Future Fishers - Jordan McMorris, Junior World Champion
November 7, 2008
Some have called me a soothsayer or sage (thanks, Bubba) when I predicted that we would hear and see a lot of Jordan McMorris in the future. I never needed a crystal ball to see his potential; all I had to do was check my wallet and notice the cash missing after local events and jackpots. Between Jordan and his older cousin, Cole Bingham, they have been running ramshackle over the local competition over the past few years. 
Jordan, at the ripe old age of 15 (14 at the time he qualified for the Junior BASSMASTERS Classic), has led a storied life. This was his second shot at the Big Show. He qualified in 2007 and went to Alabama’s Lake Logan-Martin but came up just short of his goal. Jordan attends Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, NM and is a sophomore. Being a competitive sort of guy, he got his fix being involved in baseball and rodeo in the past but now just competes in bass fishing events. His other interests are hunting and girls. Go figure, unusual pursuits for a 15 year-old guy, don’t you think?
In the five years since joining the local Junior Club, he has won State twice, a local Oil/Gas tournament, placed second in the E H Queen Benefit tournament, and scored several Junior Bassmaster wins. All this came to a peak at the Junior World Classic in New York when he won the 11-14 age group and was named World Champion.
This year’s Championship was fought out on Onondaga Lake in New York where Elite anglers, the ones who had not made the cut to fish day three, were paired with the Junior anglers. That was, by way of the infinite wisdom of ESPN/BASS, the last time the Elite Pros would be fishing with the qualifiers. They will fish with the BASS Federation National qualifiers in the future.
Jordan was paired Yusuke Miyazaki from Japan. Jordan said that Yusuke gave him some very good tips on using his electronics which he feels will help him back home on the local lakes. His winning pattern was drop-shoting and deep cranking. His crank baits were a LuckyCraft DD20 in chartreuse shad. All fish were caught in 20 plus feet using these baits. Yusuke also showed him a hook remover made in Japan that was way cool. If anyone out there knows how to contact Yusuke, ask him to share this tool with all of us. Maybe he can do an article in Inside Line?
Not to be forgotten, Chase Rahm came in 3rd in the 15-18 age group. This is the best finish by two anglers from the same state in the history of this event. Chase, fishing in his first year in the club, was teamed with the guy in the pink boat (Chase’s words), Kevin Short. Kevin is sponsored by Peeper’s baits which accounts for the pink color I suppose. 
Kevin provided some helpful tips and baits, one of which was a gold flake leech which Chase caught many of his fish on. Chase is sponsored by Power Tackle, Vicious Tackle, and Yum baits.
Not wanting to look unappreciative, they both want to thank the ones that made it possible to compete at all levels. They want to thank ESPN/BASS for the opportunity to fish at such a high level early in their career as well as their local club, Four Corners Bassmasters, for their sponsorship of the Junior Club. A big thanks to all the adult volunteers who mentored them and made their boats, tackle and presentation methods available so they could learn. Last but not least, thanks to their families and club advisor David Herrera for all their support and unselfishness.
Now before everyone starts thinking that all these kids do is fish, let me set the record straight. When they started this club, they made it a club decree that they would give back to the community by doing needed projects. Their project for 2008 was to improve a local lake. They selected Morgan Lake on the Navajo Nation tribal lands for this project.
They set out to clean up the land around it and also improve the fish habitat. They held a work party and removed trash and after receiving a grant from the Colorado State BASS Federation Nation, they were able to purchase habitat material and sink it into the lake to provide a sanctuary for young bass. This will have a long term effect on the lake for future anglers to enjoy.
A last minute update on Jordan and Chase – it seems that the other Junior anglers were not intimidated by their accomplishments because both failed to re-qualify for the State this past September. Goes to show you how much talent there is in this club. McMorris, not to be denied, will be going to the qualifier but it will not be a return engagement for Jordan. Seems he has a younger sister, Cheyenne, that has decided fishing is not just for boys. She will be competing in the 11-14 age group at Elephant Butte in September - way to go girl!
If anyone talks to KVD, Ike, Dee, or Ish, tell them they might want to keep an eye on these guys. The word is out that they plan on moving up the ranks and honing their skills, eventually wanting to turn pro. Both have said that a college degree is also in their plans. Seems like they have a great plan and with some encouragement, they will be on the circuit soon. Maybe then they will leave us ol’ geezers alone.
My future follow up article will be more on the nuts and bolts of the Jr Bassmaster organization and the local club. I will be talking to families, friends, and their advisor, David Herrera about the how’s and why’s about it. See ya’ on the lake.