As I write this blog, I’m learning another lesson about perseverance and the importance of being surrounded by awesome people in tough times.
First off, I’m one lucky guy, because I’ve had such awesome parents who have shown me what pushing-on through adversity looks like on numerous occasions. I leaned heavily on those lessons during very hot and stagnant fishing conditions at Lake DuBay and Stevens Point Flowage last summer.
My partner Chris Burgan and I only caught two keeper-sized bass in three 12-hour days of practice on DuBay, but by not giving-up, and staying totally focused, I eventually fished my way through the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series bracket to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic.
What most people don’t know is, I did that fishing out of a boat that probably should not have floated.
Yep, long story short, after I did hours of amateur private investigation work – I discovered I unknowingly purchased a boat that had once been wrecked – and the severe damage was immorally hidden from me – finally explaining why it kept taking on water. I just grin and call the boat “Lucky Lemon.”
Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on my side last week when all of my rods and reels were stolen from my boat’s rod locker during the night. The boat was covered and sitting in my driveway when the thieves struck. So lately, my ability to practice for tournaments has been very limited.
The only two rods and reels I have left are the ones my girlfriend and I used when she and I went pond fishing. After 250,000 people graciously took time to watch my post on social media about the theft – and my plea for their return – I’ve still not had any luck getting them back.
Speaking of social media, it’s taught me there are more good people in the world than bad, and one of them is a giant dude that happens to love bass fishing and play defense for the Minnesota Vikings.
I’m talking about #96 Brian Robison who started following me on Instagram, and when he heard of the theft, he contacted me, and said, “I know you had planned to take your dad fishing on Mille Lacs, I don’t want you to miss that trip with your dad just because your equipment got stolen, so please stop by the house and get some of my rods and reels.”
I’ve learned his heart is sized to match his 6-foot, 3-inch 259-pound frame. I took him up on his offer, and we’ve become good friends. How cool is that?!
The people of the fishing industry have shown huge hearts too. Dustin King, an avid angler and employee of BoatU.S., has guided me through the insurance process, and Jim Coble and the great people of 13 Fishing are working to replace much of what was taken from me too.
By the time I write next month’s blog, I’m confident I’ll have all that I need – but only because of perseverance and a bunch of good people to help me through this challenging and frustrating time.