Everyone in this world has special talents. Some folks are great mathematicians, authors, engineers or something of the sort. If you’re reading this, you’re really good at something. Elite Series pro Chad Pipkens has been blessed with the knowledge and talent of catching smallmouth bass. Everyone in the fishing world knows he is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to capturing these creatures and historically, he’s done well when Bassmaster Elite or Open events land on a smallmouth fishery.
While he’s coming off a disappointing finish to the 2024 Elite Series season at the St. Lawrence River, you wouldn’t know it. Pipkens is a consummate pro and understands and accepts the ups and downs of this difficult sport.
“Just like any other profession, you can’t let work affect your life,” Pipken said. “I have two beautiful kids and a wife so when I get home, I don’t have time to dwell on a bad tournament. My kids want to play and see me happy and I’m truly as happy as I’ve ever been. In situations like this, people see who you really are. I’m still going strong and I’m going to enjoy life and be my optimistic self.”
In the world of tournament bass fishing, you’re going to lose a lot more than you win; that’s a fact that all professional anglers must accept before taking the proverbial plunge. But when it comes to these smallmouth tournaments, Pipkens believes in his ability to locate and catch quality fish.
“It’s what I grew up doing and it fits my personality. I’ve struggled before when I have to sit and really make them bite. I’m more of a move-and-groove type guy; if they’re there, they’ll bite. I grew up on Lake Eerie fishing lots of rocks, boulder and gravel for big smallies and I know what looks ‘right’ to make an area a prime smallmouth habitat.”
When asked about the challenging schedule and nature of the Bassmaster Elite Series, he spoke on the long drives and being away from his family. Not only is he a believer in his smallmouth-fishing abilities; he’s also a big-time believer in his Toyota Tundra that gets him from coast to coast throughout the country.
“I have a good many miles on my Tundra,” Pipkens said. “I think I’m around 92,000 and I average around 30,000 miles per year. I have another Tundra at home for my other business that has 180,000 miles on it. Man, I’m being totally honest here. I don’t know my mechanic anymore. I had other tow vehicles before and they were always in the shop. I was on a first-name basis with my local mechanic. I have done absolutely nothing but change the tires and oil on both of my Tundras.
“My family and I have been so impressed that we bought my wife a Highlander that now has about 80,000 miles. Again, no problems at all. Routine maintenance is all it takes with these vehicles. It’s a great peace of mind.”
As he pointed his Tundra towards home after his twelfth season on the Bassmaster Elite Series, he reflected on some important life and career lessons he has learned this year. Above everything, he focused on attitude.
“Attitude is everything,” Pipkens said. “Never let anyone tell you different. I take this very seriously but I have a great family at home. That’s always what matters most. I can’t wait to get started at the Bassmaster Open on Leech Lake and then onto the Mississippi River.”
Through the bug-covered windshield of his Tundra and throughout all the miles and long nights away from home, Pipkens positivity and enthusiasm is inspiring. Combining his unique and refreshing sense of positivity, his uncanny knowledge of the tricky smallmouth bass and his confidence in his equipment, Pipkens is riding on good vibes going into the final Bassmaster Open events of his 2024 season.
