So, it’s been a while since I won the season-opening Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series event on the St. Johns River in Palatka, Fla., and even though I’ve been busy with more tournaments, sponsor work and working the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, it’s finally settled in that I won my second Elite Series blue trophy. As I’ve thought about it, I’ve had the chance to realize all of the interesting things that were a part of that win.
There were a lot of things that went through my mind in those moments after Dave Mercer called out the weight. I mean, I thought I had blown it coming in with four fish, and I was surprised to have had enough weight to have won, so my mind was spinning with so many things.
I was so grateful to my family, to see Jen, Nevaeh and Fischer there celebrating with our friends and family, and all of the excitement of that moment was emotional and humbling. But the win has brought some realizations and understandings to me after the fact.
Former Bassmaster pro Joe Thomas told me to, “Enjoy it, 10 years will be gone before you know it.” He was right. I look at it, and I’ve been in this league for all 20 seasons of the Bassmaster Elite Series, and I don’t know where the time has gone. Jen and I were young ourselves when we started this, and now Nevaeh is driving and Fischer is not a baby himself, and they have grown up out here with us.
I think about the good, the bad and the ugly of this career too. Every occupation has its moments, but I’ve seen friends experience the highest highs and the lowest lows. I’ve seen really good anglers come into this career with a lot of hope, and I’ve seen many of them choose to move on for a variety of reasons. All of it makes me realize how fast time can fly by when you’re focused on doing a job.
It makes me realize how blessed I am. I think back to starting to work on qualifying for the Elite Series and laying floors for a living, just trying to make enough to get from one event to the other. I had a goal to make it to this level, and I think back to working the hardest job I’ve ever had and what it took to get here.
I think about my friend Billy Backman. After he passed away his parents decided to help me achieve the dreams that Billy and I both had of fishing professionally — I’ve realized how much support I’ve had from the industry to live this career out.
Nobody does this job on their own. From our families and friends to the partners we work with along the way, all of them play a major role in shaping a career and a business. Some of them come and go as goals and seasons change, but they all are a valued and appreciated part of a career in this sport, one that I would not have if it wasn’t for them.
All of these thoughts bring some pride with being one of the original Elite Series anglers that is still here competing, but it also brings with it a feeling of responsibility. This sport is very interconnected, and we all have a duty to protect the history of the sport and promote its growth. I feel like I need to take part in trying to ensure that the old ways are a part of things going forward and that we as anglers maintain that. But we also must play a role in helping the sport, the leagues and our partners build for the future.
I can’t really see myself doing anything else as a career at this point. I’m 50 years old; I’ve been doing this for a long time — 20 years as an Elite Series angler — and I am truly blessed. I am part of a legacy and I’m honored to be so.
