Bassmaster’s Kyle Jessie assured me that Stetson Blaylock showed some emotion earlier today — and provided the above photographic proof of such — but in my experience, he’s one of the most levelheaded, unemotional pros on tour. Not an automaton, but rather a lunchbucket guy who doesn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve.
Right now he’s trailed by former professional poker player Kyle Welcher, who likewise knows how to put on a poker face, and Jason Christie. Christie has seen serious highs and lows on tour, including a near-miss during the 2018 Classic here, but is also generally stonefaced.
There are very few top pros who can channel emotion for better results. Mike Iaconelli is one of the notable few. Most of the best of the best are analytical, silent killers. We may see joy and tears on stage later today, but we’re not seeing much of it on the water right now. That’s by design.