Oklahoma’s Hayes and Shaffer Make History at High School Fishing World Finals
GROVE, Okla. — In a tournament that drew nearly 400 of the best high school fishing teams from around the world, Colson Hayes and Cade Shaffer of Owasso, Oklahoma, etched their names into the history books. Competing on the storied waters of Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees, the duo claimed 2nd place overall at the 16th Annual Student Angler Federation (SAF) High School Fishing World Finals, marking the highest finish ever by an Oklahoma team in the event’s prestigious history.
From Underdogs to Contenders
Coming into the four-day tournament, Hayes and Shaffer knew the odds weren’t in their favor. With teams from across the U.S., Canada, and beyond converging on Grove, Oklahoma, success required not just skill, but adaptability, composure, and a little bit of luck.
“We honestly thought it was a long shot,” said Hayes. “We knew we had to fish clean and just make the most of every opportunity.”
Their campaign started modestly on Day 1, weighing in a respectable 10 pounds, 9 ounces. But it was on Day 2 that the Oklahoma team made its statement, hauling in a tournament-best 15 pounds, 2 ounces, the biggest single-day bag caught by any team in the entire field. That performance catapulted them into the Top 10 and caught the attention of competitors and spectators alike.
Staying Composed Under Pressure
With momentum on their side, Hayes and Shaffer carried their confidence into Day 3, a crucial cut-day where only the Top 31 teams would advance to the World Championship Shootout on the final day.
“The fish weren’t where we expected them to be on Day 3,” Hayes explained. “But we scrambled and adjusted. We didn’t panic — we’ve been in that spot before.”
Despite the curveballs, the team landed 10 pounds, 12 ounces, securing their place in the elite championship round with consistency and poise well beyond their years.
A Gutsy Final-Day Call Pays Off
With one shot left at the world title, Hayes and Shaffer decided to trust their instincts. What happened next would define their legacy.
“I called an audible on the way to our starting spot,” Hayes said. “Something told me to try a point we hadn’t fished all week.”
That decision proved pivotal. Within just a couple of hours, the Owasso anglers had already put more than 8 pounds in the livewell, including a standout 4-pound, 8-ounce largemouth landed by Shaffer.
The team closed out the championship round with 12 pounds, 15 ounces, bringing their four-day total to over 48 pounds and securing a runner-up finish on the global stage — the best-ever showing for an Oklahoma high school bass fishing team.
More Than Trophies: Scholarships and Recognition
Their second-place finish not only earned them two championship trophies and national recognition, but also opened the door to future academic and athletic opportunities. Hayes and Shaffer were awarded college scholarship offers totaling $337,000, a reward reflecting their hard work, talent, and sportsmanship throughout the week.
“This format allows for a lot of strategies, but we just decided to fish our guts out every day,” Hayes said. “Once we made Saturday, we left it all on the water. We didn’t hold back, and we’re proud of what we accomplished.”
A New Chapter for Oklahoma High School Fishing
The performance by Hayes and Shaffer signals a turning point for Oklahoma’s high school fishing scene, which continues to grow in both participation and competitiveness. Their historic finish is expected to inspire more young anglers across the state to take part in organized bass fishing and dream bigger.
With nearly 400 teams from across the globe vying for the world title, the SAF High School Fishing World Finals is widely regarded as the premier event for youth competitive bass fishing. Hayes and Shaffer’s 2nd-place finish places them firmly among the elite ranks of high school anglers and sets a high bar for future Oklahoma competitors.
About the SAF High School World Finals
Now in its 16th year, the Student Angler Federation’s World Finals is the largest youth fishing tournament in the world. The format blends cumulative weight with daily cut lines and a championship shootout, rewarding consistency, adaptability, and risk-taking — qualities fully embodied by the Owasso team.
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