At the end of they year it’s traditional to look back at how things went. I suppose taking stock of things is a human trait, something we all do. And, it’s probably for the good. It’s hard to improve your future if you don’t understand your past. My year was a bit mixed. Overall, however, I’m a happy camper.
As you know my goals every year are pretty much the same. I want to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic, I want to win an event and I want to win the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. I didn’t reach all of them this year but I gave it a good fight. I tried my best every day I was out there. It wasn’t a terrible year by any means. Still, there’s room for improvement.
One thing I did accomplish, though, that I’m really happy about is learning to fish a frog. I mean really fish one, effectively and efficiently at a professional level. I wrote a lot about it at the time so I won’t repeat that here but I will say it was one of the things I’m most proud of this year. I can now throw one of those things with confidence. Someday, somewhere that’ll make a big difference in how I finish in a tournament.
On the other side of my career — sponsors and business relationships — things went much better. I worked with existing sponsors for our mutual benefit and even managed to develop some new relationships. That’s really about as good as it gets in this business, especially given the condition of our economy.
At the same time The Bass University is doing really well. We have seminars planned, great speakers and lots of anglers who want to improve their fishing and hone their skills. At the same time my new TV show, Going Ike, is doing just as well. So far, the response has been overwhelming. It’s been positive in almost every way.
My fishing attitude’s better, too. I can’t say my anger management program has been a total success but it’s getting there, slowly but surely. I like to think of it as a work in progress. That’s not bad when you stop to think about it. A guy can only expect so much. I’m an emotional guy. It’s easy for anyone to tell how my day’s going. All they have to do is look at the expression on my face.
Away from fishing things are good as well. Becky and the kids are fine and we’re doing great as a family. That’s more important than all the other stuff I’ve written about today, or any other day fort that matter. Without your family your fishing — your life — means nothing. Who’s out there to share it with you?
That’s enough looking back for one week. Next time we’ll look forward and see what’s in front of us. For the most part it’s good. At least I think so as of today.
