family first
“ F ishing family ” is an oft-used term in the tournament fishing world , from the weigh-in stage to the pages of this very magazine . In this world , every angler and fan shares a certain kinship that lacks a more apropos word than “ family ,” even though family in the most literal sense is quite often the most important thing to the pros who grace these pages .
Zack Birge can attest to that . As he fished along the banks of the Mississippi River en route to a fourth-place finish in the second Super Tournament of the 2020 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit season , Birge was afforded the kind of firsthand support most pros aren ’ t usually able to get out on the water .
On the final day of the event , Birge fished in front of a campsite at which his wife , Kristina , and daughter , Emma – as well as his mother , Tina – watched and provided their loving support .
Photographer Charles Waldorf captured this photo and took in the scene from behind the lens as Emma cheered “ Go , daddy !” every time Zack landed a fish . All those who belong to the fishing world are family in a sense , but there ’ s no truer support than the love and encouragement of one ’ s own loved ones – especially when they ’ re just 50 yards away .
PHOTO BY CHARLES WALDORF
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2020 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | FLWFISHING . COM 7