For the NMSU bass fishing team, which has competed in the Collegiate Bassmasters Series, the challenge is faced with optimism and traveling through New Mexico in search of the best bass fishing waters.
Since 2012 the NMSU bass fishing team has made a presence in national competitions including the FLW Central Qualifier, Cabela’s BoatUS College Series and the FLW Central Invitational, among others.
In March 2013, the team competed in the BASS Southern Regional on Lake Amistad in Del Rio, Texas, placing 1st, 3rd, 9th and 14th. These four teams qualified for the BASS National Championship on Lake Chatuge in Georgia, both events were televised on ESPNU. The NMSU team was followed by a cameraman catching every bit of the action on a long fishing day.
Competition is difficult when other states have a geographic advantage and boast bigger lakes and more fish, but that does not discourage the NMSU team, which has proven that practice makes perfect.
“We often travel great distances for competitions, and we do as much research as possible using online sources,” said Tanner Cooper, president and founder of the fishing team. “Our practice usually takes place at Elephant Butte Reservoir or occasionally at the NMSU Alumni Pond.”