Graduation

Boater Miles Burghoff of Orlando, Fla., earned $5,632 as the winner of the Sept. 11-12 BFL Gator Super Tournament on Lake Okeechobee. Anglers: Miles Burghoff, Len Gordon.

April 9, 2013 • Miles Burghoff • Angler Columns

Well, this is it.

In one week I will officially be a college fishing graduate, and my graduation ceremony will take place at the 2013 FLW College Fishing National Championship on Beaver Lake, in Rogers, Ark.

It doesn’t seem that long ago since I fished my first FLW College Fishing qualifying tournament on Lake Okeechobee in 2010, but in my short college fishing career I have gained a lifetime’s worth of experience, media exposure and friendships.

Now it is all coming to an end, and I hope it is an end that both myself and my partner, Casey O’Donnell, can be proud of.

The Beav

If there was any lake in the country that could test the mettle of the 25-team field next week, it would have to be Beaver Lake.

“The Beav” is a notoriously tough Ozark lake on the White River that is known for its unpredictable fishing and its low-weight tournaments. I have grown to love the White River lakes such as famed fisheries Bull Shoals and Table Rock; and I was just as excited about getting out on Beaver Lake for four solid pre-practice days.

Despite its reputation for few quality fish, after our pre-practice on the lake, I was really impressed with the quantity of fish Beaver possesses.

Although during the practice period we were all business as usual, the consistent action kept business enjoyable – and I hope that continues for the Championship.

Though conditions will be changing drastically, and we aren’t sure how our practice will benefit us in the actual competition, Casey and I both are excited to get back up to Rogers.

With honors?

As positive and confident as I always am in tournament fishing, I won’t go out on a limb and say that Casey and I will win the National Championship. I know that we can, but I know the field of anglers we are up against and I respect every last one of them.

I, personally, don’t feel like I have ever had a good tournament in my FLW College Fishing career. That’s not to say that my partners and I haven’t had some solid finishes over the years and stayed consistent. But I don’t feel we have ever pushed ourselves to be in contention for a win for one reason or another. Whether it was a lack of preparation, lost fish, or failure to adapt quick enough, my FLW College Fishing career has always left me with a feeling that something was missing – a win.

Though Casey has one more year ahead of him to reach his college fishing goals, this is it for me, and I’m going to be giving it my all.

One thing is for sure, I will be walking at my FLW College Fishing graduation, but what is yet to be seen is whether that will be with honors or not.

Thanks FLW College Fishing, it has been a blast!!