It’s crazy how fast the offseason has gone by. I feel like I’m ahead of the game until January. Then everything hits all at once, and I’m suddenly running behind.
After Christmas, I went right to work getting my new Nitro rigged with a Mercury outboard, the trolling motor, Power-Poles, Geiger Tec mounts for my electronics and more. Radio World/Precision Marine in Burlington, Ontario, rigged my boat. They always get everything just right.
Other to-do items include having my boat and truck wrapped, getting my G. Loomis rods in order and organizing my tackle.
Earlier this month, I took a break from my fishing preparations to attend a bull riding event in New York City’s Madison Square Gardin. Monster Energy, one of my sponsors, invited me. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and hanging with such good people. It was also nice to take a mental break from anything having to do with fishing.
Today, I’m driving to Alabama. I’ll launch on a lake not named Guntersville, which is off limits, and spend a few days breaking in the boat and making sure everything works properly.
From there, I’ll fly to Aspen, Colo., for the Winter X Games. I’m especially excited about watching the men’s snowboarder competitions, because I grew up snowboarding. When Monster Energy invited me, I hopped all over it. I’ll be there for three nights and fly back to Alabama.
I’ll be in Sweet Home for a day and a half before boarding a plane to Florida. Fellow Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series angler Blake Capps and I will fish a large team tournament on the St. Johns River.
Immediately after that event, I’ll fly back to Alabama and have one day to rig rods and tackle before the official practice period begins on Lake Guntersville, the sight of the first Elite Series tournament of 2026. The next couple of weeks will be gonzo.
I’ve recently picked up two new sponsors, Great Lakes Finesse, which is part of PRADCO, and TackleWarehouse.com. I’ll be working closely with them and my other sponsors this year, doing more product videos than in the past.
That will be in addition to my Instagram, Facebook and YouTube social content, which includes The Chase and The Road Trip videos under “Cooper Gallant Fishing.” I intend to provide more content in them, including more fun behind-the-scenes footage.
It’s challenging to juggle videos, tournament fishing and sponsor obligations. I’ve enlisted my buddy Scot to help me with shooting the videos and some of the editing. I’ll get back to you after Guntersville. I’m excited to kick off the Elite season there.
