With the Bassmaster Elite Series set to start in just a month, I’m starting to get excited about our first two tournaments on big bass factories and then a Classic on very familiar waters. This will be the 16th year I’ve fished full-time, and I look forward to every season, but things are changing in our world. Not only is the field seemingly younger ever year, but my life is changing too.
My youngest daughter is set to graduate from high school this spring and will be off to college. Three to five years ago, I was running around watching them all play ball in between tournaments, but while I look forward to seeing them any time we have a chance, it won’t be quite as hectic. That means I can focus on fishing like never before.
I was certainly thrilled to win the Classic in 2022, but that resulted in a whole range of welcome new obligations. Then, after finishing up construction of our house and getting married in September, I finally had some time to catch my breath.
Well, not really. We haven’t even had a chance to take a honeymoon yet. That’ll come in due time – either someplace far north when it’s really hot out, or far south when it’s really cold out – but that got temporarily pushed off by deer season. As most of you know, I’m fanatical about deer hunting, and it’s the perfect chance to clear my mind after the rigors of a long Elite Series season.
People sometimes ask me which I would choose — fishing or hunting. Fortunately I don’t have to make that choice. The best way that I can put it is I couldn’t fully enjoy deer hunting without fishing, and I couldn’t fully enjoy bass fishing without hunting. They complement each other, and each benefits from my time away.
Still, I’m glad that deer hunting is compressed to three months, because otherwise I could see it getting in the way of my job. At this point in my life I’ve had a lot of great hunts, and this season wasn’t as intense as some others. I never really got personal with one specific deer. I never had the opportunity to chase “the one.” It’s always a good time, but that left me wanting a little bit more.
But now it’s time to turn my attention to the sport that pays my bills. I’ve been fishing a lot and working on my tackle inventory, not just for the early season events but for the entire schedule. Once we hit the road, things become frantic, and by the time you think of something you need it’s often too late.
It’s hard not to think about another Grand Lake Classic. I can’t go anywhere around here without someone stopping me to ask me about it or to wish me luck. It’s a special kind of pressure to have a home-field Classic, in front of friends, family and a boatload of sponsors.
At the same time, we’re just starting to get our first waves of winter storms here. The water has been warmer than usual, and that could change, not from just one cold snap, but if we have several of them. So while I did go and ride around Grand just to check things out, I’m hesitant to spend too much time there. A lot will change between now and mid-March.
Nevertheless, I’m excited for the 2024 Elites. Last year was an up-and-down effort that was nerve-wracking at times. I’d like to be a little bit more consistent and eliminate some of the lower finishes, and also mix in a win or two. Once the season starts, I’ll have a remarkably clean plate until September. Even the non-tournament efforts, like working on my YouTube channel, will be directed toward eventual success on the water. It’ll all be about just fishing, and that excites me and hopefully will allow me to perform up to my potential.
