Blog: Make a Plan and Work the Plan

Part 1 of “The No Excuse Guide to Tournament Bass Fishing”

Editor’s Note: The writer's opinions and observations expressed here are her own, and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views, policies or positions of FLW.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it: I’m bombarded with an array of emotions and a new to-do list every day. I’m not good enough. I don’t have the money. Make a Facebook post. Call mom. I don’t have enough time. I’m too tired. I’ll be treated poorly. Rig rods. Do sponsor work. People won’t like me. My son will miss me. I’ll miss my family.

Like everyone else who fishes the Walmart FLW Tour, I’m trying to balance family life with life on Tour. In my case, I’m balancing life as a single mother fishing the Walmart FLW Tour as a co-angler. Key word: balance. We all have personal barriers and excuses we make to ourselves regarding why we can’t do things. My goal is to show you that you can overcome such barriers and live a life you love. Over a series of a few blogs I hope to shed light on fishing bass tournaments as a professional and how to set yourself up for success as well as handle the adversity that comes your way. It comes down to how bad you want it and how hard you’re willing to work for your dreams. Anything is possible! No excuses!

Make a Plan and Work the Plan

In 2013, when God spoke to me and I decided I was going to pursue a career in fishing, I made a structured plan as to how I would accomplish that goal and build a successful brand. First, I developed my mission statement: Empower others to follow their passions through faith and fishing.

With that I started my plan. I researched big players in the industry, from people to companies to anglers to different athletes around the world. I estimated what kind of revenue I would need and the costs of fishing full time. I asked myself how I could do this as a mom and who could help me with my son, Cole. I figured out how and with whom I would practice and learn from. I picked out people in Minnesota, where I live, who I felt could be positive mentors for me. I also created my plan based on three major components: bass tournaments, charity events and media channels.

With all those factors in mind I created a fishing portfolio, sponsor targets and my company: Nicole Jacobs Fishing. I didn’t know at the time what it would encompass, but every day I see what it’s becoming.

If you want to fish professionally, make a structured plan and work the plan. I can’t stress that too much. Fishing professionally at the Walmart FLW Tour level isn’t just about fishing and your placements. It’s also about representing your sponsors, selling products and being a positive role model or influence to others. It all goes hand in hand and is the key to success in the industry that we love.

First, I recommend making a mission statement and using this to fuel your plan. Second, make a fishing portfolio – not just a resume with tournament placement, but a portfolio with your mission statement, biography, placements, photos and sponsors. It might take some time to do this – it took me more than a month to develop mine – but I promise you this is what will separate you from the rest. Third, figure a budget, and make a target sponsor list. Don’t just focus on fishing-related sponsors. Use your own personal network, and target nonendemic sponsors. Fourth, figure a schedule for on-the-water practice, and find someone who can mentor you. Practice makes perfect and takes time on the water and some people with experience. Lastly, give back! Educate children about fishing, or get involved with charities. I firmly believe you get what you give in this world.

I know this already seems like a lot of work, and I’m just getting started. By no means do I have everything figured out. Believe me, I’m a mess at times, but I’ve worked from nothing to get to where I’m at today, and it’s constant work. However, I’m living a life I love, and I want to continue to empower you all to live a life you love. You can fish professionally! You can get there. It comes down to how hard you are willing to work for it and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. So quit making excuses and make a plan. No excuses!