Competition and Boat Captains
Boat captains: Adult captains operate the boat and prioritize safety and compliance. Students fish and make strategic decisions.
Entry decisions: Tournament participation depends on rostered teams, available captains, and completed paperwork.
Article VI - Conduct
- Respect other boats, follow tournament boundaries and instructions.
- Practice conservation and ethical angling at all times.
- Unsafe or unsportsmanlike behavior may result in removal.
Article VII - Amendments
Amendments require advance notice and a two-thirds vote of members present.
Contact
Use this form for team questions, parent sponsor inquiries, registration help, or sponsor interest.