Preparing for a tournament 

Pre-tournament travel list

One of the most important things to do is make a list. No one wants to forget something as important as a wallet or simple as a toothbrush. They are both important, but the toothbrush can be purchased at most stores. I include in my list the items that most people would not consider like rods, reels, tackle as they are a given. One day I forgot to bring my hooks. Made for a long day.

Peace of Mind

            I have noticed in my experience fishing tournaments the the drive to a location can be the most peaceful and mind clearing experience. I try and forget about everything that is back home (except family). The items I definitely forget are work issues, finances, and drum roll please, what I forgot. Yes even though I have made a list, there is always something I forget.

Pre-fishing

            The average tournament fisherman believes pre-fishing is done only on the water. WRONG. In fact, a lot of tournaments are prepared for months in advance. Thank you momma technology. Do your research prior to getting to the water, it can cut hours off your fish finding adventure. Once you find the fish don’t over catch them, save them for the tournament. Take notes on method, depth, water temp, and any other item your deem important. Once you find the fish, look for other places that have the same similarities.

Mind your business

            Don’t be afraid to talk to people, but remember that they are your competitors. Most people will not be forth coming if they are on the winning pattern. Then again they probably won’t admit that they are having a tough time. Could that be an ego thing? Not with fisher people.

Tournament

            Put everything to use. If things you plan for don’t pan out, relax deep breath and revert to your instincts. Don’t ever underestimate them. They can make your day and possibly a winner.

In future articles I will go into depth with these topics

Random

I just wanted to get back in the swing of things so I am going to just write.
Since it is winter in good ol' upstate New York, I have been doing some prep work for the upcoming season. I never knew that it would be so difficult to choose which tournament circuit or circuits to fish. Some of the things I had to work out were dates conflicting, locations, and travel. Not to mention the biggest issue, MONEY.

The one thing that I learned is that I cant fish everything I want. So as of yet I have not completed my schedule. The one thing I do know is that I am looking at between 11 and 13 tournaments, which covers club level, local opens, state federation, BASS opens, BFL, and of course the state federation divisional.

Hopefully soon there will be some finalization to my schedule.

until next time thank you for reading

My steps to becoming a pro fisherman

For some, fishing can be used as survival, relaxation, or just a friendly pastime. However for me, I am making my lifelong dream become a reality. After having read several articles and including over 20 years of experience in fishing, I have come to the conclusion that it takes at a minimum of 6 steps to become a professional fisherman. Although I am not yet a full time professional fisherman, I am well on my way to achieving that status.

Some say that luck plays a big part in becoming a full time pro. I believe in luck however I also believe that luck is gained be preparedness (skill, time on water, effort, and experience). That is why it takes several years for a person to become a professional bass fisherman.

Here are my recommendations of steps for anyone that feels they would like to cast themselves into the professional fisherman waters.

1)      Start small. Don’t try and fish with the big boys just yet. Fish locally, enjoy the outdoors around you. It can be a lake, pond, river, or even a stream. Fish for the fun, but remember as much as you can to every minute detail.

2)      Local club- Look into a local club. If you don’t own a boat it is a great way to get on the water and meet new people along with learning new techniques. Also you will get to fish waters that you haven’t fished before.

3)      Look for bigger tournaments. These tournaments are generally a bit more costly to enter but are much more rewarding. You will learn from more experienced tournament contestants and this knowledge will eventually give you an edge in your future career endeavors. As the tournament levels go up, the intensity does as well. Some of these tournament circuits are your States Federation, BFL, and BASS open and weekend series.

4)      Get sponsors- In order to make it as a full time professional you will need sponsors. Although some sponsors can be very lucrative, they don’t come easy or often. Being a sponsored fisherman isn’t as easy as signing a contract and fishing. Most companies expect a return on their investment. It may be as simple as a few speaking engagements or as taxing as going out and selling their products. Whatever the case, remember that you work for them.

5)      Find a Mentor- this can be a professional fisherman or someone that you admire. Most professional fishing tournaments use a pro-am type of field. The boat owner is considered the professional and is fishing for a larger purse. The amateur or co-angler is fishing for the smaller, alternate purse. Many times, the alternate purse includes a boat, cash, or both. 

If you feel like these steps are possible. Go for it and give it your best shot. Good luck.

Honeoye Lake in early October

 

In early October Rob Jensen and I decided to take the day and go to a local lake for a few hours of relaxation.  Something tournament fisherman don't usually get the pleasure of doing as we are usually either practicing for competing in a tournament. Honeoye lake is ussually known for its quantity not quality. Not on this day. The bite was tough, but the fish we got were of tournament quality. this is a 4.25 pound largemouth taken using a D-Bomb flipping the deep weedlines.

The Reason

Many people start a blog for several reasons. Here are my reasons

1.     Document my travels and tell your story- Since I have decided to take a step towards attaining my childhood dream of becoming a professional bass tournament fisherman,

       I feel it necessary to keep my family, friends, and sponsors abreast of what I am doing.

2.     Attract others who are passionate about a topic –The more the better.

3.     Contribute my knowledge- I would like for others who are interested in my subjects to join in no matter their skill level.

4.      Give back to my profession- In writing this my hope is that I will be showing people whose paths I have followed or crossed will see what an impact they have had on me.

5.     Gain Visibility- I am hoping that the more I write, the more I am visible and therefore I will be successful in this.

6.      Build a business portfolio to complement my resume- I have worked for the last several months at building a resume and fishing portfolio. Now I am adding this blog to hopefully help with #7.

7.     Find opportunities for sponsorship- The more I can put prospective sponsors names out there the better chance I have at getting them. As well as keeping them.

8.      Establish myself as a go-to resource- I would like for people to come to me for help or re-assurance in this subject. We all try new things, help along the way is critical.

9.     Showcase my sponsors- enough said.