Finding student-athletes that are passionate about the outdoors is a fairly easy task. But finding individuals as talented as Jacob Younkman with a fishing pole is not so easy. Younkman, a football player at Wichita Northwest High School, started fishing when he was very young.

“I started fishing when I was too young to remember. I started spending time outdoors when I was a baby,” said Younkman.

Younkman has many talents and passions. Football is certainly one of them, but you can usually find him happiest when he has a line in the water and a fish on the hook.

“When I was at Fall River, I was fishing for bass and crappie. I ended up hooking one of the biggest cash fish I have ever hooked. It was around 15 pounds and I caught the fish on a jig,” said Younkman. “I learned from the best, the older generations of fishermen.”

Conservation and taking care of the lake and rivers he likes to fish is important to Younkman and his family. Ensuring the area, they fish is better than when they found it helps conserve their favorite fishing holes for generations to come.

“We take conservation very serious. My family I do not tolerate things like trashing lakes,” said Younkman.

One favorite spot to fish for Younkman and his family is Fall River.

“Fall River is my favorite place because the dam is super fun to fish. You never know what you’re going to catch, but it will be big,” said Younkman.

On the football field, Younkman said playing at the next level is certainly a goal for him once he graduates from Northwest.

“After I graduate high school, I plan to play college football and I am still undecided between an engineering or business degree,” said Younkman.

The three-year starter in football and track also serves as one of the captains of the football team. Look for Younkman and his teammates this football season and if you don’t catch him on the gridiron, maybe check Fall River…you may find him with a fishing pole in his hand.