Clayton High junior Ethan Howard looks forward to studying marketing and sales in college. And the young bass angler is already practicing his pitch on land and water.
As he learns to put natural shyness aside, he says he energizes himself with a love for all things bass while introducing others to the Youth Educational Series, or Y.E.S., fishing events.
“I want to grow the sport and get other kids involved,” said Howard, who with partner Chris Chavez won the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation state high school championship last year for the Clayton Comets Bass Club.
Young anglers fish for free in Y.E.S. events, which are held as part of the Collins Inc. Bass for Cash Series that begins March 21 on Lake Gaston at Summit Landing, said Jeff Narron, the tournament director. Each duo of under-18 anglers is paired with a nonfishing adult boater.
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Narron likes that the series provides a competitive alternative to football, basketball and baseball.
“You never know,” Narron said. “You might have a marine biologist come out of this group. It could spark a whole new career path.”
That path could even lead to a future that has Howard dreaming of promoting sponsors of his possible pro bassin’ career.
First, though, Howard has work to do. With Chavez graduating this year, Howard must find a new partner. He plans to share the championship expertise that Narron taught him.
“I’m not looking for what I can take,” Howard said. “I’m looking for what I can give.”
The tournaments go to Kerr Lake’s Flemingtown Landing on April 4, Pembroke Creek on May 16, Lake Gaston on June 6, Falls Lake on June 27 and the Roanoke River on July 25. The Aug. 15-16 championship site will be announced.
To register, contact Narron at j_narron@hotmail.com. Learn more at www.collinsboating.com.
Club news: The Tar Heel Gun Club concluded its Coats for the Cold Raffle with a Jan. 17 drawing at Rudino’s Pizza and Grinders in Knightdale and the delivery of more than 50 winter coats for distribution by Helping Hand Mission in Raleigh.
Donations and ticket sales provided funding, said Jerry Pinkerton, president of the service-oriented club. Follow the club at www.facebook.com/tarheelgunclub.
Oysters tonight: The inaugural Coastal Conservation Association North Carolina N.C. State University Chapter oyster roast takes place Feb. 12 at the Milburnie Fishing Club in Raleigh. Call the CCA N.C. office at 919-781-3474 for tickets.
Turkey seminars: Hunters will have the chance to prepare for spring season when the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the National Wild Turkey Federation conduct 17 free seminars statewide in March and April.
Introductory sessions are March 3 and 5, and an advanced session is March 17 at the Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh.
The 6:30-8:30 p.m. seminars are planned in seven other counties. Register at www.ncwildlife.org/sbs.
Wild turkey season runs April 11-May 9. Youth-only week is April 4-10.
Send news and announcements to outdoors@newsobserver.com.
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