Collins High School's Evan Fields makes the 2022 Bassmaster All-American team

After narrowly missing the cut a year ago, Collins High School bass fisher Evan Fields was selected to be a 2022 Bassmaster High School All-American.

Out of over 400 nominations from 34 different states, 53 students are chosen as Bassmaster All-State anglers but the top 12 are selected to the All-American team.

Fields was an All-State angler in Kentucky last year before falling short of the All-American squad. The goal for his senior year was to be amongst the final dozen.

"It was surreal," Fields said. "It's something I've dreamed about for a while now and it's just a feeling you can't describe."

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To be considered, an angler must be nominated. Fields was nominated by his father last year and they shared the excitement of making the All-State team. Fields was disappointed but not surprised that he was left off the All-American team. Still, the slight was an excellent motivator coming into his senior year.

Fields notched a trio of wins during the 2021 tournament season, alongside four Top 5 wins and four Top 20 wins. In January, he committed to Campbellsville University to continue his career and was trilled to have his dad there every step of the way.

"I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without him," Fields said. "He's my biggest supporter, he's my boat captain and he just does so much for me that he doesn't need to do and I just can't thank him enough."

Since Fields was recognized as one of the 12 best high school anglers in the country, it's only right that he showcases his skills against the best. The All-American team will face off in a tournament held at the 2022 Simms Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork May 19-22 in Quitman, Texas.

Each angler will be paired with an Elite Series pro and for Fields, he can't wait to get on the water. Closing out his senior year facing the best is a surreal opportunity, but to win the tournament would be a dream come true.

"I can't wait," he said. "Hopefully the success continues because I would love to win that. That would be the icing on the cake."

Follow Courier Journal reporter J.L. Kirven on Twitter @JL_Kirven for more updates on Louisville prep sports.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Collins High School bass fisherman makes Bassmaster All-American team