GA Bass Nation Junior Tournament Takes on Lake Hartwell

Saturday, February 21 | Gum Branch Mega Ramp | Hosted by Discover Hartwell

The GA BASS Nation Junior Tournament Series made a big splash at Gum Branch Mega Ramp this past Saturday as 189 teams launched just after sunrise onto Lake Hartwell.

Representing both middle and high schools from across Georgia, anglers traveled from every corner of the state with some teams coming from areas near the Florida line. Boats began arriving around 4:30 AM and were greeted by warm smiles from the Discover Hartwell staff and volunteers despite the cold rainy start to the day.

The Hart County Fire Department Station 1 was first on the scene, raising the American Flag high above the ramp with a ladder truck in preparation for the opening ceremony. It was a powerful sight in the early morning darkness.

As steady rain poured down, community volunteers and the Discover Hartwell Chamber team worked seamlessly to check in boaters, guide them safely into launch lanes in the dark, and shuttle captains from the parking lot back to the dock so they could reunite quickly with their young anglers waiting in their boats.

By afternoon, excitement was building as one of the largest tournaments held at Gum Branch in many years came to a close. Just in time for weigh in, the sun broke through the clouds, drying puddles and creating a beautiful Saturday afternoon backdrop.

Middle school weigh ins began at 2:15 PM, followed by high school at 3:00 PM. Spectators gathered on the lawn tailgating and enjoying the atmosphere as anglers brought their best catches to the scales.

🏆 Junior High Division Winners

Congratulations to Bryson Dockery and Elijah Massey of Dawson Middle School for their third consecutive GA Bass Nation victory, weighing in at 13.15 lbs.

🏆 High School Division Winners

Brody Kellum and Carson Thompson of Franklin County High School claimed the high school title with an impressive 19.66 lbs. This victory was especially meaningful as it marked their final Georgia BASS Nation High School event on their home waters of Lake Hartwell.

Thank You to Our Community Partners

Hosting nearly 200 teams takes an entire community, and we are grateful for the many organizations and individuals who stepped up to make this event a success.

• Old 29 Golf Carts and Dove Screen Printing for providing golf carts for the day and keeping our team moving efficiently across the venue
• Hart County Sheriff's Office for monitoring traffic as registration caused boats to queue well into Old 29 Highway and ensuring everyone’s safety
• Hart County Fire Department Station 1 for bringing trucks, displaying the American Flag, and helping back boat trailers into launch lanes in the pouring rain
• City of Hartwell Public Works for providing traffic cones and extra garbage cans to keep the facility clean
• Hart County Recreation Department for repairs, maintenance, and extra lighting the morning of the event.
***A special thank you to Jim Owens for accommodating every request and checking the boat ramp before anyone else arrived.***
• Dairy Queen - Hartwell for opening early to serve our boaters
• Big N Outdoors for ensuring anglers were prepared for a big day on the water
• WasteAway Services for providing extra restrooms and a wash station
• Georgia Department of Natural Resources
• US Army Corps of Engineers Hartwell Office
• City of Hartwell
• Hart County Board of Commissioners

We would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation to our volunteers who worked behind the scenes on preparation and execution of this event:

Kayla Segars
Jerrine Jackson
Ryan and Barbi Stowe
Kyle Brown
Joe Carden
Councilwoman Kay Ankerich
Hayes Morrison
Mark Johnson
Tray Hicks
Ronnie Dove
Jennifer O’Neal
Jeff Loggins
Wyndee McKinnon
George and Maria Anderson

Because of each of you, Hartwell once again showcased why Lake Hartwell is a premier tournament destination in Georgia.

Live well. Play well. Hartwell.