2014 Season Wrapup

Thank you to MOMAN Lures, Okuma Fishing and McKinney Custom Tackle.  

     Well, 2014 is in the books.  I'd like to say it was wildly successful, but that would be a stretch.  However, I can say it was still a good year and there are several positives.  Overall, I finished 56th in points in the Bassmaster Central Division this year.  This is out of over 200 anglers that participated, so I was roughly in the 25th percentile.  Absolutely NOT where I wanted (and nothing like 2013), but it's still a good start for my first year in the Pro Division.

Waiting in bag line

     So, what was good about it?  Let me start by listing what was bad.  First, my year started with a boat issue.  Four holes in my gas tank at Amistad left me in a frazzled state.  I won't revisit how that happened, but none the less, it happened.  I was able to get a temp fix, followed by a permanent one after the first event.  However, it haunted me all year.  Couple this with a small tank (32 gallons) and I found myself wondering if I had enough gas at every event.  It definitely affected how I fished, by influencing where I went.  I never felt comfortable making long runs, since the thought of getting back nagged me all day.  Secondly, on the water decision making cost me.  I made good decisions on the water at every event, just always too late in the day.  I was too stubborn trying to make something work, that I didn't give myself enough time.

    Now what was good.  My preparation was spot on and my practices were great.  I quickly found fish at every event and put together a solid game plan.  I carefully managed bites to only catch a few early in practice (to gauge size) and then to shake off in the official practice.  I was even able to change tactics as the event unfolded, just always too late (as mentioned earlier).  Bottom line, my preparation was good, my execution not so.

   How do I adjust next year?  I tweak the plan.  First off, I sold my boat.  I am in the process of getting a new one, a must to eliminate the gas situation.  Secondly, I'm adjusting my practice slightly.  I plan to do a lot more driving next year, planning my daily runs to include my planned strategy as well as (more importantly) new areas that are similar to what I found fish on.  Lastly, I am changing my strategy.  Too often I went after the better than average fish first instead of concentrating on the limit fish.  I have to reverse this as not filling your limit is crushing.  Yes, if I had caught a limit of the fish I targeted, I would have been in a different position.  However, I didn't and that was costly.
   So, what's next?  I want to expand to fish the Southern Division as well as the Central Division.  If you look at the most successful anglers on the circuit you find two common links. 
   * First, they fish multiple divisions.  The more tournaments fished allow an angler the ability to adapt quicker and be successful faster.  As a good friend put it, the first couple of years is like going to college.  There is a learning curve every time you step up a level.  The Bassmaster Opens are nothing like most large regional tournaments.  The competition is stiff with not only the areas best sticks, but also multiple Bassmaster Elite anglers including legends of the sport.  Add to that the intense pressure a fishery gets with that many quality anglers over a week of practice and the bite is tough. 
   * Second, funding is critical.  Most of the truly successful anglers have sponsors that provide entry fee and expense support.  This support may be self generated by owning a business, family support or representative (sponsored by an organization).  Some even have more than one of the types of support.  Bottom line, this level of competition is expensive and the better funded anglers usually outperform the less funded.  Equipment matters and so does the mentality associated with it. 

So that's about it.  A good start and a solid foundation to build on. 


Until the next time, good fishing and God Bless!

The Value of a Sponsored Angler

                All across the United States, thousands of anglers gear up, prepare boats and spend significant money to pursue their passion.  The fire burns bright, igniting a drive to pursue an elusive creature for a simple chance to reach a goal.  The goal may be small, local or regional; the goal may be large, semi-national or national.  Regardless, the result is the same.  Anglers will spend time and money to fish, especially to compete.  In this quest, competing anglers travel countless miles driving a vehicle, towing a boat.  Gas is bought, food consumed, rooms rented, tackle purchased and entries paid.  Many outside the angling community view this as the circumference of the fishing industry, but this view falls short of reality.

                These same consumers (anglers) also own homes, small business; they support families, have friends and build social networks within their communities and beyond.  Many are very visible in the public domain.  They visit with strangers at gas stations, stores, restaurants and more.  They are often approached, queried about their rigs, the fishing, and especially logo’s if displayed.  Many will influence purchases and even attract others to specific brands.  Regardless, they make their presence known wherever they visit.  This angler, the competing one, is a perfect fit to represent a brand.

                It’s obvious what a sponsor offers an angler, financial support.  This can be anything from paid entry fees or expenses to equipment.  But what does the angler offer a sponsor?  In its simplest form; exposure, brand awareness, advertising.  This isn’t limited to companies in the fishing industry though.  Any company (brand) can benefit from the competing angler.  

                So how does it work?  The most common form is a vehicle and/or boat wrap coupled with additional media such as clothing and logos (graphics) for social media, web sites, business cards and more.  Sound expensive? Not really.  The competing angler can offer significant exposure for a fraction of a medium advertising budget.  Advertising is expensive, newspapers and magazines charge hefty fees, billboards are costly and television is, well, almost cost prohibitive.  All of these offer static brand exposure.  The biggest benefit of a wrap; however, is in the fluid nature of travel.  A billboard that migrates through cities, across states and visits demographics that may not normally see the media has tremendous benefit.  So how is this different than wrapping corporate cars and trucks?  The boat!  If you have ever travelled with a fully rigged tournament bass boat you know the boat elicits looks, people strain to see it.  They walk to it, look at it and ask questions about it.  Now imagine the boat is fully wrapped.   So is that the full extent?  Absolutely not, the best part is the angler has a vested interest and offers something a static ad cannot, a voice.  Every question is an opportunity to explain the brand, product or service.  The value goes beyond traditional advertising.

                So is that it?  Is it simply advertising and money making a partnership?  Of course it’s not.  There are many additional considerations in play.  Not only are added requirements possible, such as event attendance and representation, but serious attention must be paid to the match.  Not every angler is a match for every company.  Careful attention is required to ensure an angler’s values match the company’s values.  A rude, inattentive angler can sabotage just as effectively.  

  

                In summary, what is the value of a sponsored angler?  It’s large market exposure on a relatively small budget.  Whether you are in marketing or an angler looking to add a sponsor to your resume, consider a partnership on the advertising highway.

2013 Conagra Foods United Way drive Harlan County Trip Winners.

This has been a little time coming, but....

Jordan

CONGRATULATIONS to Jordan Limmer. 

Jordan was the recipient of the 2014 Auction trip benefiting the United Way.  The trip was auctioned in the 2013 United Way drive sponsored through Conagra Foods.  The young men were my guests for a day trip fishing for largemouth on Harlan County Reservoir, including overnight accommodations and a great steak dinner!










It was a bonus to find Jordan is a member of the University of Nebraska Omaha Bass fishing team.  I look forward to following his year as he competes at the college level.

The guys caught several fish and even ended the day on a double.  A special thanks to Moman Lures and McKinney custom tackle for providing samples.  The guys got a crash course in flipping tubes and did an impressive job.

It's always fun to meet new friends and share the boat for a day.  Congratulations fellas!

Mid Season Report

Well, so far this year has been mediocre.  Average finishes at every event (65th of 166, 98th of 182 and a 58th I believe of 160).  The weather has been a killer for me, as I found fish in every event only to get swindled by changing conditions.  The good part is that at every event I made the right decision and adjusted correctly.  The bad is that I didn't recognize and change early enough (trying to grind it out).  Decisions are the difference, especially at the Open level.  These guys (and Gals) are too good.  Someone(s) will always make the right decision and catch a good sack.  You have to match that and get enough just to stay in contention. 

With 2 events remaining, at least, I still have hope.  Although my goals have changed slightly, I still have a lot to fish for.  A top 50 finish is a must in the Opens.  It secures priority entry and makes it easier for next season.  I am currently sitting in 72nd, so a good finish at the Arkansas can salvage the season.  Additionally, I still have two options at making the Classic.  I feel good about my chances at Muskogee since I won the Co-angler title last year.  I learned how to fish the river and what it takes to do well there.  Yes, conditions will be different; however, the type of fishing doesn't change only the places. 

Before that though, is the 2014 B.A.S.S. Nation Central Divisional on Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma.  A qualification at the Divisional will put me in Nationals this October and another chance at the Classic.  So to write off this season is a big mistake.  I am planning even harder, prepping better (I hope) and excited as I am more comfortable fishing the summer conditions we will experience.

On another note, congratulations to Jordan Limmer of the UNO Bass fishing team.  Jordan is the recipient of a guided trip on Harlan County Reservoir via last years United Way auction at Conagra Foods.  I will follow-up on my next post with pictures from the trip.

I also want to say a big "Thank You" to Moman Lures, McKinney Custom Tackle (402-301-5987) and Okuma.  Moman Tubes, Custom jigs and cranks from Chris McKinney and my Okuma gear have been instrumental in salvaging my season so far.

Til next time, good fishing and God Bless.

Set-up on Harlan

Finally got the boat back and nice to be on the water.  Spent a couple of hours fishing with my daughter on Harlan County Reservoir.  First time this year, and things are beginning to get started.  Two bass in two hours, a 3 and this 4 1/2. 

Caught both on a custom football jig from McKinney custom tackle (blue pumpkin).  Water temps hovering near 50 with a slight stain to the water.  Harlan is going to be good this year.  Water levels are down, but that is good (historically) for catch rates.

As for the gear, I am throwing two main setups this year. Okuma C3-40x Concept rods paired with either Okuma Serrano or Shimano Curado casting reels and Cabela's new Tournament ZX rods paired with Cabela's ZX or Okuma Krios casting reels.  This particular rod/reel is an Okuma C3-40x heavy Jig rod paired with a Curado and spooled with Seaguar 15lb InvizX flourocarbon.  This is the ideal jig setup as everything is in sync.  Smooth, light, sensitive and a breeze to set the hook and land quality fish.  I also threw a bladed jig on a Tournament ZX paired with a Krios.  That, my friends, is a pairing where 2 manufacturers couldn't have matched any better.  More on that later as I plan a full review after the upcoming Bassmaster Central #2 on the Red River.

Final thoughts, when gearing up with new rods and reels buy as much as you afford.  Not quantity, but quality.  It doesn't matter what brand you prefer, we all have our own preferences.  However, with every brand, you do get what you pay for.  Higher cost items usually have better materials and last much longer.  Having said that, many manufacturers make very good mid range gear.  Just keep in mind, you will need to maintain this gear more often.  I give all my reels a thorough cleaning once a year (complete diss-assembly) and partial cleaning monthly.  If they get especially dirty, like fishing through heavy rainstorms, I'll completely clean them mid-season.  A little TLC goes a long way.

So til next time, God Bless and Good Fishing!

Is it spring yet?

The last month has been particularly difficult.  Not from a performance standpoint nor from expectations.  This is simply from a lifestyle standpoint.  Imagine your life revolves around an activity that provides stability, now imagine that activity being placed just out of reach.  That has been my reality since Amistad.  I dropped my boat off shortly after returning home and I am still without (replacing a gas tank in a boat is not as simple as it sounds).  Yes, this winter has been especially difficult with the extreme cold; however, I have not had the opportunity to escape as my friend (my boat) has been missing.  Fishing (Bass fishing) is my sanity!  My life revolves around the pursuit of a not so little green fish.  This is why I pursue the dream, life as a touring professional. 

Now don't accuse me of wallowing in my sorrows.  I am not, repeat NOT, complaining.  Just providing some insight.  This is a sport that anyone can pursue, anyone can excel, but only a few can obtain.  There are countless anglers across this great country capable of catching big bass.  Many of these anglers can repeat that success on foreign waters and many can win tournaments or guide successfully.  But few have the qualities necessary to succeed at the professional level.

How do you know you possess the right traits?  What does it take?  I have found it takes 3 things.  Not 10, not 1, but THREE!

1)  SKILLSET:  This is more than just the ability to cast, select the right lure or the ability to read water.  This is the complete package.  Yes, you need the raw skills and these anyone can learn.  We live in the information age and anyone can read, listen, research and develop (through experience) the ability to successfully find and catch fish.  You need the "attitude".  You live it, you breathe it, you obsess over it.  You're willing to work extreme hours, endure physical and mental pain, desire to go out in the worst weather (notice I said desire, not willing) and operate on a shoe string budget.  You must be resilient, especially after a bad day, and know (not just believe) that you will get there. 

2)  SUPPORT:  NOT Financial, but rather emotional.  This is the kind of support you get from family, friends and colleagues.  Anglers seeking the highest level will experience the highest of highs and lowest of lows.  The highs are great and they are what sustain us through the difficult times.  However, the lows and how we handle them are what separates the great anglers from the good ones.  If you are a negative person or lack the kind of support network that can carry you, the lows may destroy any chance you have of succeeding.  Gerald Swindle said it best when he stated that "before you can learn how to win, you have to learn how to lose".  He elaborated by saying that you aren't judged by how you act when you win, but rather how you act when you lose.  No one wants to experience the lows, but having a strong support network can make or break you.  For me, I am blessed to have strong support from family (especially my wife), friends, colleagues and God. 

3)  OPPORTUNITY:  This is the most difficult of the three to find.  It is rarely in your control and and even more rarely presents itself.  Opportunity is most often the part where most anglers fail.  You can be good, even great but either pass on the chance, miss it or most importantly, not be prepared for it.  You must have 1 and 2 before you get 3.  When it presents itself, you have to seize it.  For some, this may happen more than for others.  If you are blessed to have good connections through work, friends, family or location, you may get more chances.  If not, you may get 1 or 2 chances or maybe none.  That is the inherent risk we all take.

So that is my take.  Do I have what it takes?  Yes!  Will I get there?  I believe so, otherwise why pursue it?  This is why the last 2 months have been difficult.  Have I fished?  Yes, from the bank.  Have I enjoyed it?  Absolutely!  Any fishing is enjoyable, though I prefer to get out in the boat (especially early when the shallow bite is dicey).  I have organized and re-organized my gear countless times, watched everything I can find on TV, DVD, the internet and so on.  So if your like me, get out and re-establish some sanity.
 
Thank goodness, I pick up my boat in a couple of days.

Amistad in Review - Day2

Alright, let's get this wrapped up.  I have had issues getting the video loaded as my internet is pathetic.  I am at .8 Mbps and that's it.  The price for living rural.  I will add the video next week when I'm in the office, no issues there.

Staging for launch on day 1

Now, back to Amistad.  Day one was very challenging, but I felt I still had a punchers chance.  The big fish that I found in practice were still there, and the forecast for Friday was 60 and sunny.  I decided that I would go for the big sack and commit to the run regardless of the outcome.  I don't know if it was gut's or stupidity, but either way I felt I needed 20 pounds to get back in contention.  Cow Creek was the only place I found that gave me that chance.  I put 20 pounds in the boat in less than an hour in practice, and I was only searching! 

After arriving in the creek, I noticed the water temp was still similar to Thursday, hovering at 49.  Within the first hour, I stuck number one on a Picasso bait ball swimming the rig through suspended fish on the side of tapering point.  I could see the fish suspended in 15-25 feet of water near suspended baitfish.  I keyed on them by positioning out and casting to the edge of the drop or ledge, slow rolling the rig off the drop.  I spent the majority of my day moving back and forth between the two arms, keying on drops that had suspended fish.  I did manage to hook up a large Tilapia (foul hooked) and two large Stripers.  Unfortunately, Stripers don't count and the Bass never responded.  I finished the day relocating to a creek channel swing and trying to get bit on a football jig.  One bite on the jig, but I failed to get a hook up.

Cris Bowes is gracious to allow us to thank sponsors

Winner's Patterns:

In retrospect, I had found the same thing the leaders had found.  Creek channel's with baitfish and a defined ledge.  The leader's; however, had a slightly different approach.  I had keyed into the fish relating to the ledge, and positioned my retrieve to fall with the drop.  The leader's keyed on the channel bottom, casting into the channel at the base of the ledge, letting their rigs get to the bottom and then slow rolling the rig along the bottom.  So often, you can get 99% figured out and miss the 1% key detail that closes the deal.

Am I disappointed?  Of course, but I also know that my research was correct, my practice was good, and I had found what I needed.  Execution was the key to my finish.  I am not; however, disappointed in my decision to go for it.  Yes, I could have used the points with a higher finish and a check would have been satisfying.  However, if you don't roll the dice, a win is difficult to obtain.


I want to again mention MoMan Lures, Okuma and McKinney Custom Tackle.

If you are in need of Tubes, jigs, custom painted baits or rods and reels, check out their gear.

Thanks, God bless and good fishing.