DEER PARK — A day after many high school athletes are recuperating from gridiron battles, six local schools competed in a sport of a different kind Saturday.

Natchez, Vidalia, Ferriday, Cathedral, Adams County Christian and Trinity Episcopal high schools took park in the Louisiana Pigstickers Bass Club’s fishing tournament at Deer Park. Three seniors from each school were chosen to compete based on essays submitted to the Pigstickers.

The Natchez High Bulldogs came out on top with a total weight of 23.98. Laura Ladnier, Preston Thompson and Octavien Fulton fished for Natchez.

“Everything was awesome. We had a lot of support with this,” Pigstickers member John Bruce said.

“A lot of people worked hard to make this happen. The Pigstickers put it together, and quite a few fishermen from the area helped out. Without their support, it wouldn’t have happened.”

For Ferriday senior Corey King, the tournament marked the first time he had ever fished — or ridden in a boat.

“I never learned to swim either. I was afraid of water like this, and the ride out here was scary, but after you realize you won’t die, it’s kind of fun,” King said.

Ronnie Gillespie, who treated the rookie to a bumpy ride when they set off, guided King.

“He was doing OK until we hit those boat waves,” Gillespie said.

And King said he felt it.

“We bounced kind of high,” King said.

Vidalia student Dylan Sontoyo won the individual competition, catching five fish that weighed a total of 5 1/2 pounds.

“He hasn’t needed my help today,” Sontoyo’s guide, George Prince said. “We didn’t kick off until about 9 a.m., and he hit the (five-fish) limit 10 minutes until 10.”

Sontoyo said the tournament was an opportunity to put his fishing skills to the test.

“I just like to fish and be outside. I’ve never fished in a tournament before, so I guess it’s beginner’s luck,” Sontoyo said.

Fellow Vidalia teammate Caleb Vines, who plays quarterback for the Vikings’ football team, said any bumps and bruises from Friday night’s game didn’t affect him.

“My shoulder’s a little sore. I was roughed up a bit, but I’ll be ready to go Monday,” Vines said. “It’s my left shoulder, so it doesn’t affect my fishing.”

Even though this was the Pigstickers’ first year to host a fishing tournament for high school students, Bruce said the club’s looking to make it an annual event.

“Next year we’re going to expand the classes,” Bruce said. “Anyone, whether they’re a freshman or a senior, will be able to apply to fish. We’ll still pick three from each school.

Bruce said allowing newcomers to fishing a chance to enjoy the sport was one of the reasons the club hosted the tournament.

“Over half of the field of kids had never been in a bass boat before,” he said. “They got to enjoy the ride on the boat, and the fishing was just a bonus.

“It’s a case where someone just has to take them, get them outside and allow them to enjoy the fishing.”

For King, the experience of being on the water was definitely enjoyable, he said.

“I always like to try new things. It’s fun. I learned that you have to be patient doing this — really patient,” King said.