The fifth annual Skeeter Boats Bassmaster High School Combine, returned to Ingalls Harbor for yet another unique event that blends competition, skill-building, and the chance to connect with some of the best college fishing programs in the country.

For three days, the River City played host as student anglers explored future opportunities in collegiate fishing, meeting one-on-one with coaches, asking questions, and learning more about programs they may never have considered otherwise. Beyond the networking, the Combine gave anglers a chance to prove their skills on the water in three exciting competitions: Casting Accuracy, Long Distance Casting, and the Technical Challenge.

Each event carried 125 possible points, plus 15 bonus points, with awards going to the top performers. At the end of the weekend, the Overall Skills Challenge ended in a dramatic tie between Logan Brown of Broadway, Va., and Charlie Sojourner of Crystal Springs, Miss.

The tie-breaker — a high-pressure casting showdown to a target 35 yards away — had the crowd on edge. After two precise casts, Brown secured the win, claiming the overall title and solidifying himself as one of the weekend’s standout anglers.

Logan Brown not only took home the Overall Skills Challenge trophy but also dominated the Technical Challenge, where anglers had to maneuver a Skeeter bass boat around a buoy and hit a target with a bait. Brown clocked in at just 60.46 seconds, narrowly edging out Texas angler by a fraction of a second. Despite his competitive edge, Brown admitted that his focus for the weekend was more about building relationships with college coaches.

“It was amazing. I wanted to walk around and get to know a lot of the coaches and ask them a few questions about their universities,” Brown said. “That was my main thing; I wasn’t really worried about the skills stuff, but I’m really competitive. When I do something, I want to win.”

Brown’s consistency across events proved his versatility. He placed 16th in Casting Accuracy and 21st in Long Distance Casting, but his ability to stay calm under pressure gave him the edge in the final tiebreaker. While the spotlight shone brightly on the anglers’ skills, the true heart of the Combine lies in the opportunities it opens for students to continue their passion for fishing while pursuing higher education.

“It was a great experience; I recommend it to everyone who’s looking to go to the next level out of high school,” Brown said. “You learn a lot going around talking to these people and get answers from universities you wouldn’t have talked to otherwise. They’re all really good guys; they all want to see you succeed.”

Hosting the Bassmaster High School Combine continues to spotlight Decatur as a premier fishing destination. With its location along the Tennessee River and Wheeler Lake, Decatur has become a natural hub for fishing tournaments and outdoor events that bring together the best anglers in the country — from youth competitors to seasoned professionals.