BOUNTIFUL – The Bass Federation (TBF) has announced that the TBF Junior World Championships will be held at Oil City, La.

Considered one of the most prestigious events for young anglers, the TBF Junior World Championship will be held the weekend of August 15, 2013 at the Earl Williamson Park.

The event will feature 82 TBF junior state champions.

The top fisher in the 11-14 age bracket and one from the 15-18 age brackets will participate will compete from each of the 41 participating states.

Utah anglers will get the chance to qualify at a state tournament, the dates of which have yet to be decided.

“We’re very excited to be holding this event in the Shreveport-Bossier area,” said Mark Gintert, TBF National Youth Programs Director. “It’s something we’ve wanted to do for years. Shreveport-Bossier has such a well-deserved reputation for their hospitality and fan support. They roll out the red carpet for anglers at first class facilities and unique fisheries.”

Competition will kick off on Friday, Aug. 16, and all state champions will compete.

The field will then be cut for the final day of competition on Saturday, Aug. 17.  

The top two junior anglers, one from each age group in six TBF divisions, will advance to the final day.

“Our area recognizes that bass fishing is becoming a true sport among our young athletes and to bring this event to the area to showcase national talent is a virtual thrill for us,” said the vice president of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, Kelly Wells. “We want to see these young men and women come back to our waters throughout their college and hopefully professional careers.”

Utah is part of the Southwestern Division of The Bass Federation, along with California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.

For more information, visit bassfederation.com.