Elite rookies: Jordan Lee

Jordan Lee qualified for the Elites through the Opens, but what got him there began in another league that is gaining a reputation for jumpstarting journeyman pro careers.

The intended path into the Bassmaster Elite Series is through the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens. Jordan Lee followed that route, although what got him there began in another league that is gaining a reputation for jumpstarting journeyman pro careers.

“I didn’t want to pursue a pro career while in college,” revealed Lee, a 2013 graduate of Auburn University.

The reason is the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series. Lee is one of a growing number of Elite Series pros indirectly coming from the college league. His brother, Matt Lee, followed that route, as did veteran Elite Series pro Brandon Card and former Elite Series pro Chip Porche.

“What allowed me to become competitive sooner in the Opens is the college series,” said Lee. “It makes the transition easier.”

“In college, everybody competes at the same level. It gives you more confidence to take your game to the next level after you graduate.”

Lee said the combination of fishing events and the regional events held on varying types of water helped improve his skills and confidence.

The elimination bracket format used to qualify collegiate anglers for the final event is tough. So is the competition. Matt Lee made his brother a believer.

The siblings went head-to-head at the college championship to determine the lone college qualifier for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic. Matt won the qualifier, and the next year, Jordan claimed victory. Jordan ended the 2014 Bassmaster Classic with an impressive sixth-place finish on Lake Guntersville.

The brothers transitioned from college bass fishing to the Opens, competing in all nine events across the three regions. This time, both scored big with invitations to the 2015 Bassmaster Elite Series.

“With us both in the Elite Series, it takes away some of the rivalry,” said Jordan. “We’ll work together like a lot of other guys do, while also doing our separate things.”

For the 2015 season, the Lee brothers are renting a home on Lake Guntersville, where both found success during high school and college tournaments.

“It’s going to be more of a man cave for our gear because we’ll be on the road so much,” he added.

The Lee brothers are equal but separate, although their marketing appeal makes a strong connection. Dynamic Sponsorships represents key brands associated with the college demographic, Carhartt and Toyota among them. Others are following. Strike King, Quantum and Solar Bat are aligned with the brothers for 2015.

Lee’s B.A.S.S. résumé is impressive with only 11 tournaments, including the Classic, in his brief career. He’s finished in the money seven times for a total of $58,586 in earnings.