When B.A.S.S. announced last season’s Elite Series schedule, I saw a huge opportunity. Nearly every venue played to my skill set. Some were repeat fisheries, others were new, yet all made me feel confident in what lay ahead.
Fast forward to today and, well … let’s just say the outcome wasn’t even close to what I had hoped for.
The bad
As predicted, many were shallow-water events — situations where I normally excel. And that’s what makes it so painful — knowing I failed to score with the patterns and techniques I’m good at. Either my timing was off, or I simply failed to catch the right grade of fish.
Lakes Martin, Grand, Kentucky and Travis, and the Upper Mississippi River — all were scheduled at the right time for shallow water patterns.
Then there was the postponement of the Sabine River and ultimate cancellation of the Chesapeake Bay tournament — two events that could have helped my cause tremendously.
Although we eventually made it back to the Sabine, our timing wasn’t nearly as good. It was hot with water temperatures approaching 90 degrees, and the fish were in a postspawn funk. As for the Chesapeake, I do well there. In our two previous visits, I finished 11th and sixth respectively. And I felt I was ready — even with the flood — to do well again this time. Unfortunately, I didn’t get that opportunity.
Immediately following the postponement, B.A.S.S. surveyed the Elite field to see if we wanted to reschedule or cancel. I voted to reschedule, and I lobbied hard for it — arguing we wouldn’t win any money sitting at home. Sadly, though, few of my fellow competitors felt the same. The survey results were heavily in favor of cancelling.
Perhaps they were fearful of losing ground in the AOY standings, or maybe it was the added expense of returning to a distant location. I’m sure there is truth to both. But, to me, if it’s on the schedule, we should fish it. Period.
Then came the St. Lawrence River — my favorite fishery. In three previous Elite events, I finished no lower than 15th and made the Top 12 twice. At least there, I felt I could recover some losses.
It was not to be, however. Because of a mechanical failure, I wasn’t able to make weigh-in on Day 2. It was the final blow to a disastrous season.
The good
Although the year brought many disappointments, some very positive things happened, too. Among them were key product launches that utilized my endorsement.
The first was with Ranger and their 50th Anniversary Edition Z-model boats.
That began last fall, when I was asked to participate in a three-day photo/video shoot on Lake Okeechobee. The project was a major undertaking that included a variety of aerial and on-the-water sequences. The weather was a challenge, but we got through it. Later, that film work was transformed into some impressive commercials for television as well as full-page ads for a number of print and digital magazines.
Being a part of it all was truly rewarding — especially since it was Ranger’s 50th anniversary.
Then there was the special Shimano promotion, when the head of marketing chose me to help launch their newest reel — the Curado DC. That, too, required many hours of on-the-water video and photography. As a result, I appeared in their catalog and print media campaign.
During ICAST — when the actual launch took place — I served as a spokesman with fellow pro Keith Combs during Shimano’s press conference. We addressed a large crowd of buyers and media types, then met with them one on one afterward to communicate key features of the reel.
Later, the Curado DC was named ICAST’s Best of Show in the Freshwater Reel category. Talk about rewarding!
To have been chosen for these special product launches by companies I’ve represented my entire career was truly special. And I know I’m lucky — no matter how tough or challenging the fishing might get. To represent the best brands in fishing is something I’m extremely proud of, and I don’t take that responsibility for granted.
Brands like Ranger, Mercury, MotorGuide, Rapala-VMC, Shimano, Fuji, Yamamoto, Hildebrandt, Power-Pole, TH Marine and now Garmin … it doesn’t get any better.
So, for me, the bottom line is this: Good years come and go. And if you play this game long enough, you’re going to have a few bad ones. Thankfully, though, most of mine have been on the plus side.
And thank you very sincerely for reading my column. I wish each and every one of you Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year.
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