This is a new era in bass fishing. The game has changed. The technology we have at our fingertips today has reshaped how we approach every cast, every spot and every decision we make on the water. At 51, I’ve seen a lot of evolution in this sport, and now that I’m back on the Elite Series, I realize more than ever just how much more strategic bass fishing has become.
The days of simply relying on instinct and history are gone … at least when you look at a full season of events. Today’s competition requires a blended approach — a mix of cutting-edge technology and old-school know-how. The anglers who figure out how to balance both will be the ones who succeed. That’s my focus as I step back into this field of battle: how to be the best version of myself as a competitor in this modern age.
I love forward-facing sonar (FFS). I’ve spent the time learning it, mastering it and understanding its full potential. My son guides on Lake Guntersville, and he’s helped me stay sharp with it. I want to be the best over-50 ’Scoper out there, and I feel like I’m getting there. But at the same time, I know that if FFS isn’t producing quickly or effectively, I can’t afford to be stubborn. That’s when I lean on my history — on all the knowledge and instincts I’ve gained through decades of competing at the highest level.
The younger generation of anglers doesn’t have years of history weighing them down, and in some ways, that’s an advantage. They can stay laser-focused on what they do best, and a lot of them are incredibly dominant with FFS because of it. It reminds me of how things used to be. Back in the day, guys like Denny Brauer were known as legendary flippers, and Jimmy Houston was a power fisherman who made his living that way. They focused on their strengths, and they were always at the top. The ’Scopers of today are the same way — if they stick to it and master it, they’re going to find success. I don’t see that as a bad thing at all.
For me, the key is balance. I’m constantly working to improve my skills with the latest technology, but I also know when it’s time to go back to my roots. That’s the battle I’m dealing with mentally — when to trust the screen and when to trust my gut. Staying open-minded is the only way to keep growing in this sport.
That’s why I think this year’s Elite Series schedule is brilliant. The lakes and rivers we’ll be competing on are incredibly diverse, and because of that, the events won’t be dominated by just one technique. We’ve already seen it in Florida, and I expect to see the same in North Carolina and beyond. This season will reward well-rounded anglers — guys who can adapt, who can blend new-school and old-school together seamlessly.
That’s my goal. Keep learning. Keep an open mind. Keep evolving. Because in today’s bass fishing world, the ones who figure out that balance are the ones who will keep winning.
