Clinton duo reels in championship gold
Members of Clinton High School’s 2025-26 bass fishing team show off their championship rings after being honored Monday, Sept. 21. The Dragons captured the 2026 Tennessee Bass Federation state championship. From left are boat captain Keith Thornton, Dylan Byrge, Mason Chambers and Derek Wilson. (photo:Tony Cox )
Chambers and Byrge received their Tennessee Bass Federation state championship rings during a small ceremony Monday, Sept. 21, at Clinton High School, recognizing the title they won during the 2025-26 school year.
The pair captured the championship at Old Hickory Lake near Nashville with a five-fish limit weighing 10 pounds, 14 ounces. They edged the second-place team by just 2 ounces.
Chambers and Byrge didn’t begin the season as fishing partners. They teamed up during the second half of the year and eventually earned their way into the state tournament through the Tennessee Bass Federation points system.
At Old Hickory, the duo had about a day and a half to practice before competition began. Boat captain Keith Thornton said practice offered few clues that a championship was coming.
That changed quickly on tournament morning.
Chambers and Byrge had caught their five-fish limit by 8 a.m., allowing them to spend the remainder of the day trying to replace smaller fish with larger catches. They continued catching fish throughout the day.
Still, Byrge wasn’t expecting a victory when they headed to the weigh-in.
“I thought we was going to place like third or fourth, but, I mean, not first,” Byrge said.
Derek Wilson, who helps oversee Clinton’s fishing program, said the championship was the result of more than good fortune.
“They put a lot of work into it; they deserve it,” Wilson said. “There is some luck involved, but a lot of skill, too.”
Byrge has since graduated from Clinton, while Chambers is now a senior.
