Avena weighs in: 50/50 split?

FLW Tour pro Adrian Avena discusses the delicate balance between tournament fishing, the off-season and social media

(Editor’s note: Starting immediately, FLW Tour pro Adrian Avena has agreed to make regular blog contributions approximately once a month on FLWOutdoors.com. Going forward, bass-fishing fans will be treated to a wide array of blogs from a host of different FLW Tour pros on FLWOutdoors.com leading up to the 2014 season and beyond.)

Are the nine months of in-season tournament fishing equal to the three months spent in the “off-season?” You are out of your mind if you think it is a 50/50 split! For the past three months, following my last event of the year at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, I have been sitting behind a desk taking care of business. In doing so, I have been staring at a computer screen, writing articles and blogs, doing phone interviews, writing emails, putting together proposals, scheduling appointments, doing seminars, making phone calls, preparing my year-end tax info, and ordering/rigging of a new BassCat boat. By all means, I am blessed to have come this far. My success in doing what I love continues to move me forward with more responsibilities that come with being a pro.

One of the most important components I have found is the social media aspect. Times have changed; “It’s not about who you know, but about who knows you.” With countless hours on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, I’ve gained the best fan base and following, along with new sponsors. Social media has given me opportunities to share my work and dedication to sponsors and my supporters. People may ask, “Why is it so important? And what’s with all of this social media?” They are actions and thoughts gone viral at that given time. With the help of social media, people you would not normally be in daily contact with, now have your every thought and action at their fingertips. Literally! In addition, they are all great tools to not only brand yourself as an angler, but to also brand your sponsors. Here’s just some of mine: #FLWOutdoors #RigidIndustries #BassCatBoats #MercuryMarine #Lowrance #Power-pole #ZorroBaitCompany #HaloFishing #ReactionInnovations #TorayFishingLine #Costa #JerseyBoy.

I’ve come to realize over this past year that if you want something badly enough, you have to work hard for it. It’s all fun and games until the off-season when I have to pry myself away from my BassCat and spend hours in front of a much smaller machine – my computer. So much for an “off-season!” I’ll take my BassCat over my Apple any day! Maybe this is the real 50/50 split! So for some that think us pros need a real job, think what you think, but I kid you not, this is more than just your average 40-hour work week. With the three months of business behind me, I am ready to get out there on the water for the 2014 season and finally leave that small machine behind!