The marshal experience through the eyes of a marshal

If anyone is thinking about being a marshal for a Bassmaster Elite tournament just do it. It was 100 percent beyond my greatest expectations. Being in a boat with Luke Palmer, going out as the first boat on Day 1. Luke had boat trouble on Day 1 and got a ride in with Jake Whitaker for the weigh-in. Then we figured out how to get the boat started and Luke had me drive it to a dock so he can come and get it after his weigh-in.

Second day riding with Lee Livesay and watching Lee and the winner Austin Felix crush them. I actually collided with Lee and both of us fell into the bottom of the boat as I was trying to get out of his way with his biggest fish of the day. He jumped back up and just boat fliped a five pounder a few seconds later.

Third day getting to watch Chad Pipkins and listen to him talk to me and talk to the fish nonstop all day. All three great guys and a credit to the quality and character of the men who fish the Bassmaster Elite series.

One last thing – I would like to give a shout out to both Lee Livesay and Austin Felix for inviting Bob Downey up to their spot to finish out his limit and salvage his Day 2. Truly amazing and I guarantee I will be in a boat when the Elites come back to Oahe for sure.