Spending time outdoors offers youth a chance to connect with nature, build confidence and create lasting friendships—benefits at the heart of the Kokosing Valley Junior Anglers (KVJA), a competitive fishing program serving students from sixth grade through high school across Knox County.
KVJA is actively looking for junior high students, sixth grade and up–to, to join the program—especially those who want to try fishing competitively or just want to learn.
“We are looking for junior high–age anglers from all walks who want to learn and see if they have an appetite for competing or growing,” KVJA coach Justin Smith told the Mount Vernon News.
Smith has led the Fredericktown-based club for four years, taking over from former leader Katie Hux and transforming it from a casual group into a structured, team-oriented program.
“We turned it into more of a team, and I adopted the moniker ‘coach,’ adding a couple other coaches,” Smith said. “We started fishing more tournaments, creating more opportunities for the kids, and they responded really well.”
This growth in participation and commitment has significantly elevated the club’s competitive presence and opportunities for its members.
That focus has paid off.
“As a result, we went from fishing two or three tournaments a year to a dozen or more, traveling across the country,” he said. “We have a couple of teams qualified for national championships on the junior side.”
This year, KVJA won the 2025 Student Angler Federation State Championship and has one duo making a strong run this season.
High school anglers Landon Groff—who is Smith's stepson—and Sloan McGhee have dominated the 2025 tournament season by winning two major Ohio state titles: the Student Angler Federation State Championship, qualifying them for the Major League Fishing national and world finals, and the Bass Nation Ohio State Championship at East Fork, securing a spot at the Bassmasters national championship. They also earned the Bass Nation High School Tournament Trail Team of the Year award.
“We’re in Oklahoma fishing the MLF National Championship and World Finals,” Smith said.
Landon Groff and Sloan McGhee are making a strong run in the 2025 tournament season. (Justin Smith)
The community spirit is at the heart of what makes Kokosing Valley Junior Anglers more than just a fishing team.
“It’s good camaraderie,” Smith said. “We emphasize all-inclusive—boys, girls, it doesn’t matter. We have zero tolerance on bullying and never had a problem. Everyone gets along well. The magic of fishing keeps people joyful. You can experience it if you’re not a fisherman. It’s wonderful.”
Smith emphasizes that fancy gear isn’t necessary—just a willingness to fish and compete.
While competition is important, the club’s deeper mission is to connect kids with nature and opportunity, regardless of their background.
“We're a non-discriminatory organization,” Smith said. “We accept all kids from all walks. We fundraise to help financially. If a kid wants to fish but has no boat, we try to find captains.”
Smith said KVJA is not just about sport—it’s about heritage and preservation.
“Getting (kids) involved, whether hunting or fishing, is important because that’s our heritage,” he said. “Not long ago, our fathers and grandfathers hunted and fished to provide food for our livelihoods.”
He emphasized the importance of fostering a deep connection between youth and the natural world.
“People need a connection to this world—the wildlife—and understand it,” he said. “Those involved care about picking up trash and keeping areas clean. They do their part because they’re connected. I say 10 out of 10 parents should get involved. It’s a great chance to bond if their kid wants to join.”
Smith gets emotional when reflecting on how the program changed his life, sharing that he bonded with his stepson Landon through fishing.
“If not for fishing, we wouldn’t be so close,” Smith said. “We’re best friends. He’s my dude. As a stepfather, it’s great. It’s all because of fishing. That’s how we bond.”
He often tells parents that if they have a child passionate about anything—fishing or not—they shouldn’t waste the chance to connect. Especially for step-parents like him, that connection is invaluable and has changed everything for them.
“I tell parents—don’t waste an opportunity,” Smith said. “If your kid has passion for anything, even not fishing—especially if you’re a step-parent wanting to bond—you have a unique chance. Take it.”
KVJA runs on passion and community, not deep pockets.
“We are a non-profit, so we don't have boatloads of money,” Smith said.
As a nonprofit, they hold several fundraisers each year.
Anyone interested in joining the team or sponsoring its activities should contact Smith via the email or social media accounts below:
Email: kvja_bassin@outlook.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080157062550
Instagram: @kokosingvalleyjr_anglers
KVJA's high school teams at the Sandusky Bay Tournament. (Justin Smith)
