Back when we were all kids, our mothers and fathers used to tell us to get an education because, "They can't take it away from you, no matter what." I'm telling you the same thing today. Of course, your parents were talking about your lessons at school. I'm talking about learning how to catch fish.
Back when I was just getting started as a serious angler, I studied everything I could get my hands on about fishing. My afternoons and evenings were spent reading and rereading magazines of every type and description, watching TV shows (such as they were in those days) and attending sport show seminars when I could get to one.
I attended three Bassmaster University seminars in three different years in Harrisburg, Pa. It was one of the formative experiences of my fishing life. I'll never forget sitting in the second row of that auditorium listening to Guido and Dion Hibdon talk fishing. I was mesmerized by them and what they knew about how to catch a fish.
It was a true learning experience. I learned as much there as I ever would have learned on the water. More, in fact, because it gave me something to work on when I did go to the water. My fishing time was more productive.
That's what my friend, Pete Gluszek, and I had in mind when we created The Bass University. We wanted it to duplicate the great learning experiences I had as a kid at the Bassmaster University seminars.
There'll be three top pros each day giving lectures and engaging with our students in roundtable discussions where questions can be asked on virtually any subject. We even included vendors so that you — the student — can purchase exactly what you need to duplicate the techniques the pros have discussed with you.
Our schools will be held in four cities this year, conveniently spaced around the country. And we've made it affordable. There are discounts for BASS Federation Nation and TBF members. We also have group rates available for bass clubs and other groups.
Despite what you might think, this is not an advertisement. I honestly, from my heart, am telling you to get all the academic education you can if you want to be a better angler. I can't emphasize that enough.
Sure, I want you to attend our school, but if you can't, don't let that stop you from pursuing other opportunities to learn. Watch every fishing show you can — record the good ones — and read everything you can get your hands on about fishing. Pay particular attention to Bassmaster.com and BASS Insider. They're full of good information.
Then, when you do get on the water you'll have something to work on, something that'll help you catch more fish. There's no substitute for education, in any aspect of your life. Like your parents said, once you get it they can't take it away.
