Road warrior Brent Ehrler .
“ It ’ s a pain , but that ’ s all I ’ ve ever known ,” Ehrler concluded .
In the early years of his career , Ehrler made the 2,000-plus mile drive out east several times each year . Nowadays , he drives across the continent just twice a season – once there and once back .
After driving to his first tournament stop of the year , Ehrler ’ s system revolves around flying to and from each location . Often , this requires 10 or more flights a year , which can be quite costly . But it allows Ehrler an important peace of mind .
“ It ’ s all about my support structure ,” he said . “ My brother and parents , my friends , in-laws — they all live close by . So , when I ’ m gone , my wife and kids have help .”
Ehrler pointed out that , while travel is tough on bass pros , it ’ s even tougher on their families . And if the Ehrlers were to relocate to an unfamiliar part of the country , his absence would be harder on the rest of the family . Staying in California relieves much of that burden .
In order to make his residence work , Ehrler must leave his boat and truck in various locations throughout the year . A network of friends helps find secure parking , but tackle prep can be daunting . Organizational challenges are monumental , requiring weeks of preparation each spring .
“ Before the first tournament , I have to pack for the entire year ,” Ehrler said .
That all might sound seamless enough , but I can ’ t imagine being away from my rig when trying to prepare . Still , maybe the separation forces Ehrler to truly regroup and approach each new event with a clear mind .
making the move
Other anglers have made the leap and uprooted their lives to reside closer to popular tournament venues . Chris Lane relocated to Guntersville as a way to spend more time at home . Recognizing that his residence in Florida often required an extra day of travel to get anywhere , Lane wanted to be more centrally located .
“ It ’ s a day on each side of the trip , up to 15 trips a year ,” he said . “ That ’ s a whole month I gained at home by moving to Alabama . Plus , the lake is unbelievable . It ’ s a fishing town ; it ’ s been a great choice .”
PHOTO BY PHOENIX MOORE
Lane did admit that , even though he gets to spend plenty of time with his brother Bobby when they travel together on the Bass Pro Tour , Florida family functions got the short end of the stick due to his move .
“ I ’ ve got a big family in Florida ,” he said . “ That ’ s the toughest part , missing the Thanksgiving dinners .”
Lane is just one of several pros who have moved to the Guntersville area in recent years ( in fact , he was playing pickleball with California transplant Justin Lucas when I called for an interview ). Such relocations can be tough at first , but Lane said his immediate family has settled in , his kids get to attend “ a normal school ,” and the family enjoys the structure .
International moves , now that ’ s a different story . Often , we see Canadian pros staying north of the border rather than making a push to the U . S .
I ’ ve heard the U . S . political climate listed as one reason why Canadians stay put , echoed by a few big-name pros . I ’ ve also heard credit given to the Canadian fishing .
Wait , what ? Can bass fishing four months a year rival the endless summers of a place like Florida ? As a former Upper Midwest native who now resides in Florida , I assure you it can .
While living in the north , I caught far more bass each year than I do in Florida . Sure , we get far more opportunities in the Sunshine State to go fishing , but not nearly as many for catching . Bass fishing in many parts of Canada rivals anywhere in the world when conditions are right . Fifty-fish days are commonplace . Largemouth , smallmouth , deep and shallow all are in play , as are finesse applications , power fishing and even frogging and flipping , all of it with catch numbers that most anglers would consider career highs .
So , it ’ s quite possible for a northern angler to catch as many or more bass per year than just about anyone , helping to perfect the technical aspects of fishing — proper hooksets , selecting the right rod / reel / line and more . This allows for maximum efficiency when it ’ s go time .
A career as a professional bass angler involves monumental stress . At times , dealing with the logistics of the job can be more nerve-racking than trying to catch fish . In order to excel , anglers must be comfortable with their situation at home before ever making a cast .
As for where that home is , it seems the right answer is up to the individual .
( Now ) Guntersville resident Chris Lane .
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2024 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 23