Kelly is Junior Bassmaster Champion

Nick Kelly is a senior at Haywood High School and a two-time winner of the Junior Bassmaster World Championship. Kelly, who has been fishing since he could “hold a pole,” won the title the first time in 2003. This year marked the third time he has participated in the tournament that was held in Leesburg, Florida, February 19, 2006. Kelly beat out other competitors in the 15-18 year old age group with a limit of 12 pounds. He was partnered with BASS pro Tommy Biffle.

Kelly is excited about his win, something he really wasn’t expecting. And, yes, he is already thinking about next year’s championship. But Kelly has a practical side, too. With plans to pursue a degree in marketing at UT Martin, Kelly hopes to turn pro on the BASS circuit after his college education.

Besides a trophy and $5,000 scholarship, Kelly’s winnings include a new boat with motor and a Disney World vacation. All of this will be presented to Kelly during the 36^th CITGO Bassmaster Classic weigh-in Saturday, Feb. 25. The event will be aired on ESPN.

Kelly is the son of Sammy and Patsy Kelly of Brownsville, Tenn.