When Chase Carey graduated from Emmanuel University with a degree in Sports Management last year he had one major goal in mind: find a way to fish for a living. Like many up-and-comers in this next generation of tournament anglers, Carey made a name for himself through college fishing.
Under the leadership of a bass fishing legend, the late Pam Martin-Wells, or “Coach Pam” as Carey calls her, Chase and his partner Dylan Akins were crowned the Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year his senior year. Team of the Year was one of many accolades and accomplishments Carey compiled throughout his collegiate fishing career.
Since graduating, Carey has gone on to compete in the gauntlet that is the Bassmaster Opens, with hopes of one-day qualifying for the Elite Series through the Open EQs. Along with fishing tournaments, Carey started a guiding business to help off-set tournament expenses.
“I worked part-time for my dad’s automotive accessory business in the Atlanta-metro the first few months after graduating,” Carey explained. “But I realized I needed to spend more time on the water if I wanted to be able to compete with the best and get closer to my goal of fishing for a living. That was the catalyst to starting guide trips.”
Like many new fishing guides, Carey’s business started slowly but has steadily picked up as he grows his network and client list. Guide trips have allowed him to spend more time on the water the past six months, helping him hone his craft while simultaneously giving back to the next generation of fish-obsessed youngsters.
In addition to traditional 4-hour, 6-hour and electronics guide trips, Carey offers a unique and impactful option called “Youth Angler Mentorship” on his website. An idea that came to Carey after having a few kids approach him when he drove his boat past the neighborhood fishing pond.
“I usually stop and talk to the kids at our local fishing pond because I know how much impact one or two fishing mentors had on me when I was younger,” Carey said. “One day it hit me… why not create a service for young anglers where I could take them fishing monthly or semi-monthly on local lakes. With a consistent schedule, it’s more like teaching and training versus a fish-catching trip.
“I worked it out to make this option more cost effective for the kids and their parents than traditional guide trips, and it’s been great so far. One of my dad’s buddies, Chad Hart, was my fishing mentor in high school and it had a huge influence on me. I’m hoping this service can offer that same chance to kids who love to fish and are eager to learn.”
Carey’s time on the water has increased to an all-time high in the latter half of 2025, with guide trips, local tournaments and competing in one division of the Bassmaster Opens EQs complementing his ultimate goal. His relationship with Skeeter Boats and the Yamaha Power Pay contingency program have additionally helped Carey with his professional fishing pursuits.
During his years in the college fishing ranks, Carey won thousands of dollars through Yamaha Power Pay. Carey is quick to praise the program for its support of tournament fishermen and for the parents of high school and collegiate anglers.
This year Carey ran his third Skeeter boat powered by a Yamaha 250-horsepower V MAX SHO® and was rewarded with another $1,300 of bonus payouts for being the highest finishing angler in supported tournaments through Yamaha’s popular program.
“I owned my boat this year so I can tell you exactly how much I pocketed through Power Pay,” Carey said with a laugh. “Honestly, I couldn’t tell you how much money I made through the program in college because I gave all my checks to my dad, but I know the extra money was hugely helpful. My dad owned the boat in college and has always been my number one supporter. It’s the least I could do with all my family has done to help my dream.”
Carey’s response about his college Power Pay winnings and the genuine appreciation he has for his parents and supporters says a lot about his character. In a time where many people are quick to take all the credit, claim the rewards, stick out their chest and inflate their ego; it’s refreshing to hear Carey humbly give credit where it’s due.
More than just a talented young angler on the rise, Carey has proven to have a great head on his shoulders, too. There is little doubt he has a bright future ahead of him.
If you want to learn more about potential rewards through Yamaha’s free-to-register Power Pay program, follow this ink: https://yamahapowerpay.com/.
