Mercer County bass fishing team casts into new season with new coach, growing roster
Members of the Mercer bass fishing team are Alexais Mink, Brady Peyton, Landan Steele, Eli Horn, Colton Mink, Landyn Haynes, Wyatt Robinson, Westin Mills, Cody Noort, Archi Page, Isaac Steele and Silas Steele. (The Harrodsburg Herald/April Ellis)
April Ellis
Herald Staff
The Mercer County bass fishing team is launching into a new season with fresh leadership, renewed energy and a growing roster of young anglers eager to compete on the water.
After longtime coach Peri Ann Blair stepped down, Logan Steele stepped in to guide the program. Steele, whose three sons all fish competitively, said taking the reins felt like a natural fit.
“Our longtime coach was unable to coach this year,” he said. “She’s always done an amazing job of keeping this program going. My boys all fish and we wanted to keep the program moving, so I stepped out to help.”
Steele describes his coaching style in simple terms—treat fishing like any other sport.
“No true philosophy,” he said. “You have to practice and put in some time.”
And practice is exactly what the Titans are doing. The team has increased opportunities for students to get on the water, especially those who may not have access to a boat. Regular practices at Eagle’s Nest give newcomers and returning anglers a chance to build confidence and learn technique. Steele said he also hopes to hold a small in-house tournament in the spring.
The program is also expanding beyond the high school level. A new middle school bass fishing club at King Middle School already boasts more than 30 students, giving the high school team a strong pipeline for the future.
Steele said qualities like dedication and patience matter most in competitive fishing—virtues that help anglers weather long tournaments and unpredictable conditions. Leadership will likely come from the team’s most experienced juniors: Alexias Mink, Brady Peyton and his son, Landan Steele.
“All three will definitely take on more of a leadership role,” he said. “Alexias and Landan have fished since middle school. Brady joined in high school.”
Landan, now one of the team’s veteran anglers, said beginning the season with his father as head coach feels familiar.
“My dad has always been my boat captain, so it feels pretty normal,” he said. “We definitely miss Coach Blair.”
Landan said improving in bass fishing isn’t about big revelations—it’s about constant practice.
“I haven’t necessarily learned anything new,” he said. “It’s been more about practicing more and putting in more time to get better.”
His personal goals remain ambitious but attainable: qualify for state, and hopefully earn a shot at nationals. As a team, he hopes every boat weighs in at each tournament to earn valuable points.
He is especially looking forward to tournaments on Dale Hollow and Lake Cumberland—two of his favorite waters. Weather and lake levels can add pressure, he said, but nerves rarely do.
Fishing is also a family tradition for the Steeles.
“It’s pretty cool,” Landan said. “It’s all I’ve ever known really… My dad as boat captain and always have fished with my brothers, Isaac and Silas, in ponds, lakes, really wherever we can fish. In the summer we go almost every day.”
Looking ahead, Coach Steele said every tournament offers a chance to grow, but all eyes are on the ultimate goal: qualifying for state and, if things break just right, punching a ticket to nationals.
With a dedicated group of anglers, strong family support and a growing middle school pipeline, Mercer County’s bass fishing program is positioned for a season of momentum—and perhaps even a few big catches.
