QCISD gets bass fishing club

By Tim Emmons
temmons@casscountynow.com

Bass fishing competition is coming to Queen City ISD.
Queen City High School Assistant Principal Mike Dillinger and Texarkana Fire Department Captain Michael Benson hatched a plan to implement a Bass Fishing Club in Queen City this year.
“Both Michael and I love to fish plus our kids are in the same grade and both of them love to fish, so when my son approached me about starting a bass fishing club I got to thinking how we could bring it here to Queen City,” Dillinger said. 
This club or program  couldn’t be possible without “a little help from his friends” as the song suggests. Recently Dillinger received the go ahead from all the necessary administrators and had help from Queen City High School educators Barry Watkins and Courtney Allen in getting everything pieced together.
“For us to be approved with the Bass Fishing Association I needed the okay from Queen City High School Principal Carla Dupree and Superintendent Charlotte Williams and both of them were on board with the idea,” Dillinger remarked.
The club will be for Queen City students only, both high school and middle school, but is not tied to the school directly like band or FFA classes would be. 
It’s more of a school activity and although it’s not sanctioned by the UIL, Dillinger has set up the guidelines and constitution to follow such rules.
“I had to get proper procedures and guidelines in place so that I can take it before the Queen City Board of Trustees for the final okay,” Dillinger said. “I believe we have full support concerning the club.” 
Just like with the UIL, the NO PASS, NO FISH rule comes into effect.
“The club takes a back seat to school related events such as powerlifting or band which happens on Saturdays. If the kids have academic obligations the students will not fish that day,” Dillinger stated. “It also goes to say that if you aren’t passing in a class you won’t get to fish either.” 
 “That goes for attendance and discipline issues also,” Dillinger continued.
All financial obligations fall on the student and parents. Queen City ISD will not provide financial assistance for equipment, jerseys or boats.
“All dues and tournament fees must be paid by the participant and students will supply their own equipment which includes the use of a boat,” Dillinger said. “Dues for the 2017-2018 school year must be paid by July 15.”
The kids, both high school and middle school, must pass a drug test, be responsible for their own things, pass a boater’s safety course, wear life jackets at all times, have their boat captain approved by Mr. Dillinger and Mrs. Williams and be able to take a fish off of a hook by themselves and tie their own lure.
“The boat captains or volunteers, no matter if they are friends or parents, will not be able to assist the student,” Dillinger said. “I know it seems like a lot to digest but this has the opportunity to help kids out in several different ways.”
The kids will have chances to rack up scholarships no matter if they are in middle school or high school, and the kids will be set up through the Student Angler Federation and the Texas High School Bass Association.
“As a club we want to educate the kids and give the ones who may not be good at band or other sports a try at something they enjoy,” Dillinger said. “It’s a great opportunity for our kids to learn and take part in something we were never able to take part in as youngsters.”
The clubs fish in national and state events and don’t have to be tied to schools at all. Only two kids are allowed per boat and if a middle school student is assigned to one boat a high school student must partner up with them.
The boats driven must be 16 feet long and be prop driven.
The captains must be 21 years of age, have general liability insurance on the boat and be listed on the insurance policy or they cannot drive the boat. 
The captains must also submit to a background check, must wear a life jacket at all times and the boat must pass inspection before and the day of the tournament.
“Our local game warden Jason Jones has agreed to come by and inspect the boats for us and also give the kids training courses and pointers,” Dillinger said. “We are excited to have this club and the support but everyone must realize that student safety is above everything else. Being careful out on open water is key.”
Although most of the season is already over Dillinger wanted to try and get some of the seniors who have been interested in this venture a shot at getting out on the water.
“Members must be nationally registered and approved before state approved by fishing in tourneys,” Dillinger said. “We are trying to get everything ready so we can take part in the tournament on Lake of the Pines on April 1. 
“When everything is approved the members pay the national fee and will be prepared to fish.”
Queen City’s club will fish in the East Division. For more info. check out www.highschoolfishing.org.