Need Help Paying for College? Try Bass Fishing.

Just before sunrise on a Saturday in August, 25 boats bobbed in the marina at Paris Landing State Park in Buchanan, Tenn., awaiting the start of the final round of the most prestigious event in high school bass fishing.After “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played, the boats sped onto 184-mile-long Kentucky Lake in search of bass, the heavier the better.Caige Bragg, a lanky 18-year-old Alabaman who was in first place, motored about 10 minutes south of the marina where he knew the fishing would be fruitful.Eight hours later, Mr.Bragg returned to the marina and handed the tournament’s organizer a mesh bag with his catch.

At a combined 11 pounds 3 ounces, the three fish were enough to secure him the championship, beating out 213 other teams.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe....