Wes Logan and Gerald Swindle were born 25 years apart, and that is why their bro relationship exists. Swindle, the veteran Bassmaster Elite Series pro, is also a savvy businessman. At the sport’s highest level, smart business acumen is equally as important to succeeding as winning. Logan, 26, has more than a qualified mentor to help him learn those ropes.
Logan grew up and lives in Springville, Ala., where he fished team tournaments with his father and grandfather beginning at age 6. Six years later, he got his Alabama boater’s license, skyrocketing his tournament interest. He climbed the ladder, first in regional circuits and then the Bassmaster Opens Series. After just four events, he won the angler of the year title in 2019 and moved up to the Elite Series.
Swindle’s career story need not be retold. Eighteen times in the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Angler of the Year in 2004 and 2016, 55 Top-10 finishes. Swindle is one of the sport’s most recognized anglers, due in part to his charismatic connection with fans.
Why would someone with so many business and personal obligations take a rookie under his wing? The answer is what most people don’t see behind the scenes about the other side of Swindle. A true family man, he freely shares his wisdom and experience with those sharing his same honest, hard-working ethic.
Here are the other reasons why these two anglers belong in the Bro Series fraternity of pros.
How and where did you meet?
Wes: “It was last year when I was deer hunting in Illinois, where he has a deer lease. My friend knew him, and we met after we came out of the woods. Gerald and I knew each other, but not like a friendship. We found the common ground with the deer hunting, and it went from there.”
Gerald: I knew his name from fishing the Opens with him, knew he won the points and was a good angler. After I got to hunt with him in Illinois, got to know him better, and that he came from the carpentry trade, then he reminded me of what I went through at the beginning.”
What was it like when you met? Were you nervous?
Wes: “No, not at all. He told me that if I needed anything to call him. He was just really open and said he’d help me with the business and sponsorship side of things.”
What made you decide to help him?
Gerald: “It took me back to his age, when I was needing sponsors, just trying to get a break. He stepped out and won the title, and it proved to me that he could catch them.”
What have you learned from him?
Wes: “What stands out to me is how his mind works from a business aspect, and not even associated with fishing, just the way he deals with sponsorships is very impressive. It’s taught me so much about a side of the sport that I had no idea how to navigate.”
Gerald: “I watch him in his youth and how he battles back after a bad day. I think the younger guys his age are more mentally stronger than I was at his age.”
Describe him as a competitor.
Wes: “He’s a grinder. He’s going to go get after it, even when he is practicing. He is 100% wide open, all the time. You’ve got to give him credit for that, because he’s not young anymore, like me.”
Gerald: “He’s intense. He puts the trolling motor down and truly wants to win every time. He puts his head down and grinds it out.”
What’s he like without the game face?
Wes: “He’s always got a game face on about something, whether it’s working, fishing, hunting, anything. It’s always game on.”
Gerald: “He’s a good worker and has a head full of common sense. He likes to laugh and cut up too.”
What do you admire about him?
Wes: “He’s just a good ‘ol Alabama redneck, like me (laughs). It’s his work ethic. He works hard at everything he does. It’s how he was raised, and it shows.”
Gerald: “I look at him and think how he’s got so many good opportunities ahead of him. The sky is the limit. If he just keeps fishing like he is, and is truly himself, the sponsors will continue to fall in line. He’s got a good career ahead of him.”
