After fishing professionally for 30 years, it’s emotional to be retiring from the Bassmaster Elite Series. My overwhelming feeling is one of thankfulness for having such an amazing career.
First and foremost, I’m thankful for my family. Growing up in Jersey, my obsession with fishing wasn’t normal. But my uncle, mom, and grandparents supported my angling endeavors and told me to go for it.
I never could have maintained such a long career without the support of my wife Becky and my kids, Drew, Rylie, Vegas, and Estella. The enormous effort required to be successful fishing the Elite Series took me away from my family. They never complained about the time I spent working and traveling. They embraced what I was doing.
I’m so thankful for Ray Scott, who created B.A.S.S., Bassmaster magazine, Bassmaster.com and B.A.S.S. Nation, which allowed me to get into tournaments on the club level. I’m also thankful for other tournament organizations I’ve participated in.
Of course, I’m thankful for my sponsors, many of which have supported me for 30 years. That’s a rarity in this sport.
I’m very thankful for my fans, as well. My career has been up and down, with good years and bad. I’ve also had my share of screw-ups. But my fan base stayed with me whether I was catching fish or not.
A lot of guys on tour are amazing Christians who live a great life. I’m not the most outwardly religious person, but I do have faith and believe in God. I’m thankful to Him every day for a wonderful career and for having a positive impact on people.
Many Elite pros have had to leave our sport due to family obligations, finances, or injury. I’m pleased to retire on my own terms. Instead of feeling bitter or frustrated, I’m happy and ready for the next chapter in my life. It’s time to pass it on.
Looking back over my career, I’ve obviously made mistakes. But I don’t have any regrets. I was excited to be on that ride throughout all three decades. As excited as I was for the ride, I’m very excited for the next chapter.
Retirement is absolutely the wrong word for the next phase of my life. I hope to have many years ahead of me doing what I love to do, having a positive impact on people, entertaining people and educating fishing fans through articles, social media videos and television.
I also intend to fish a handful of bass tournaments that don’t require the immense commitment of time and effort necessary to do well on the Elite Series. I may fish one of the Bassmaster Open divisions, possibly a northern division of the Toyota Series and dabble in a few kayak events.
I leave the Elite Series thankful for all of it.
