Coming back this season after the heart situation wasn’t about making a statement. It was about getting back into a routine and seeing where I was physically and mentally against the best bass anglers in the world. The first event back showed me I had work to do. I finished 80th.
I felt a step behind in my decision making and execution, which is all it takes at this level. There was no panic, just a clear reminder that time on the water and trusting the process were what I needed most.
Between the Alabama Elite events, the focus stayed simple. Fish clean. Manage the day better. Stop trying to force things that aren’t there. The Alabama Swing will expose mistakes quickly, and this year was no different. Changing conditions and heavy pressure meant every decision mattered.
By the second event, I felt more settled. Practice still had tough stretches, but I stayed patient and fished what was in front of me. No scrambling, no major adjustments … just making the right calls and living with the results. I finished 28th, which doesn’t jump off the page, but after starting with an 80th, it was a step in the right direction.
More importantly, it confirmed I can still compete at the level I expect from myself and that the work during recovery wasn’t wasted.
Nothing about this season changes my goals. I still want to win. I still want to make Championship Sunday and contend for Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points. But getting back into rhythm and ending the Alabama Swing with a solid finish gives me something to build on.
There’s a long season ahead. I’m healthy, I’m back in the boat and I’m getting back into form. Hopefully as the season goes on I will be able to stay away from ticks…
