Picture this -- a blue and gold canoe drifting down the Monongahela River, while the rival green and yellow boat sits near a pile of driftwood.

A Panther-logo-emblazoned watercraft then speeds by with lines trolling off the back.

While this may just seem like a lazy Saturday afternoon on the water, it could be the newest high school championship spring sport in the near future -- competitive fishing.

Illinois is planning to start a state championship bass tournament next spring, in addition to eight section tournaments for high school students.

Judging by the success of the 2005 Bassmaster Classic held in Pittsburgh, fishing is a sport that not only could survive in this area but would almost certainly thrive.

Can you imagine the Norwin vs. Penn-Trafford rivalry ranging from the field to the court and then to the river?

How about seeing some of Franklin Regional's most talented and strongest athletes reeling in a 19-inch largemouth?

Outdoor sports are some of the most popular activities in Westmoreland County, especially with trout season set to get under way this weekend.

Fishing's popularity has grown immensely as networks such as ESPN showcase the sport weekly in addition to coverage of the annual Bassmaster Classic.

So while the WPIAL and PIAA have yet to propose a fishing league, the wheels have been set in motion in the Midwest.

If it's possible in the land of fields and crops, why not send the high schoolers off in the town of the three rivers?

Bill Hartlep can be reached at starsports@gatewaynewspapers.com.