the things we do for love
W hen the general public thinks about fishing , many probably envision straw hats and sunshine , a cooler on the dock next to a person in a folding chair exhibiting all the symptoms of pure bliss . Fishing can be that , sure , but if you ’ re reading this magazine , chances are good that you ’ ve seen the other side of the coin , too .
The fact is this : Tournament bass anglers are a different breed . We live by the creed of the United States Postal Service . “ Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night …” When there are fish to be caught , checks to be cashed and titles to be won , anglers will brave just about anything Mother Nature can possibly dream up .
We may not always like it – Who wouldn ’ t prefer fishing in a t-shirt instead of insulated rain gear ? – but we don ’ t get to choose what weather we want when tournament day rolls around . And when you ’ re fishing for big money and a big title – like this anonymous co-angler waiting for his pro at the Toyota Series Championship on Lake Cumberland – pouring rain and biting cold are just a couple more obstacles to overcome .
When it comes down to it , we play this sport for the love of the game . No amount of wind and rain and bone-chilling cold can take away from the exhilaration of a bite or the elation of a giant at the bottom of the landing net . And if you don ’ t believe us , just ask anyone who ’ s ever won a bass fishing tournament how cold their hands felt when they hoisted the trophy in the air .
PHOTO BY ROB MATSUURA
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2021 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 9