ACU’s Fishing Club reeled in multiple awards and the 14th place national ranking in the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series tour at Lake Lavon in Allen last month.

The Cabela’s Collegiate Big Bass Bash was ACU’s newly founded Fishing Club’s first official competition.

“It was worth going because just about everyone won something. They had great sponsors who were giving away small prizes each day,” said Kirk Mann, freshman finance major from Abilene.

Nelson Goldsmith, a sophomore finance major from Abilene, caught a 6.76-pound largemouth bass, which gave him a second place finish in the tournament, according to ACU Today.

“The fishing was on and off for some people through the whole lake,” said Riley Nipper, a junior information technology major from San Antonio. “They would bite one minute and then you’re searching for them for the next couple of hours.”

Nipper became interested in fishing and was involved in tournaments in high school.

“I love the challenge of trying to figure out what the fish will bite on that day and the thrill of searching for a big fish,” Nipper said.

Groups from University of North Texas, University of Texas-Tyler, Texas Christian University, and many others from around the nation also competed in the event.

“The Big Bass Bash was my first tournament to go to,” Mann said, “I had a lot of fun there and they really set it up all nice. It was great to meet anglers from other schools. My experience was amazing at the Big Bass Bash.”

Mann hooked a third place finish in one of his weigh-ins and received a gift card and fishing lures.

“I have grown up going to the lake, and when we were not at the lake, me and my friends would always go find the little ponds around Abilene to fish,” Mann said, “I just got into fishing by just growing up doing it.”

Almost 100 anglers registered for the competition and weighed in 119 fish.

The BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series is the largest of its kind in the nation.