“My first experience as a marshal was a great one. I had the opportunity to spend it with Matt Arey. I learned the importance of persistence. He kept rotating through the same baits most of the day. Changing colors on occasion but sticking to the original rods he had on the deck at the start of the day. Hitting many of the same spots over and over again. Watching that frog walk across the duckweed and lily pads was truly “edge of your seat” entertainment. Never knowing when a bass would erupt to devour the frog. The precision of his casting was something I can only hope to obtain.
There is also a lot of trust in having a marshal you’ve never met before help unload and load your boat. I’m very grateful for the experienced boat driver he is because those boat rides were filled with many obstacles (fog, buoys, wing dams, jet skis, pontoon boats, etc.) and certainly were bone-jarring exhilaration.
It was cool to see the interaction between the anglers on the water. Checking in on how others are doing, asking permission before cutting past someone to fish a certain spot, and even talking about what baits are working. Pretty cool to see a bunch of guys competing with each other but also understanding that all are trying to make a living by catching bass, so sharing some information is necessary.
The whole process of communication from B.A.S.S. was well done. I clearly knew what the next steps would be and felt very prepared to fulfill my role as a marshal. What other sports allow “normal guys/gals” to hang out with a pro while they’re doing their job? Thanks, B.A.S.S. for a great experience.”
Update from Bassmaster Marshal Doug Lezman
