I’ve been thinking about things over the last few days and I have to tell you I’m kind of proud of myself. I’ve been able to make some good decisions that have had a positive impact on my life.
First is my marriage to Tracey. Today (Tuesday) is our 15th anniversary. In truth, I need to check that because it doesn’t seem like that long ago. It’s more like yesterday. I mean, how many women will put up with a marriage to a professional bass angler? I made that one right, no doubt about it.
Second, I’m really happy with how things went on Lake Erie. True, I didn’t win and that was my goal. Nevertheless, I handled things well and finished high enough to earn a check. That’s not all bad. Besides I’m pretty high in the Northern Open points standings. That’s something to be proud of, too. I’d like to double-qualify for the Elites, just as a matter of self-respect.
The reason I’m happy with the Lake Erie tournament is because both days I gave away the first few hours of fishing.
On Thursday I tried to make a run to my best spot but just couldn’t get there, and even if I had, it would not have been fishable because of the way the waves were running. I had to turn around and go to a backup spot, and ultimately to the backup spot for my backup spot. On Friday, my first area didn’t produce and I had to move around all afternoon, as well.
If you’re going to be successful in this business, that’s what you have to do — catch them in the second half of the day. You can’t let a slow start ruin your day or put you behind the eight ball. At the Elite level, there’s no such thing as a bad day. Or, if there is, it should be called a bad tournament because that’s what it will end up being. Recovering is what professional bass fishing is all about.
Speaking of the Elite Series, how about our new schedule? It’s great. I can’t wait to get started. There are several places on it that we haven’t fished recently, and I know from personal experience they’re on fire. That’s the way I like it.
And the mystery lake should be interesting and exciting. That’s something we’re not used to facing. All the guys are talking about it and offering their opinions on where it’s at, or where they heard it was. I wish I had a dollar for every story I’ve been told. It’d make for a nice little nest egg.
Ok, it’s time to go. I’ve got to stop and buy Tracey a rose and then go home early this evening. It’s Tuesday night. I wonder how much trouble I’ll be in if I fish my local tournament?
I love you, Tracey!