Some Bassmaster Elite Series pros stay fully engaged with the particulars of tournament fishing during the offseason. I’m one of the guys who needs a reset.
A reset for some of our single anglers might be hunting, fishing, traveling and doing whatever they want to recoup from the stress of tournament competition.
My main reset is spending time with my family. That takes my mind off the positive and negative aspects of my profession.
Change is inevitable. Every year there are changes in the Elite Series rules or format. In November, I like to take a step back and look at whatever has been implemented from different angles.
The landscape of the fishing industry is changing dramatically. More than ever, I need to evaluate my career, how I manage my fishing and my sponsorship obligations.
It’s also important to really dive into how I can be a better angler, a better promoter and a better advocate for our sport.
There is so much negativity going on in our industry right now. We need to bring positivity to help professional tournament fishing endure, improve and remain appealing for generations to come.
Every tournament angler has a competitive nature. Some anglers thrive by focusing on their fishing every day throughout the year. I love fishing professionally, but I need to step back, recharge and look at things from a different perspective.
Some of that reflection takes place when I’m sitting on a deer stand. That time is more about reviewing past performances, thinking about preparing for the next season and how to deal with life’s future challenges.
I can’t totally take my mind off fishing the Elite Series in November. It’s imperative that I get a new boat and all my gear ready for the 2025 season.
But my primary emphasis now is being with my family. I’m so fortunate, my son Kie is 12, and old enough to go hunting with me. November gives us quality time before the next tournament season starts and I have to be away.
My daughter Linnie is 8 and plays on a volleyball team. Every evening we’re at practice or attending one of her games. It’s joyful.
One of my responsibilities of being a parent is preparing my children to be adults. I take that seriously. Time is moving really fast.
Fishing is what I’m fortunate to be doing for a living, but it’s only one part of life. Elite pros have a big stage on which to promote themselves and live out their dreams. But we’re human just like everybody else.
I can’t speak for every Elite angler, but I definitely need time to recharge.
