09/14/2026
***DEKALB'S CARLY THOMAS MAKES HISTORY AND EARNS COLLEGE ATTENTION IN BASS FISHING***
Local angler continues to break barriers while representing DeKalb County and the DC Fishing Team
SMITHVILLE, Tenn. — For Carly Thomas, competitive bass fishing is about much more than catching fish. It is about hard work, leadership, representing her hometown and proving that there is a place for young women in the sport.
The DeKalb County High School student recently traveled to Decatur, Alabama, for the 2026 Bassmaster High School Combine, where she had the opportunity to showcase her skills and meet college fishing coaches from around the country.
Thomas was one of only two female anglers at the combine, making the experience an especially meaningful one as she continues to compete in a sport traditionally dominated by males.
Her efforts did not go unnoticed. Thomas received college offers from several schools, including Faulkner University, opening the possibility of continuing both her education and competitive fishing career at the collegiate level.
For now, however, Carly is keeping her options open.
She has not committed to a college and is still deciding which opportunity will be the best fit for her future.
A History-Making Moment
Thomas' accomplishments in bass fishing didn't begin with the 2026 combine.
In 2025, Carly made history by becoming the first female boat marshal for the Bassmaster Classic.
That opportunity placed her alongside one of the biggest events in professional bass fishing and gave her an experience that few young anglers ever receive.
Being a boat marshal allowed Carly to gain firsthand experience around elite-level anglers and see the professionalism, preparation and dedication required at the highest levels of the sport.
Now, just a year later, she is continuing to make her presence known—this time as one of only two females attending the Bassmaster High School Combine.
Representing the DC Fishing Team
Carly's success is also a reflection of the opportunities and experiences she has gained through the DC Fishing Team.
Fishing has given her a chance to compete, travel, develop friendships and become a leader among her teammates. Thomas served as vice president of the high school fishing team during the 2025–2026 school year and is now serving as president for the 2026–2027 school year.
Her leadership doesn't stop at tournament competition. Carly has helped host seminars for the high school team and has worked with younger students, teaching them how to cast at a middle school fishing event.
She has also participated in trash pickup at Center Hill Lake, giving back to the waters and outdoor environment that are such an important part of the sport she loves.
Through the DC Fishing Team, Carly has become not only a competitive angler but also someone younger anglers can look up to.
A Student-Angler With a Bright Future
While fishing has brought Carly recognition, she has worked just as hard in the classroom.
At DeKalb County High School, she maintains a 3.847 GPA and a 4.356 weighted GPA. She is also a dual-enrollment student at Motlow State Community College, where she has maintained a 4.0 GPA while completing college coursework.
Her areas of academic interest include Nursing and Criminal Justice, giving her several possibilities to consider as she looks toward life after high school.
With college fishing programs now showing interest in her, Carly has an opportunity to combine her academic goals with the sport she loves.
A Role Model for the Next Generation
From becoming the first female boat marshal at the Bassmaster Classic in 2025 to being one of only two females at the 2026 Bassmaster High School Combine, Carly Thomas continues to show what is possible for young women who are willing to work hard and pursue their passions.
Her story is one that her hometown can be proud of.
She is representing DeKalb County, DeKalb County High School and the DC Fishing Team every time she steps on the water.
And while the next destination in her fishing career has not yet been decided, Carly has already left her mark.
For a young woman from Smithville, Tennessee, she has shown that you don't have to come from a big city or a nationally known program to get noticed.
Sometimes, all it takes is a boat, a rod and reel, a lot of determination—and the courage to compete.
Carly Thomas is still deciding where her next chapter will take her. But wherever that may be, DeKalb County will be cheering her on.
