EDITOR’S NOTE
TOO MUCH TO
WRITE ABOUT
I
’ve been writing about bass fishing for 11 years. In that time, I’ve never real-
ly suffered from writer’s block, with one exception: this column.
It’s almost always the last item on the list to be finished for every issue,
causing a lot of consternation for Michelle Dowling, our production manager.
The problem isn’t that I can’t get the words to flow; it’s that I can’t decide
in which direction the flow should travel. There are so many topics I’d like to
dig into, and when I start down one path, I instantly wish I’d taken another.
And so, this time (and probably not for the last time) I decided to cover
several topics that have been on my mind. Call it taking the easy way out.
1. Bryan Thrift … Wow – I recently enjoyed a lively discussion over dinner
with several members of the FLW media team about whether or not Bryan
Thrift is the best bass fisherman on the planet right now. There was no
debate. We all agreed that he is. You can read a statistical breakdown on
Thrift in The Deal on page 30, which factors in his latest victory at Lake
Cumberland.
Based on my own observation, I can tell you there’s not a more versatile
pro on the FLW Tour. No one stays on the cutting edge of techniques and
tackle like Thrift. No one is in contention to win as often as Thrift. And if you
disagree with me, ask Andy Morgan. He shares my opinion.
2. Missing Guido – A big regret in my career is not spending more time
working with Guido Hibdon. The legendary bass pro passed away back in
March. I interviewed him once or twice and photographed him on the water
a couple