The Macomb High duo of junior Reid Carson and sophomore Sam Helling finished 28th out of 62 teams at the Illinois High School Association State Bass Fishing Tournament held Friday and Saturday at Lake Shelbyville.
The duo were 16th after the opening day of competition Friday, catching the limit of five fish with combined weight of 10 pounds, seven ounces.
On Saturday, Carson and Helling combined to catch four fish with a total weight of six pounds, 14 ounces, giving the team a two-day total of 17 pounds, five ounces.
The Teutopolis team of Brady and Will Bloemer captured the team title, catching 10 fish with a total weight of 31 pounds, nine ounces over the two-day period.
Carson and Helling qualified for state competition after finishing 10th in sectional competition held May 21 at the Mississippi River (Pool 13), recording a total weight of 8.07 pounds.
The MHS duo advanced to sectional competition by placing fifth in regional competition held May 14 at the Mississippi River (Pool 18), recording a total weight of 9.21 pounds of caught fish.
Head coach for the Bomber Bass Fishing Team is Rich Helling, while Tim Kipling serves as the boat’s driver.
Bass Fishing has been a recognized activity by the IHSA since 2009.
