Youth Q&A with the pros

Anglers from both the Teen Sportfishing Association and Osceola High School gathered after Wednesday night registration to listen to three professional anglers and to get some insight into the fishing world.
Anglers from both the Teen Sportfishing Association and Osceola High School gathered after Wednesday night registration to listen to three professional anglers and to get some insight into the fishing world.
These anglers are volunteering this week to help with the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. They will assist with parking, fish care and anything else behind the scenes of this week’s event.
These anglers are volunteering this week to help with the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. They will assist with parking, fish care and anything else behind the scenes of this week’s event.
Before the pros talk and take questions, everyone poses for a photo together. Gerald Swindle, Terry Scroggins and Jacob Wheeler are speaking to the kids while Terry Seagraves organized the get together.
Before the pros talk and take questions, everyone poses for a photo together. Gerald Swindle, Terry Scroggins and Jacob Wheeler are speaking to the kids while Terry Seagraves organized the get together.
Jacob Wheeler spoke first and talked about his favorite ways to fish Florida fisheries. As many anglers know, Florida is a completely different type of fishery than what may exist in other states and regions.
Jacob Wheeler spoke first and talked about his favorite ways to fish Florida fisheries. As many anglers know, Florida is a completely different type of fishery than what may exist in other states and regions.
The young anglers listen intently and try to soak in all of the information they are hearing.
The young anglers listen intently and try to soak in all of the information they are hearing.
Wheeler spoke about topwater baits and also his journey to the professional ranks being that he is very young himself.
Wheeler spoke about topwater baits and also his journey to the professional ranks being that he is very young himself.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Terry Scroggins hails from Florida and taught the young anglers a thing or two about how he approaches Lake Toho and other Florida lakes in the early portion of the year.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Terry Scroggins hails from Florida and taught the young anglers a thing or two about how he approaches Lake Toho and other Florida lakes in the early portion of the year.
Gerald Swindle finished it up before the question and answer session started.
Gerald Swindle finished it up before the question and answer session started.
He spoke from the heart about the dedication and positive mental attitude that it takes if they hope to make it big in professional fishing. It isn’t as glamorous at it may seem on TV or when they see photos of anglers in their brand new boats and sponsor-laden jerseys.
He spoke from the heart about the dedication and positive mental attitude that it takes if they hope to make it big in professional fishing. It isn’t as glamorous at it may seem on TV or when they see photos of anglers in their brand new boats and sponsor-laden jerseys.
Not only were jigs a focal point, but also modifying baits so that the grass doesn’t mess up their baits as often.
Not only were jigs a focal point, but also modifying baits so that the grass doesn’t mess up their baits as often.
About 10 to 20 kids and parents listened closely to the three pros as they spoke.
About 10 to 20 kids and parents listened closely to the three pros as they spoke.
Swindle told the kids that he didn’t wear his jersey because there is more to him than the companies he is fortunate to represent. He said that having a jersey with a lot of sponsors is good, but knowing who you are as a person once that jersey comes off is the most important thing. Being true to who you are is very important.
Swindle told the kids that he didn’t wear his jersey because there is more to him than the companies he is fortunate to represent. He said that having a jersey with a lot of sponsors is good, but knowing who you are as a person once that jersey comes off is the most important thing. Being true to who you are is very important.
Wheeler explained how he has been successful early in his career, but how he has a lot to learn and how he still looks up to anglers like Swindle and Scroggins.
Wheeler explained how he has been successful early in his career, but how he has a lot to learn and how he still looks up to anglers like Swindle and Scroggins.
The young anglers are the future of the sport and the three pros were excited to participate because they know how important it is to promote the sport the proper way to the next generation.
The young anglers are the future of the sport and the three pros were excited to participate because they know how important it is to promote the sport the proper way to the next generation.
After the Q&A concluded, the students gladly asked the pros for their autographs.
After the Q&A concluded, the students gladly asked the pros for their autographs.
These dedicated anglers have obviously taken every opportunity to snag an autograph from their favorite fishermen.
These dedicated anglers have obviously taken every opportunity to snag an autograph from their favorite fishermen.
Scroggins signs a hat…
Scroggins signs a hat…
And then joins a group of anglers that are hanging out with Gerald Swindle. The smiles on their faces make it worthwhile for these pros.
And then joins a group of anglers that are hanging out with Gerald Swindle. The smiles on their faces make it worthwhile for these pros.
Wheeler finishes telling fishing stories with this group of kids and the 30-minute session concludes. Talking with pros and volunteering at the weigh-ins will be something these middle and high school fishermen won’t forget.
Wheeler finishes telling fishing stories with this group of kids and the 30-minute session concludes. Talking with pros and volunteering at the weigh-ins will be something these middle and high school fishermen won’t forget.