Elite Series pro Dave Wolak is arguably one of the fittest anglers on tour. He trains regularly with weights, used to be a ski instructor and recently completed a half-marathon. He is currently training for a full marathon. Wolak takes the same serious approach to fishing that he does with the rest of his physical activities.
Wolak says all anglers — regardless of their fitness level — can perform better by being mindful of what goes inside you while on the water.
"You spend $25,000 on a truck and $30,000 on a boat and you eat cheese crackers while you fish. It just doesn't add up," he says. "A lot of people don't realize that the most important piece of equipment on the water is your body. You need to take care of it like you do everything else."
Wolak goes on to say that with proper nutrition, anglers are more efficient. With efficiency comes more casts and the potential for more fish.
"When you're eating properly on the water, there is no lull and you feel less lazy. However, you can't take a whole meal out there and take time to eat it," Wolak adds. "I've tried almost everything out there and found that meal replacement bars are the best way to get what your body needs on the water. They're easy and fast to eat and give you exactly what you need to be at your best."
Wolak relies on Supreme Protein's Raptor Extreme energy bars. They combine several types of carbohydrates to give you immediate and prolonged energy as well as increased focus.
"A lot of people don't realize it, but it's easy to get fatigued on the water. We are athletes engaged in prolonged exercise," Wolak explains. "Repetitive motions can be taxing on our bodies.
"You may not realize it, but a lot of the day you're standing on one foot, and doing that requires a lot of effort on both your brain and body."
Kelly Conklin, of Supreme Protein, says the Raptor Bar is a perfect fit for anglers.
"The Raptor Bar was designed specifically for people looking for immediate and extended sources of energy," he says. "Along with a precise blend of carbohydrates, the Raptor contains strong doses of antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals that support prolonged events such as long days on the water."
How does the Raptor work? Conklin explains.
"The Raptor has a first-of-its-kind gel center that provides immediate energy," he says. "The outer layer contains the medium- and extended-release carbs for hours of energy. They're made from only the best ingredients. The best part about them is the fact that they taste like candy bars!"
Wolak requires a meal — or meal replacement bar — to have these three qualities before he will take it on the water.
First, it has to taste good. "No matter how good something is for you, you're not going to want to eat it if it tastes like dirt."
Next, it needs to have quality ingredients. "It needs to be easy to digest, or else your body will expend more energy digesting it, which can make you even more fatigued."
Last, it needs to have amino acids, electrolytes, B-vitamins and complex carbohydrates for both instant and prolonged energy.
"You need energy all day because, as conditions change on the water, your brain works harder, which can elevate your heart rate which burns calories," Wolak says. "This can take a toll pretty quickly, and you need something to replenish your muscles. Leave the cheese crackers and junk at home next time out."
