08/11/2025
🎣 HUGE Congratulations to Our Local Fishing Champion!
Leon Polley of Harlan has made our community incredibly proud by earning the title of Runner-Up World Champion at the Junior World Bass Fishing Championship at Lake Oahe, South Dakota!
🏆 Amazing Achievement:
Partnering with Walter Louk of Jefferson, Leon secured this prestigious honor after qualifying through a 2nd place finish at the Iowa State Championship at Lake Okoboji. The duo faced top junior anglers from around the globe and delivered when it mattered most:
-Day 1: 6th place with 11 lbs 3 oz
-Day 2: Advanced to finals with 20 lbs 12 oz total
-Day 3 Finals: Runner-Up World Champions with 11 lbs 10 oz
Both young champions earned $1,000 college scholarship vouchers for their incredible performance!
Leon's success showcases the exceptional talent right here in Harlan and demonstrates what dedication and skill can achieve. Way to represent our community on the world stage!
🎣 Let's celebrate our local fishing champion - Leon Polley!
Iowa Teens Named Runner-Up World Champions at Junior World Bass Fishing Championship
Lake Oahe, Pierre, South Dakota — Two young anglers from Iowa made waves on the international stage at the Junior World Bass Fishing Championship held at the sprawling Lake Oahe in South Dakota. Walter Louk of Jefferson and Leon Polley of Harlan showcased exceptional skill and determination, ultimately earning the prestigious title of Runner-Up World Champions and securing $1,000 college scholarship vouchers each. To qualify for this elite competition, youth anglers must first place in their respective state championships. Walter and Leon earned their spot by taking 2nd place in the Iowa State Championship at Lake Okoboji in April 2025. Their performance secured them a chance to fish against the top junior anglers from around the globe on one of the largest reservoirs in the United States—Lake Oahe.
Guided by boat captain Ben McCord, who managed the boat and offered strategic advice without ever touching a fishing rod, the team faced stiff competition and ever-changing water conditions. The format required 2-person teams to weigh in their heaviest three bass limit each day, with the ability to “cull”—replacing smaller fish with larger ones while keeping all catches alive for release after weigh-in.
🎣 Day 1: Walter and Leon started strong, finishing in 6th place with three smallmouth bass weighing 11 lbs 3 oz.
🎣 Day 2 – Cut Day: They brought in a solid 9 lbs 9 oz, bringing their two-day total to 20 lbs 12 oz—enough to advance to the finals.
🎣 Day 3 – Finals: With weights reset to zero, every team had an equal shot at the title. Walter & Leon delivered under pressure, reeling in 11 lbs 10 oz, securing the Runner-Up position in the world!
This finish not only reflects the team’s incredible talent and perseverance but also highlights the growing strength of youth fishing programs in Iowa and beyond. The event awarded scholarship prizes, reinforcing its commitment to supporting young anglers in both sport and education.
🎣🐟️ Congratulations to Walter Louk and Leon Polley on their outstanding achievement and for proudly representing Iowa on the world stage! 🎣🐟️
