News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Pickett County High School Sophomores Rex Reagan and Max Moody won the 2024 Bassmaster High School National Championship at Lake Chickamauga this week.
The duo from Byrdstown began fishing as partners just two years ago and in their first season made it to the high school national championship as eighth graders. In their third appearance at the high school national championship, Reagan and Moody earned a three day total of 43 pounds, 3 ounces winning the national title by over six pounds. Reagan said even though they are still on the younger side of the age division, that it was their time to win it all.
“They’re some dang good fisherman, a lot more older and more experienced than I am and me and Max are,” Reagan said. “It’s unbelievable, God has blessed us tremendously and it’s just not easy and we’re super blessed. It’s just been our week. You can’t lose if it’s your week. If God wants you to do good, you’ll do good.”
After a disappointing day one to the tournament sitting at 119th place, Reagan said they were about ready to pack it up. But, the fish started biting. Reagan said they gained some momentum with day two seeing the pair earn a tournament high 21 pounds, 5 ounce day. Championship Saturday saw the duo tack on an additional 15 pounds, 11 ounces securing them the national title.
“It’s surreal to think that as freshman going into our sophomore year that we won the national tournament,” Moody said. “It’s cool to know that there’s younger kids looking up to you and wanting to be like you, and it just keeps us going and makes us want to be better.”
Moody said he tried not to get nervous about the tournament, knowing he had to leave it all out on the water. However, Pickett County Fishing Team Head Coach Anthony Scott said Moody was up an hour before their alarm on the morning of the first day.
Scott is the fishing coach for both the junior and high school teams. He has been with Reagan since elementary school and Moody since middle school. He said it has been a privilege to coach the duo and see them grow as fisherman and young men.
“Here we are, sitting number one in the nation,” Scott said. “So, that tells you the growth. They have grown a lot and I am very proud of these boys.”
