Lefebre discusses his latest offseason exploits

I’m having a super busy offseason so far and I don’t see a break in the action until my family and I jump in the suburban in late January to start the two-day drive to the FLW Tour opener on Lake Okeechobee. I’ve been working on promoting my new ice-fishing business and preparing for my first annual Ice Fishing Writer’s Camp this coming Monday through Wednesday. I’m flying in several outdoor writer/photographers to come and play on the ice for a few days. This outing has been planned for a while, now we’re all just praying for ice so we don’t have to set up photo shoots in a corn field somewhere.

I’m definitely concerned about the weather conditions while I’m pairing and spooling up my new 13 Fishing Wicked ice rods and reels. It’s weird that I’m even worried about ice with the wind-chill currently at 40 degrees below zero, but the extended forecast is calling for 40s and rain, which is not good. I still haven’t caught a New Year’s fish yet if you can believe that so this is unacceptable behavior. Needless to say, I’m excited to hear that familiar crunch, crunch as I drag my Otter out on the ice with my Stabilicer ice cleats strapped to my boots. I love that!

I’m also heavily involved in a new wave and cutting-edge type of company, along with nine other touring pros, called Pro Web Live. They are offering several services to fishing fans and enthusiasts, including 24 main events in which pros will be hosting their own live online seminars jam packed with a bunch of interactive features and user options. It is a fresh new concept that fits with the way the world is turning and I’m anxious to host my first one on Tuesday, March 11 at 8 p.m. (EST).

I let my Facebook fans help choose the topic, which will be “How to go pro and get sponsors.” I’ll basically share the path I took and touch on things that ultimately became stepping-stones toward building my career. I’m even bringing Dan Quinn, the field promotions manager from Rapala, into the mix to offer the opposite perspective … so it should be informative and also a lot fun!

Because of this topic choice, I’ve been busy digging out old resumes and portfolios and will be showing my guests some normally confidential stuff, some super old, hilarious photos and long lost documents. It truly amazes me how many people are truly contemplating tournament bass fishing as a profession so it would be nice to play a little part or be one of those stepping stones in someone else’s dream.

Sponsored for 10 years by Kellogg’s, Dave Lefebre is an FLW Tour pro living in Erie, Pa., right on the shores of Lake Erie. In the warmer months, you can’t miss him fishing the Wal-Mart FLW Tour in his brightly colored Tony The Tiger Ranger boat. You can follow Dave on Twitter @DaveLefebre and “Like” him on Facebook at facebook.com/davelefebre

Lefebre also has recently expanded on his fishing business to include some hard-water activities during the winter months, which until now was considered his “off-season”. Erie Ice Fishing Adventures offers a variety of ice-fishing trips in the Erie area and is quickly becoming a big success. You can find everything you need to know by clicking the link above, including packages, pricing, and gift certificates, another great gift idea! “I’ve always enjoyed teaching others to catch more fish, but ultimately, it’s just something fun really … something I’ve always wanted to do!” ~ DL