Paris, Tenn.–The Bass Federation hosted their 2022 Junior World Championship in Henry County this week on Kentucky Lake. A total 48 teams from 28 states, made up of students 8th grade and younger, competed for the title.
“The data we are collecting shows over 400 people in town for the competition from all over the country,” according to Travis McLeese CEO of the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. “It is exciting to see people coming back to our fishery and competing on the National stage.”
This tournament is one of many supported by the Henry County Tourism Authority this year.
“The diversified approach that our group is taking to stimulate economic impact in our county is working,” McLeese said. “Not only do our commissioners invest in fishing tournaments, the recent economic success of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry, Tennessee River Jam, and Professional Bull Riding are perfect examples of that diversification.”
The Tourism Authority is built of County Commissioners: Monte Starks, Dell Carter, Drew Williams, James Travis and Dell Carter. Other voting members include Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell; Michael Trolinger, Chamber Representative; and Zach Tinkle, Paris Landing State Park Superintendent. Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway serves as the Chair. Travis McLeese, Tara Wilson and Pat Hollingsworth serve as staff.
“Events like this fishing tournament are not only an economic investment, we hope to showcase everything our community has to offer to these young anglers. We hope that our support of their tournament continues to develop the next generation of fishermen,” Henry County Mayor John Penn Rigdeway said.
Chamber photo.