16th Place – Tarleton State University

SAN ANTONIO, TX (4/30/2020) – Consistency is key to placing high in the standings for the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.  One team that has exhibited a great deal of consistency across a wide range of events is Tarleton State University.  To this point in the season, Tarleton has earned 5,920 points to claim the 16th spot in the rankings.

The Texas Lunker Challenge presented by Mossy Oak Fishing on Sam Rayburn Reservoir was a very crucial event to the team’s success this year.  Sophomore Reagan Nelson brought in the first fish of the event and finished in 5th place overall with a largemouth bass weighing 6.43 pounds.  Tarleton had a total of three anglers in the Top 10, and earned double points for Samuel Climer’s 8th place finish.  The maximum amount of points a team could earn that weekend was 1,995.  Tarleton left Sam Rayburn with an additional 1,890 points.

“We are proud to be sitting at 16 considering the great teams in the Top 25.  It’s good, but I would like to be in the Top 10 and we can get there with the group we have right now,” said Reagan Nelson, Tarleton State angler.  “We have a solid group of competitive anglers at Tarleton, and we want to go to Pickwick and fill in as many of the top spots as we can.”

Mathematically, Tarleton does have a shot to crack the Top 10 with a great showing at the 2020 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops.  The anticipation surrounding this event is beginning to build.  Pickwick Lake should be primed to kick out a lot of great bites during the event in June.  “I haven’t ever been to Pickwick before, so it’s a clean slate for me.  I like to fish offshore, so hopefully, I will feel at home,” Nelson added.

The Tennessee River is known for exceptional ledge fishing during the summer months.  Electronics will play a key part in an angler’s success on Pickwick Lake.  “I recently upgraded to the Garmin LiveScope System and I feel that will play a big role in breaking down new water.  I am excited to use it at Pickwick for the Championship,” Nelson explained.

Garmin Tournament Rewards will be awarded to the highest-finishing Garmin user at the 2020 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship.  To find out more about the program and learn how you can cash in, click here.