After years of close calls , the 2021 Tackle Warehouse AOY is finally where he needs to be
By Sean Ostruszka
PHOTOS BY CHARLES WALDORF AND PHOENIX MOORE
t was only a matter of time for Michael Neal . After nearly a decade of expectations , close calls and watching others close to him take home the big trophy at the end of a tournament or the end of the season , Neal got his . On a postcard-beautiful August day in Massena , New York , after an incredible season on the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit , it was Neal ’ s name called by the emcee . He who got to put his hands on a big trophy up on stage . He who held it over his head , smiled and posed for pictures as the sun gleamed off the hardware .
He didn ’ t have to watch someone else like he had so many times before . No , this time Michael Neal was the champion . An Angler of the Year champion . Finally . Up on that stage and even after weeks of letting the victory sink in , Neal says it ’ s the greatest accomplishment of his career , “ by far .” A true testament to his consistent style of fishing . After all , Neal prides himself on being consistent . That ’ s how an introvert like him has managed such a successful career in a sport where outgoing selfpromotion can be almost as important as catching fish .
So , yes , Neal winning Angler of the Year – and doing it by outdueling a legendary angler like Skeet Reese – means his time has finally come . He has arrived .
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 45