Before the break of dawn, Drury students are out on the lake, checking their equipment and preparing for a long day on the water. The Bass Fishing Team, although not widely known at Drury, has been making big waves for the university across the nation.

About the team

Most recently, the team has secured the 8th place ranking on the national scale, in the latest Association of Collegiate Anglers Bass Pro Shops School of the Year standings. This is no easy feat, considering that 400 schools have a competitive fishing team in the United States.

(Photo via Bass Fishing Team on Facebook)

The fishermen, known as ‘anglers,’ endure early mornings, harsh conditions and expensive gear purchases in order to perform well at every tournament.

Coach Rick Emmitt has been a coach for the anglers since 2015, when he was hired to develop a fishing team for Drury. The program grew quickly, and has gained national attention.

“We started the team with only 4 anglers who had very limited competitive tournament fishing experience. In 4 years we have built the program to 12 anglers from all over the country, with fisherman coming from as far away as Montana and Idaho.” Emmitt explained. 

According to Gear Patrol, bass fishing teams are starting up in colleges across the nation at a rapid pace, making the sport even more competitive. “Bass fishing, along with lacrosse and volleyball, is one of the fastest-growing collegiate club sports in the country,” John O’connor, fishing journalist stated. 

Emmitt cited many important victories for the team recently, including winning a 131-boat competition in the Lake of the Ozarks on Oct. 18th, as well as a two-person team finishing 7th overall. At the same competition, two other members also placed in the top 30.

Cole Breeden andCameron Smith finish in 7th place at Bass Pro Shops tournament. (Photo via Bass Fishing Team on Facebook)

More than meets the eye

For many students at Drury, fishing was just a hobby to enjoy leisurely at the lake in their free time growing up, but for the students on the Bass Fishing Team, fishing is nearly a full-time job. It requires constant training, dedication and knowledge of the sport and natural world. It is simply nothing like the most common, relaxed version of fishing that most students would imagine.

“Bass fishing is a competitive sport that takes lots of skill. Those not familiar with tournament fishing think that you just throw out a worm and bobber and it’s mostly luck involved, which is furthest from the truth,” Emmitt asserted. 

And that’s not to mention that it’s a sport played in the elements with no air-conditioned gym or finely manicured turf to be seen. Conditions are often harsh, but it does not stop the team.

“Tournaments are rarely canceled, so if it is cold and rainy we are still out there competing,” Emmitt explained. On top of that, the team must purchase expensive equipment, such as fish finders, and spend a large amount of time and money to travel to lakes across the country.

Regardless, these expert anglers are a great asset to the Drury sports program, and their dedication and passion does not come without reward. 

“The life of a collegiate angler is not for everyone, but the anglers on the team love it and give it their all,” Emmitt stated.

The anglers are certainly making strides towards becoming the best of the best, and their coach is confident that they will succeed in their vision.

“Our goal within the next 5 years is to win the School of the Year Championship, and we are on our way now,” Emmitt said.

With being ranked 8th in the nation, that particular goal doesn’t seem too far away for Drury’s expert anglers.

Written by Olive Thompson.