High school fishing is growing in popularity, especially in Alabama. In the entire country, three of the top fishing programs hail from this state — Montevallo, Auburn and the University of North Alabama.

Through the last five years, the Benjamin Russell fishing team has sent five anglers to the collegiate level. Of the last three, one went to Montevallo, the next went to Auburn, and on Thursday, Feb. 12, Jackson Padgett inked his commitment to UNA. Further proving why Benjamin Russell is regarded as one of the top fishing programs in the state.

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Samuel Higgs / TPI Benjamin Russell angler Jackson Padgett, middle, surrounded by his teammates on his signing day. He signed to fish at the University of North Alabama.