I was really looking forward to the start of the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series season, and I had a good start, but we’ll get to that in a little bit. What I was really excited about was that it is 20th season of the Elite Series, and I’ve been a part of it since the inception in 2006. I’m really proud to say I’m one of those who got to see how the Elite Series started all the way through to now.
When the Elite Series was announced in 2005, it was a scary thing to think of 11 tournaments at $5,000 per entry fee. As we really looked at it, it became pretty clear it was going to be something that not only was doable, but in many ways, was leading us into a new era completely. We all nervously took the gamble, put our money down and decided to go fishing.
But, once we got to Lake Amistad in 2006, and we saw all of the wrapped boats, the jerseys and the display of the league, it became clear there was an opportunity to make a good living. Part of it was from the work we could do for our sponsors, but cashing checks was going to be a good part of our living too.
Then, we got to the actual fishing, and Amistad was on fire. The anglers really put on a show, and the feeling around the field was the Elite Series was a great thing. The fishing was so good that I had 19-15 on the first day and found myself around 50th place. I was shocked at how the field caught them, and I knew I had to improve. I caught 25 pounds on Day 2 and ended up finishing in 27th place, getting that $10,000 payday.
That event really established a connection for all of us to the league and the opportunities we had in front of us — at least it did for me. Now 20 years later, the Elite Series is still the most grandiose of them all. The Bassmaster LIVE TV on Fox Sports, the online streaming and coverage has done nothing but expanded, and we still have plenty of opportunities today.
As I reflect on things as the year has started, it just really hit me how this has all played out for me. I have been able to raise my family as an Elite Series angler. I’ve done a lot of promotional work, built relationships with sponsors, media and fans alike, and I’m so very proud to have been a part of it since the beginning.
As for the start of my 2025 season, I’m quite pleased with how I opened up at the St. Johns River. I started strong and held on for a 32nd-place finish. I wasn’t so happy with the Lake Okeechobee 87th-place finish, but it’s early. We’ve got a lot of fishing to do – I feel good about the year.
To top off a decent start, I was able to get into the Bassmaster Open on Kentucky Lake as a fun event on my home lake. I managed to finish there in 27th place. It was a tough tournament with cold, windy conditions, but being able to capitalize and make some extra money at home is always nice.
Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams. was alive at the start, and it’s still the perfect motto today.
