It’s often dismissed as a hobby but spend five minutes with the Kilgore Fishing Team and you’ll realize it’s more than a hobby. From looking at barometric pressure to mastering the complex geometry of a perfect cast, these students are proving that angling is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. We talked with the team to find out what it really takes to turn a “good day at the lake” into a championship win.

     “Weather affects water temperature, light levels, wind, and how active the fish are, while reading the water helps you understand where bass are holding and how they are feeding,” senior Morgan Payne said. “These factors influence lure choice, depth, retrieve speed, and which areas you decide to fish first during a competition.” Senior Morgan Payne said.

Multiple sports are solo like swimming and running, are independent and are dependent on you and nothing else.

“Since I fish solo, staying in sync with a partner is not an issue for me because using Live scope requires full focus and boat control. Fishing alone lets me make quick decisions, adjust positioning, and follow fish movements in real time without miscommunication. It helps me stay efficient and fully dialed in on what I am seeing on the screen and how the fish are reacting.” Payne also said.

But don’t let the morning mist and quiet fool you. For a growing number of Fishermen, the lake is no longer a place to escape the hustle.

“Hallsville is very competitive. Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn are some good producing lakes.” Sophomore Johnathan Moyers said

Luck is a thing only some people believe in, rather it’s good or bad. We all have experienced it in sport or in your everyday life.

“I do not believe in luck when it comes to fishing. Success comes from practice, preparation, and being on the fish rather than relying on lucky items. Putting in the time to learn patterns and make the right adjustments is what really makes the difference in a tournament.” Senior Morgan Payne said.

In the end, it isn’t really about the weight of the fish or the type of lure used. It’s about the silence of the lake at dawn and the steady rhythm of the cast. For the students at Kilgore high school. Fishing remains more than just a hobby, it’s a rare chance to relax, breathe, and wait for the fish to strike.