NATURAL-
LEE
By
2020 BASS PRO TOUR POINTS CHAMPION
JORDAN LEE HAS THE “IT” FACTOR
Rob Newell
PHOTOS BY GARRICK DIXON
In the modern age of professional fishing’s top names, only a handful are
considered to be pure naturals – anglers who have an uncanny sixth
sense to be at the right place and time far too often to be considered
just lucky. Names like Aaron Martens, David Dudley, Greg Hackney and
Andy Morgan are often in that “pure natural” conversation.
Over the last few years, Jordan Lee has become an undeniable part of
that discussion – and for good reason. While back-to-back to Bassmaster
Classic wins in 2017 and 2018 quickly proved Lee operated at another
level, it’s his continued success on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro
Tour — including two wins in just two years — that’s proved he is a natu -
ral-born fish-catcher, no matter what format you put him in. Add to that
he’s now a 2020 Bass Pro Tour Points Champion and people are starting
to wonder just which planet this young man came from.
Given his age (29) and success, it would be easy for Lee to be flashy
and flamboyant, but there is not a shred of brashness in his nature. In per -
son, Lee is quiet, reserved and always carries a collected composure given
the emotionally charged sport he excels in. Tangled lines, lost fish and bad
days are not cause for tantrums or tirades. Such sidetracks and distrac -
tions never derail Lee. Instead, they roll off him, sometimes even bringing
a bashful grin to his face as he finds the ironic humor in picking out a
backlash. His sense of humor helps him keep perspective, but behind that
self-effacing smile is a purposeful poise and steely demeanor that is
always focused on the goal.
When reminded of his achievements, Lee displays a genuine humility. He
is quick to point out the dominant runs of his fellow competitors like Jacob
Wheeler, Bryan Thrift, Ott DeFoe and Edwin Evers in recent years. It's cer -
tainly a fair claim; their performances have been superhuman as well. Those
pros have a healthy dose of inborn fishing talent, too, but it could be argued
that their approach is more strategic and premeditated. They design their
days around specific patterns or exceptionally efficient rotations. In contrast,
Lee’s approach is more spontaneous and visceral, needing to “feel out” the
day’s current conditions before executing his opening salvo.
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2020 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING.COM | FLWFISHING.COM 31