When the Illinois High School Association speaks, I listen!

OK, technically, that's not true. However, the IHSA got my attention earlier this month when the organization announced it is considering making bass fishing an interscholastic sport.

I'm not sure how thoroughly the IHSA has thought about this. But, just in case they're serious, I want to be the first in line to volunteer my services as coach.

It's not that I'm that altruistic. I'm just assuming the schools will have to furnish boats and vehicles for their fishing team. Hey, if the price for a new boat and vehicle is taking a high school kid fishing regularly, I'm on board.

As a person who enjoys the outdoors, I certainly appreciate the IHSA's sentiments. As a realist, I have some serious questions.

For instance, where do the boats and vehicles come from?

Or, will participation be restricted to kids who already have access to boats?

What about other equipment? Has anyone in Bloomington checked out the prices of rods, reels, trolling motors or even quality crank baits?

And, is the organization really serious about turning a bunch of teenagers loose behind the wheel of high-powered boats on major bodies of water? The liability and safety issues are mind-boggling.

I'm already having second thoughts about serving as coach. I'd rather have the insurance concession.

On the other hand, there would be some real benefits to having a fishing team. Homecoming parades would be much more interesting. Let's face it, kids throwing candy from floats is pretty passé.

Put the fishing team on their boat, or even a float, and have them make precision casts along the parade route. This is where quality coaching would come into play. You'd have to make sure to use barbless hooks.

Think about it, pulling a Tootsie Roll off a treble hook as a marching band performs - that's entertainment.

However, you'd have to hope the fishing and trap shooting teams don't get into a feud. It could get ugly.

Seriously, I believe the IHSA is going a little overboard with this proposal. The rationale is to reach a segment the student population not actively engaged in the more traditional "ball" sports.

Hey, if that's the case, can tractor pulls or go-cart racing be far behind?

Oops

I need to clarify information regarding creel limits from last week's story on striper fishing in the Ohio River.

When fishing on the river, anglers are allowed an aggregate of 30 yellow bass, white bass or hybrid stripers. However, only three of those fish are allowed to exceed 17 inches.

LES WINKELER is the outdoors writer for The Southern Illinoisan. Contact him at les.winkeler@thesouthern.com, or call 351-5088.