TAVARES, Fla. — FCA Outdoors, alongside former NFL running back Sammie Smith, is set to host the second annual Florida Junior/High School Bass Classic on March 15, 2025, at the Lake Harris Chain in Hickory Point. The tournament, which begins at 6:30 a.m. EST with weigh-ins at 3:00 p.m. each day, will feature youth anglers from across the state competing for cash prizes.

The competition is divided into two divisions: the Juniors Division for eighth grade and under and the High School Division for ninth through twelfth grade. Each team must have an adult boat operator, but only youth participants are allowed to fish. The entry fee for both divisions is $100 per team, and participants will also have the chance to enter a Big Bass Pot Raffle for $10.

In the High School Division, first place will take home $1,300, while second and third place winners will receive $700 and $200, respectively. The Juniors Division will award $800 for first place, $400 for second, and $200 for third.

Tournament rules require boats to be equipped with a live well, and only artificial lures are permitted. Each team can weigh in their top five fish, with a quarter-pound deduction for any dead fish. Adult captains may provide verbal instruction but cannot assist in catching fish.

For official rules, registration, and more information, visit www.floridafcaoutdoors.org. Registration is available at fica.regfox.com/2025floridabassclassic. Event coordinator Sammie Smith can be reached at (407) 489-2637.

Sammie Smith’s Journey from the NFL to Community Impact

A native of Zellwood, Fla., Smith was a standout running back at Apopka High School before attending Florida State University, where he earned national recognition. His success led him to declare for the NFL Draft in 1989, where he was selected in the first round by the Miami Dolphins. Smith played alongside Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino from 1989-91 before a knee injury derailed his career. He was later traded to the Denver Broncos but suffered another injury, ending his time in professional football. We recently did a full feature on Sammie which you can read here: 

(Sammie Smith “middle” is a great mentor and has used his life experiences to help many youth in our area.)

Following his playing days, Smith transitioned into business, helping families achieve homeownership. However, he later found himself in legal trouble and was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for a drug conviction in 1995.

It was during his time in jail that Smith had a personal transformation. “I accepted my responsibility,” Smith said. “It was one of the worst days of my life and also one of the best. I knew there was going to be light on the other side.”

(The event flyer.)

While incarcerated, Smith received a call from his former FSU coaches, Bobby Bowden and Jim Gladden, who asked him to share a message of advice for current players. That moment, Smith says, reignited his belief that he could still make a difference.

Today, Smith is devoted to mentoring young athletes and guiding them through faith-based initiatives like FCA Outdoors. His journey from professional athlete to mentor and community leader continues to inspire, and through events like the Florida Junior/High School Bass Classic, he hopes to impact the next generation of young anglers and athletes.