Hooked On Fishing: Bryer Payne Is Bright Star Of Youth Fishing League

by Janice Penix

Bryer Payne may appear shy and unassuming, but don’t let the 18-year-old’s quiet demeanor fool you. He has goals and the hard work and determination to make them happen – on the water and in life in general.

A 2024 graduate of Westside High School, Payne is a competitive fisherman who will soon graduate from the Johnson County Youth Bass Hogs to adult open tournaments.

Fishing is a sport that allows him to spend time away from crowds but whets his appetite for competition and fellowship with his small group of friends. He credits his parents, Mark and Christina Payne, for getting him involved.

“When I was two, I caught my first bass at the pond at my dad’s farm,” he said. “I guess that got me hooked, and I’ve been fishing ever since. I like fishing because I can get away from people for a while and I enjoy that time by myself. I also like that I’m always moving, not sitting in the same place all the time.”

His mother helped him connect with the Youth Bass Hogs when he was in the fifth grade and he has been a member of that group ever since, partnering with a few different friends and boat captains.

“My mom told me about a fishing league in town and she got me signed up,” Payne said. “I got a lot of good coaching through the league that’s helped me to get better. At tournaments, I will have a partner and a boat captain. I’ve had different partners. I started with a friend from school, Lane Terherst. Then Mason Nichols was my partner for a year or two and I had Briley Reeder for a year and now I’m back with Lane.”

His captains have also varied, he said.

“I fished with Jackie Weathers at first. Then I had my grandpa as captain for a couple of years and I’ve had Jeff Curtis for four seasons now,” Payne said.

Curtis said he met Payne when Tod Higby of the Bass Hogs asked him to be a boat captain for the league and paired him with the shy teenager.

“He was a very quiet person for the first year we fished,” Curtis said. “I would give him pointers as we fished each tournament. For the past three years, he has started opening up, asking questions and really applying what he has picked up. He has become a great fisherman and continues to learn and apply different techniques.”

Payne said he enjoys the competitive side of fishing.

“Tournaments are a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s relaxing to be out there with your partner, but then when updates start coming in and you see your name toward the top, maybe one or two back from first, the competitiveness kicks in.

 

 

To read the full story see the June 19 edition of The Graphic, found online or in businesses throughout Johnson County.