If that was a break, you couldn’t prove it by me. I’ve been about as busy as I’ve ever been for the past month or thereabouts. Between the 2019 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods and all that goes with having a baby, about all I’ve had time to do is turn around in circles and put out the next fire.
We’ll start with the best first.
On March 30, Saturday evening at 5:51 pm my wife, Macie, gave birth to a wonderful baby girl. She came into our world at 6 pounds, 15 ounces and is 20 inches long. Her name is Bristol Keagan Williamson. We couldn’t be happier, and we’re both looking forward to spending a long life together with her.
I have three other children — Adalyn, Hunter and Landon — so the family is starting to get some size to it, but that’s just fine with both of us. It makes our life complete.
Before Bristol was born we had four weeks of nonstop action. We went to Ohio where Macie is from for a baby shower and then back here to South Carolina for another one. All the while we were back and forth with doctor’s appointments, and that doesn’t count getting the house ready for the new arrival.
It was all a labor of love, though. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Fishing is my professional and work life, but it isn’t all of my life.
At the same time all of that was going on I’ve had to meet sponsor commitments and get ready for the rest of the season. I have to stay on top of that or I won’t be able to support them.
The Classic was really good. It’s been written about by most of the other guys so I won’t do any more than say that B.A.S.S. has this thing right. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season like I haven’t in years.
And speaking of the rest of the year, it’s time that I put my head down and start catching more bass. Before the Lake Hartwell event, I’m sitting at 51 in the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings so it hasn’t been a complete disaster, but it’s not where I want to be come the end of the year.
Next year is the 50th anniversary of the Classic. I’d sure hate to miss it, or not be fishing in it. I’ve been to three others. Each one is special. I’m pretty sure next year will be extra special.
With the break out of the way and the family stuff under control — Macie’s got this mother thing — I’m thinking I can concentrate on my fishing. The next two events will be very different from the first two. That’s a good thing as far as I’m concerned. It’ll work out like a new start for me.
It’s time to go now. I need to help Macie, give the kids some attention, pack tackle and get my mind where it needs to be for this week.
