This was supposed to be an off week for us but it’s turned into one of the busiest I’ve (we’ve) had all year. Sometimes I think the easiest part of this is fishing tournaments.
First, we had the third episode of Ike Live! I’m absolutely in love with the show but at the same time there’s more work to it than I realized there would be when it was in the planning stages.
We also have a lot of sponsor work to do. All the contracts and agreements are in place but now it’s time that we earn our money. Today I’m headed out to do some filming for Molix. They make several different kinds of baits, all good, but my job is to get some film for the Lover. I’m excited about that.
There’s a front coming through and it’s supposed to rain. With the water temperature improving I’m thinking there will be a good bite. We should be able to get some really good film for commercials and whatever else they want to do with it.
Fishing at the professional level is about more than competing in tournaments. That’s the part the fans see. But, in between those events, there’s other work to be done. We aren’t given sponsor contracts. There’s no gift involved. Sponsorships are a business arrangement with responsibilities and obligations that flow both directions.
The companies want more than a few words when we’re up on the stage, and they have a right to more than that. They pay us money. They deserve our best efforts — before, during and after competitions. I try to give them mine. And, from what I can see, most of the other guys do the same thing.
As much as I’m going to enjoy my work today, I have to say that I feel bad for Becky. Today is tax day. Ours are basically — note the word basically — done but she still has to put a couple of last minute figures together. After that, she’ll round up two small kids and head to the post office. Let me assure you that her life isn’t one of sitting on the couch eating bon-bons and watching television. She’s a full partner and works just as hard as I do.
Other than what I’ve said, there isn’t much more to report. Easter is next Sunday. We’re excited about that. All the kids will be here. We’ll all go to Mass and then spend the day as a family. That’s great. Besides, you never know what the Easter Bunny might bring Becky and the kids. Heck, I might even get something myself. You never know.
Once Easter is behind us, it’ll be time to start thinking about the tournaments on Toledo Bend and Dardanelle. I think they’ll be good ones; although as of right now, I don’t have a clue as to how either body of water will fish.
I do know that they’re both good lakes with decent populations of sizeable bass so I’m sure they’ll be exciting events with several giants weighed in. That’s always good for the sport as well as for the anglers.
Mike Iaconelli’s column appears weekly on Bassmaster.com. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter or visit his website, MikeIaconelli.com.
