The Southwest Iowa Fishing Team (SWIFT) junior anglers are gearing up to compete in the prestigious 2025 Junior World Championship (JWC), set to take place July 30–August 1 on Lake Oahe in Pierre, South Dakota. This national-level tournament features a two-person team format and three days of competitive fishing for youth anglers who were in 8th grade or younger when they qualified.

The TBF Junior Program draws talent from across the United States and Canada, with only the top teams from each state’s sanctioned program earning an invitation. More than $12,000 in scholarships and prizes are up for grabs at this highly competitive event.

Bob Harris, SWIFT team coach, shared his excitement: “I’m super proud and excited to see how the SWIFT teams stack up against the best junior bass teams in the world!”

Many of today’s professional anglers started their careers in the TBF Junior Program—including Jacob Wheeler (2006 JWC), Shane Lehew (2007 JWC Champion), and Justin Atkins (2008 JWC, 2017 Forrest Wood Cup Champion).

This year’s SWIFT lineup features an impressive roster of junior anglers:

Brendan Weilke – Atlantic, IA

Letty McSorely – Carson, IA

Leon Polley – Harlan, IA

Walter Louk – Jefferson, IA

Weilke and McSorely, fishing together for the first time at the JWC, also earned the first boat championship title in the SWIFT Elite Boat Series. Meanwhile, Polley and Louk are coming off a strong runner-up finish at the 2025 Iowa Jr. Bass State Championships, making them another team to watch.

A special thank-you goes out to our volunteer boat captains, Mike McSorely and Ben McCord, who generously donate their time and expertise. Their support makes it possible for our students to pursue their passion at the highest level.

The 2025 JWC will be filmed for national television on the Pursuit Channel and other networks. Live coverage will be streamed daily on: www.HighSchoolFishing.org

Facebook.com/HSFishing

Follow the SWIFT team’s journey, updates, photos, and results on their official page: facebook.com/swifishingteam

Let’s cheer on our young anglers as they represent Iowa and chase their dreams on the world stage!