TYNGSBOROUGH, Mass. — Max McQuaide is so into fishing that the 18-year-old owns a lure company that he founded five years ago.
At only age 13, McQuaide started Maxed Out Bait Co. It is one of several reasons he was selected for the exclusive 12-member 2016 Bassmaster High School All-American team.
“What makes Max an All-American is his dedication, sportsmanship and willingness to help others with fishing,” wrote his father, Warren McQuaide. “Max has volunteered to take other kids, veterans and kids with disabilities out fishing many times.”
Max McQuaide is captain of the football and wrestling teams at Tyngsborough High School and is also treasurer of his class. He graduates this month and then heads to Coastal Carolina University, where he’ll be competing on the bass fishing team.
In the past year, he has won six tournaments and placed in the Top 5 in five more. He’s won the high school or junior state championship several times in the last few years on the B.A.S.S. Nation and TBF trails, and he’s been a member of the Massachusetts B.A.S.S. Nation state team twice and the New Hampshire state team once.
Bruce Rich, McQuaide’s wrestling coach at Tyngsborough High School, said he admires the young athlete’s enthusiasm and eagerness to excel.
“Max brought his high energy level to every practice, meet and tournament, and always encouraged his teammates to be at their best,” Rich wrote.
“During his junior year, he suffered a season-ending injury,” Rich continued. “For many kids, this would have been their excuse to get out of practice, but not for Max. He continued to come to every practice and competition, always showing support for his teammates.
“Max is one of the most outstanding young men I have had the pleasure to work with.”
College competition will definitely not be the end of the road for McQuaide’s fishing career, said his father, Warren.
“Max always says, if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” wrote Warren. “He strives to be able to fish at the professional level and wants to forever be involved in the bass fishing community.”
Keep up with the High School All-American program at Bassmaster.com/AllAmerican.
