Sharpsburg teen fishes his way to fifth in the nation

On Nov. 8, Jonathan Fleckenstein, 13, of Sharpsburg competed in the Bassmaster Casting Kids National Finals in Junction City, Kansas.

Casting Kids is a scholarship competition open to kids ages 7-14 in the United States and Canada. Kids flip, pitch, and cast at a target to earn points for accuracy. Fleckenstein earned his way to the championship by competing and winning the state title and the Southern Division championship. He placed fifth in the nation and was awarded a $500 scholarship. One of the highlights of the competition was getting to spend time with his favorite pro fisherman, Denny Brauer. Fleckenstein has been competing in Casting Kids since he was seven years old. He has earned four state titles and two Southern division titles. He enjoys the competition and getting to go to different places to compete. He hopes to do it again next year and win it all.