Clifton Park, New York (March 13, 1999) - Chris Barth won the 1999 New York State CastingKids title in the 11-14 age group. Chris scored 140 points out of a possible 150 points. This was his fourth consecutive trip to the state event and it finally paid off. He competed against other kids, in his age group, from all across New York State. These kids had also won a local CastingKids competition to earn the right to compete for the state title.

Chris, age 13, is an eighth grader at Bolivar-Richburg Central school. He is the president of the Southern Tier Junior Bassmasters from Portville, New York. Chris has been fishing with his dad since he was about 3 years old and now enjoys fishing in bass tournaments at the junior level and also as his dad's partner in some adult partner's tournaments. He has been a member of the New York State Junior Team for the past two years. The 1997 team traveled to Sandusky, Ohio, and won the National Title for New York. Chris is also actively involved in sports such as baseball, basketball and soccer.

Chris will now be traveling to Shreveport, Louisiana, with his parents, to compete in the national semi-finals. This event will be held during the Wrangler/Angler National tournament, April 22-25, 1999, and will have all the winners from other state finals across the U.S. competing  for the five slots, in each age group, to go to the national finals. The national event is held during the Bassmasters Classic in New Orleans on July 29-31, 1999. $21,000 in scholarship money will be awarded to the winners.

Local competitions are held across the country. Check with your local area bass club for the times and dates of their next competition. Entries are open to all kids from ages 7-14, and there is never a entry fee.