Brent Homan: Soldier Cyclops

Brent “Soldier Cyclops” Homan is competing in this week’s Bass Pro Shops Central Open on Fort Gibson Reservoir in Oklahoma, and he graciously shared a practice day on the water with contributor Alan McGuckin.

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Avid readers of <em>Bassmaster Magazine</em> and Bassmaster.com may remember a recent story about Brent “Soldier Cyclops” Homan, and how bass fishing has contributed to the multifaceted healing process of several injuries he suffered eight years ago when a roadside IED hit his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Homan is competing in this week’s Bass Pro Shops Central Open on Fort Gibson Reservoir in Oklahoma, and graciously shared a practice day on the water with contributor Alan McGuckin and his camera to provide further insight to the challenges, passion and perseverance that leave those who meet him honored to call him their friend, and often times “hero.”
Avid readers of Bassmaster Magazine and Bassmaster.com may remember a recent story about Brent “Soldier Cyclops” Homan, and how bass fishing has contributed to the multifaceted healing process of several injuries he suffered eight years ago when a roadside IED hit his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Homan is competing in this week’s Bass Pro Shops Central Open on Fort Gibson Reservoir in Oklahoma, and graciously shared a practice day on the water with contributor Alan McGuckin and his camera to provide further insight to the challenges, passion and perseverance that leave those who meet him honored to call him their friend, and often times “hero.”
Perspective is never out of focus for Homan. He keeps an orthopedic pin in the boat to remind him of challenges he’s overcome. Several pins like this were inserted in Homan’s wrist by surgeons at the Army field hospital in Belad, Iraq.
Perspective is never out of focus for Homan. He keeps an orthopedic pin in the boat to remind him of challenges he’s overcome. Several pins like this were inserted in Homan’s wrist by surgeons at the Army field hospital in Belad, Iraq.
Notice how Homan grips the padded reel handle with his fingers, instead of his thumb. Damage from the explosion left his thumb incapable of gripping the reel handle. This results in sizeable blisters on his fingers after each multi-day Bassmaster Open he competes in. “My fingers are numb due to ulnar and radial nerve damage,” says Homan.
Notice how Homan grips the padded reel handle with his fingers, instead of his thumb. Damage from the explosion left his thumb incapable of gripping the reel handle. This results in sizeable blisters on his fingers after each multi-day Bassmaster Open he competes in. “My fingers are numb due to ulnar and radial nerve damage,” says Homan.
Homan’s casting is unorthodox too because of extremely limited movement in his wrist as a result of the partial fuse. “Nearly every bone in my hand was crushed, and now it’s constantly numb,” says the highly likeable and humble Homan.
Homan’s casting is unorthodox too because of extremely limited movement in his wrist as a result of the partial fuse. “Nearly every bone in my hand was crushed, and now it’s constantly numb,” says the highly likeable and humble Homan.
Homan doesn’t talk about his injuries unless asked. However he’ll talk willingly for hours about fishing, and the homemade hinge-head jigs he made for use on Fort Gibson Reservoir, where resident Tommy Biffle made the particular lures famous.
Homan doesn’t talk about his injuries unless asked. However he’ll talk willingly for hours about fishing, and the homemade hinge-head jigs he made for use on Fort Gibson Reservoir, where resident Tommy Biffle made the particular lures famous.
Despite an unimaginable list of life’s challenges since being injured in war – smiles come easy for Homan – including when tiny bass bite. This bass appears to have been speared at, and missed, by a wading bird’s beak.
Despite an unimaginable list of life’s challenges since being injured in war – smiles come easy for Homan – including when tiny bass bite. This bass appears to have been speared at, and missed, by a wading bird’s beak.
Homan takes time for a photo with Alan McGuckin of Dynamic Sponsorships who supplied this gallery. The two men were introduced as strangers by mutual friend and pro angler Kelly Jordon at the 2015 Bassmaster Classic. “Guck” took heartfelt interest in Homan, penned a story for B.A.S.S. titled “Cyclops: A Soldier’s Angle” – and he and Homan have since grown to be close friends. “Brent’s story was never one I planned to write, but after meeting him, my heart demanded I did. It came at a perfect time in my life. A time when I needed it most. For me, it’s easily the most meaningful piece I’ve ever done. Ironically, it has nearly nothing to do with catching a bass,” says McGuckin.
Homan takes time for a photo with Alan McGuckin of Dynamic Sponsorships who supplied this gallery. The two men were introduced as strangers by mutual friend and pro angler Kelly Jordon at the 2015 Bassmaster Classic. “Guck” took heartfelt interest in Homan, penned a story for B.A.S.S. titled “Cyclops: A Soldier’s Angle” – and he and Homan have since grown to be close friends. “Brent’s story was never one I planned to write, but after meeting him, my heart demanded I did. It came at a perfect time in my life. A time when I needed it most. For me, it’s easily the most meaningful piece I’ve ever done. Ironically, it has nearly nothing to do with catching a bass,” says McGuckin.
Homan’s Skeeter is hard to miss. His graphic boat wrap pays tribute to various military causes and organizations including Carry The Load.
Homan’s Skeeter is hard to miss. His graphic boat wrap pays tribute to various military causes and organizations including Carry The Load.
A close look at the logos of organizations that remain close to Homan’s heart during each day he feels privileged to compete in B.A.S.S. events.
A close look at the logos of organizations that remain close to Homan’s heart during each day he feels privileged to compete in B.A.S.S. events.
Perhaps boldest, and most often talked about by friends, is the Purple Heart on his Yamaha.
Perhaps boldest, and most often talked about by friends, is the Purple Heart on his Yamaha.
An inside look reveals much of what Homan is about, minus a photo perhaps of his ultra-supportive wife and two beautiful children.
An inside look reveals much of what Homan is about, minus a photo perhaps of his ultra-supportive wife and two beautiful children.
Realizing his vision is impaired due to the right eye he lost in war; Homan uses a rearview mirror for safety. “I don’t fish around docks much because my depth perception is pretty bad, so skipping lures around them is really tough.”
Realizing his vision is impaired due to the right eye he lost in war; Homan uses a rearview mirror for safety. “I don’t fish around docks much because my depth perception is pretty bad, so skipping lures around them is really tough.”
Homan, age 36, graciously shows-off four lures he predicts will get lots of use in his boat this week. A Strike King Menace, a Structure Bug with a tungsten football head, a 3/8 ounce Strike King Pure Poison vibrating jig, and a new Strike King Swinging Swim Jig.
Homan, age 36, graciously shows-off four lures he predicts will get lots of use in his boat this week. A Strike King Menace, a Structure Bug with a tungsten football head, a 3/8 ounce Strike King Pure Poison vibrating jig, and a new Strike King Swinging Swim Jig.
If Homan can catch five like this each day in the tournament, he should do well. However, no matter where he lands in the final standings, he remains a tremendous inspiration to all who meet him, an American military hero, and a friend to dozens fortunate to hear his story.
If Homan can catch five like this each day in the tournament, he should do well. However, no matter where he lands in the final standings, he remains a tremendous inspiration to all who meet him, an American military hero, and a friend to dozens fortunate to hear his story.