Well as you all probably know by now Jacob Wheeler and Brody McWilliams earned their spot in the Junior Bassmasters World Championship this year. They worked hard all year and it definitely paid off for the two of them. They will get to experience probably one of the most exciting fishing trips of their lives!

Jacob Wheeler got started into fishing at a very young age. He caught his first fish at age two and has been a fishing fool ever since . Jacob started his tournament fishing career at the age of ten. As quoted by Jacob “The two most important people that influenced my fishing are my dad Curtis Wheeler and my uncle Morry Wheeler.” “They have taught me a lot and I hope to just get better with every day on the water.” I asked Jacob where he was planning on taking his fishing career and he said that he is going to try to make it all the way to the professional level. Although Jacob does realize that it is very difficult to make it to this level and has some alternative career choices picked out. He said that if he doesn’t make it to the professional level he wants to become manager of bait and tackle store. While at the classic Jacob is looking forward to the fierce competition and fishing new water. This year was a good year for Jacob and I think he liked it really well. He said that the best part about this year was the location of the tournaments and the format.

Brody McWilliams is also a very good fisherman going to the Junior World Championship. He has the skills and the talent to do very well. Brody also started fishing at a very young age. When I asked him when he first started fishing he said, “You know it has been so long ago that I can’t even remember!” Brody really started his fishing career when he was eight years old. He started fishing youth tournaments and doing pretty well in them for his age. He said that his only influence into fishing was his grandfather who was last years fourth place finisher in the Bassmasters Classic, Terry McWilliams. Brody is also planning on taking his fishing career to the professional level . When I asked Brody what he was looking forward to most at the classic he said, “Fishing with the pros and fishing against the best of the best in my age group.”

Brody definitely enjoyed the tournament trail this year. He said that he liked having the points system because it makes you fish well and be consistent in every tournament. Although he said that the best part of this year was getting to know people who share the same interest as him.

Jacob Wheeler and Brody McWilliams are both very good fishermen. They both have great talent and a wonderful personality. There is no doubt in my mind that the state of Indiana will be represented well at this year’s Junior Bassmasters World Championship!