The Gulf of America Junior Angler Saltwater Championship Series has officially launched as a youth-focused saltwater fishing competitive circuit designed to provide young anglers with meaningful opportunities to grow, compete and learn within a structured, conservation-minded environment along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Junior Angler series is built to support youth anglers through organized saltwater fishing events held throughout the year, including seasonal flagship tournaments in the fall and spring, with a Junior Angler Grand Championship planned for the summer season, a news release said. Additional tournaments and competitive opportunities will be incorporated throughout the series to support skill development, sportsmanship and responsible fishing practices.

“The Junior Angler Saltwater Championship Series was created to give young anglers a pathway to compete while learning respect for the resource and the responsibility that comes with fishing our coastal waters," Executive Director Ryan Long said in the release. “This series is about more than competition — it’s about developing confident, knowledgeable anglers who understand conservation, teamwork and stewardship.”

The Junior Angler series works with youth education and conservation efforts across the Gulf Coast, reinforcing ethical angling practices and hands-on learning both on and off the water. Events are designed to be accessible, family-friendly and focused on long-term growth for youth participants.

To introduce the Junior Angler series to the community, representatives from the Gulf of America Junior Angler Saltwater Championship Series and the Makos Junior Anglers Association (MJAA) will host a booth at the Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show on Feb. 28 at The Wharf in Orange Beach. In addition to providing information about youth programs and upcoming competitive opportunities, the booth will feature merchandise available for purchase, including fishing tackle as well as branded apparel.

“We’re looking forward to connecting with families and young anglers at the Seafood Festival,” Long said. “It’s a great opportunity to introduce the Junior Angler series, answer questions and share how youth anglers can get involved while supporting conservation-focused fishing.”