COLUMN : BALOG ON BASS FISHING
ILLUSTRATION BY JOE MAHLER
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For more than 20 years , Joe Balog has made his living in the fishing industry on and off the water . A successful tournament angler from the Great Lakes region , Balog now lives in Florida , where he continues to work in product design , marketing and outdoor media when he ' s not chasing trophy largemouth .
the secrets to staying in the game
Pro bass fishing veterans offer competitive advice
P rofessional sports are always changing . Tournament bass fishing is certainly no exception – in fact , it may be the rule .
Our beloved pastime sees more major shifts in terms of equipment , strategy and performance than any other . Recognize how much has changed recently with the advent of GPS-based trolling motors , the expansion of finesse techniques , space-age sonar and an infinite number of new lures .
About the only thing that hasn ’ t changed over the years are many of the players ; there ’ s a contingent of anglers who remain competitive after decades of fishing . Despite overwhelming odds and the most aggressive competition the sport has ever seen , a few veterans have learned how to adapt – and excel – in this young man ’ s game . Today , we uncover their secrets .
Larry Nixon : The Iron Man
Everyone knows Larry Nixon . Young anglers admire “ The General ,” the old guard idolizes him . There ’ s never been a more long-term , dominant player in our sport . Nixon ’ s career began in 1977 , yet he ’ s remained incredibly competitive , qualifying and requalifying for championships en route to 18 professional wins and more than $ 3.5 million in earnings across multiple professional circuits .
Fans of the sport will also recognize Nixon ’ s publicized plague of fishing-related injuries and resulting surgeries . Now , at 70 years old , his strategy has changed .
“ I need to save myself for what I got ,” Nixon says of his decision to limit competition only to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit .
The six-event schedule allows for less stress on his body in a tournament season . In addition ,
PHOTO BY CHARLES WALDORF
28 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021