Chapman's AOY season

Before the Bassmaster Elite Series started, and even before the 2012 Bassmaster Classic, Brent Chapman had punched his ticket to the 2013 Classic and set the bar high for the rest of the season by winning the first Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open of the year on Lake Lewisville in Texas. Here, he's seen with Josh Bertrand, who was tied with Chapman after three days of competition on Lewisville, forcing a fish-off. Chapman had been battling a debilitating cold all week in brutal winter conditions. Though a fourth day on the water was the last thing he wanted, Chapman secured the win with a single 5-pound bite, while Bertrand blanked.

Coming off the win in Texas, Chapman began the 2012 Elite Series season with a 4th-place finish in the opener on the St. Johns River, then a 5th-place finish on Lake Okeechobee, which put him in the AOY lead for the first time in 2012.

The third Elite event led the gang to Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas, where Chapman posted another Top 5 finish, in 5th. He would stumble as the the Elites hit Douglas Lake in Tennessee. He would finish 68th, putting him off the AOY lead pace.

Chapman credits much of his success this past season to a new exercise regimen, becoming more involved with his church back home in Kansas, and a renewed dedication to organization and preparation.

Chapman took extra care and time in preparing his tackle, boat and priorities, which included...

Bobbi was critical in keeping Brent focused throughout the season, leaving him notes such as this one on his Tundra in the morning.

...spending more time with his wife, Bobbi, who acts as Chapman's manager of sorts.

Chapman's preparation never ceased all season.

Brent Chapman frequently found himself in the Top 12 all year.

Heavy catches like this all year long kept Brent Chapman atop the AOY standings.

The following Elite Series stop was at Toledo Bend, where Chapman needed a strong finish to rebound from Douglas. Well, he went out and won the event and shot back to the top of the AOY standings. But, the race was a tight one between him and traveling partner Randy Howell.

After he won Angler of the Year, Chapman said that he felt as if his Elite win was somewhat forgotten. But, it was crucial in his yearlong title.

The following event on the Mississippi River saw Chapman miss another 12 cut, but he still finished strong enough (22nd) to remain atop the AOY leaderboard. Here he is inside his camper with his wife and son before taking to the water.

WIth just two events remaining, Brent Chapman felt the pressure stronger than ever. Falter here, on Green Bay, and his lifeling dream of Angler of the Year could slip from his hands. But, he managed a 27th-place finish to hang in there and make the AOY race a nail-biter.

Despite Randy Howell's charge toward the top, Angler of the Year was Chapman's to lose. If he finished lower than 12th, the door was open. But, he finished 6th and secured the win.

"Winning Angler of the Year is a dream come true for me," he said. "I've wanted this for so long and now that I've got it, I want it even more again."

The fishing, fans, competition and most of all, tasting Angler of the Year, have lit a fire under Chapman that he hopes will bring him back to the AOY winner's circle in 2013.

WIth his win, Chapman earned $100,000, a title few anglers have earned but many aspire to, and an entry in Toyota Trucks All-Star Week in Decatur, Ill. Despite being top dog among the 2012 Elites, Chapman and his whole family remain humble. His wife, Bobbi, says that "we want to uphold and integrity and the honor of what Angler of the Year means. After all , we're still just the Chapman family, living our dream."