COLUMN : BALOG ON BASS FISHING
KALAMAZOO , MI
REDLANDS , CA
LAKE CHICKAMAUGA
LAKE GUNTERSVILLE
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 geography of pro bass fishing
Making right decisions is everything for pro anglers . One of the most overlooked ? Where to live .
P rofessional bass anglers get asked – and ask themselves – questions all the time . What ’ s the best bait for this fishery or these conditions ? Where should I start a day on the water ? When is it time to leave a spot and try something different ?
Here ’ s a question fewer people might have considered , but it ’ s one touring pros have to answer before all others : Where is the best place to live ?
In the early days , Texas was a hot spot . Many anglers based around Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn Reservoir went on to make names for themselves casting for cash . Missouri also pumped out several legendary pros , as did the Carolinas , Arkansas and Florida . It seemed that growing up in a warm climate equated to more time on the water and more bass fishing success … Then Kevin VanDam came and rewrote the rulebook .
A native of Kalamazoo , Michigan , VanDam kept his home address in the Wolverine State throughout his entire unparalleled career . It wasn ’ t until recently that many anglers began to relocate in an effort to chase their pro dreams . Lake Guntersville quickly became a popular destination . Later , areas around Lake Chickamauga romanced a cadre of anglers .
But some pros continue to live outside the box . West Coast natives , northerners and even Canadians are staying put despite travel challenges and / or only having a few months a year to fish . So , is there a right answer ?
ehrler remains true to sOcAL roots
Brent Ehrler is still a Californian . Despite the high living costs and extensive commutes to most tournament venues , Ehrler has maintained residence in Redlands since day one of his career .
22 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2024