Gleason appreciates his support system

Sitting at the dock long after the scheduled 7 a.m. takeoff was not how Darold Gleason envisioned starting his rookie Elite season, but the fog delay that postponed the takeoff for Day 1 of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at the St. Johns River has forced him into a holding pattern.

Fortunately, the Louisiana stick had plenty of comforting company from the two souls that mean the most to him.

Randi Gleason, a national sales manager with Mary Kaye, chronicles her husband’s fishing career for social media platforms and provides the constant encouragement and support that has anchored Darold’s life for many years. How long? High school sweethearts and still going strong.

Rowdy, the adorable mixed breed angel with the looks of beagle and rat terrier influence, is all about the snuggles. This four-legged super fan patiently sat on the front deck while Gleason filled the downtime with last-minute rigging.

“It’s awesome having Rowdy and my wife here; they’re major stress relievers,” Gleason said. “The biggest thing is to have made it here and to have her with me, because she was with me when it wasn’t so good.

“To see her excited face every day is special.”

Rowdy’s affection is also genuine, but Gleason’s breakfast burrito had him tucked especially close to daddy’s side.

Gleason noted: “He always gets the last bite.”

Of the fog delay, Gleason said this: “What has gotten me here (to the Elite Series) is controlling the controllables. Everyone sitting here has handled it their own way. I’ve worked on a lot of tackle; that helps keep me busy.

“This won’t change my game plan at all. I am making kind of a long run and I really could use a full day, but I have no other options. You have to take what you have from practice and trust your gut. That’s all I have.

“The best past is that every time I come to the shore, I have Rowdy and Randi with me. That’s just special. There’s no other way I’d rather do it.”