DD: 3 Things Pros Overlook on Tour
What Beaver Lake reminded me about the awesome sport of bass fishing
(The writer's opinions and observations expressed here are his own, and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views, policies or positions of FLW.)
Beaver Lake showed up this time, kids. The fishing was the best that I’ve ever seen it at Beaver. The largemouth bites were on fire. I finished 19th overall and am thankful for the much-needed schooling on how to fish this lake. As we know, the conditions change daily out there. I always leave with a handful of tips for next time, and it always pays off.
Looking back on the tournament, Beaver Lake and Rogers, Ark., reminded me that as anglers constantly on the road, we pros often overlook three things when on Tour:
1. The beauty of nature brings us back to the simple things in life. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day life that we live, and daily life is consumed by technology and full of demands. Nature is a beautiful thing that we sometimes take for granted. Taking a moment to stand on the shoreline, breathe in the air from the mountains or walk the two-track roads allows us that time. I think Arkansas can be a wonderful place to do all of the above.
2. The difference in the landscape allows us to be grateful for what we have back home. When we get deep into the season several of us don’t get the opportunity to get back home in between tournaments. It can really make you homesick and sometimes unappreciative. Taking that step back to appreciate the landscape brings us back to reality. Beaver Lake offers amazing background to our tournaments. Sometimes those sunrises make me want to become a photographer and sell postcards, but don’t get it twisted – Florida offers the same luxury.
3. The town we visit is important, and each one is a little different. It’s always a blessing when an entire town such as Rogers, Ark., welcomes our FLW family with open arms. This year the town had a community fish fry that brought together anglers and residents from all walks of life for the opportunity to share a meal together. The hospitality of the residents is incredible. I don’t think I can express enough gratitude to the citizens who respect our time on the water and treat us like a group of friends that has come to town to visit. It’s not seen as an inconvenience having the Tour crowd around, but more like a come-on-in-and-have-a-drink visit.
But my most favorite thing about Beaver Lake next to seeing friends and the fishing has to be, without question, Andy’s Frozen Custard. I always look forward to Beaver Lake for many reasons, as you’ve discovered, but on the fishing level it puts pep in my step, giving me the momentum I need for the next event with AOY points and a boost to my confidence level.
Now, on to Pickwick!
