The 2009 Season marks an end to my career as a full-time Tournament Angler. This was not an easy decision to make. I have been fortunate to enjoy making a good, fulfilling living at this endeavor for 26 years now and I believe this is the right time to make this change. I hope to maintain a connection to the fishing industry in some capacity. I may fish a few selected tournaments or help sponsors with R&D of new products. I WILL continue to fish.
In order to celebrate this last year on the Bassmaster Elite Series Tour, I will try to transfer my feelings and observations by writing a blog for this website and for Bassmaster.com. This will be an effort to help me cope with the changes and more fully enjoy my last year on Tour. Check with the blogs to keep track of how much joy it brings me. I know it will be bittersweet along the way. I already see things differently knowing that each tournament will take place for the last time on that particular venue. Maybe my insight will help you enjoy whatever stage of life you occupy.
I will be transitioning into another phase of my life. This new segment will allow me to continue to do things for which I have a passion, different things. My career as a tournament angler has been so rewarding in so many ways that it is certainly difficult to move away, but new challenges wait. These are very enticing as well. Tammy and I want to travel, for leisure, but also for living. We have been to most every State in the U.S., but there are a few places we want to visit for fun.
I have always enjoyed teaching, whether it is how to tie a knot, or how to visualize a strike zone. As I have become more experienced, I have noticed that it gives me even more joy to see the excited look on a new angler’s face when they catch a first fish, or maybe a personal best fish, than if I catch the fish myself. Maybe that is a function of age, or experience. I’m not sure. Anyway, it is there. On Tarbone Ranch, I hope to share the excitement of hunting big game and simply enjoying the outdoors.
My life and this web site will both be in transition. As changes take place, you will see or read about them here. You will notice that I am placing more emphasis on Tarbone Ranch. This is my home ranch where I have been working for several years to maximize opportunities for growth potential in my game animals. I hope to share these hunting and game viewing opportunities with others and share their excitement for our mutual enjoyment. I especially hope to share with new hunters and their families the joy of connecting with nature in a way that provides nourishment for mind, body and spirit.
My Bass Fishing Pattern Forecast service remains available. I can absolutely help you on your next fishing endeavor by putting my data and experience to work for you. Check it out by clicking on the Pattern Forecast link. |
After fishing BASS Tournaments the past 27 seasons, I have come to the conclusion that I have greater success in events like recent one in Iowa on the Mississippi River. Tough tournaments in which bites are pretty scarce seem to present more challenges in establishing a pattern, but making decisions based on little input from the fish requires more experience in those types of situations.
