This is the fifth time Zach has represented Utah in a national youth bass-fishing tournament.

"It is just like the other times; my goal is to do as well as I can and be happy with my effort," said Zach, who starts high school at Olympus High shortly after his return from Arkansas.

Joining Zach, who will fish in the 15-18 age group, is 13-year-old Lehi resident Trevor Hansen.

Trevor won the 11-to-14 age bracket during the Utah Jr. Bass Federation tournament trial and is making his first trip to nationals.

"The competition was pretty intense. I was going up against a lot of good people," Trevor said, speaking recently on his cell phone while fishing for largemouth bass at Utah Lake. "I'm way pumped and I can't wait. It is going to be sweet."

The Junior World Championship is being sponsored by The Bass Federation in conjunction with the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup Championship.

Youth anglers from 46 states will compete for a total of $30,000 in scholarships. Zach has already put scholarship money away, earning seventh-, second-, 11th- and 12th-place finishes in previous championships.

He would have won the tournament in which he finished second, but decided not to weigh a fish that would have given him the championship because he hooked the bass on the side of the head and not in the mouth.

Zach and his dad left Salt Lake last week to take advantage of a rule change that allows youth anglers to fish the tournament lake up to five days before the competition.

"One of the biggest issues is always being unfamiliar with the water. It is good to be able to go early and get some practice time in," he said.

Both anglers said they would do their best to represent all the people who help make the youth tournament happen.

"I appreciate all the people who helped make the junior tournament happen. The boat captains sacrifice their time so we can go and have a good time," Hansen said.

For more information on the Utah Jr. Bass Federation, visit www.utahflw youth.com.

brettp@sltrib.com