One year after narrowly missing a comeback for the ages , the No . 1 angler in the world completed an AOY-winning season that places him among the all-time greats of the sport
By Joel Shangle
ive-year-old Olivia Wheeler was ready for the celebration . Decked out in in pink sneakers , blue bow in her hair and proudly sporting a Jacob Wheeler jersey that matched that of her dad and 2-year-old brother , Hudson , Olivia skipped around the weigh-in stage at the Massena Dam Intake Park in Massena , New York , doing cartwheels , shaking pompons and breaking into impromptu cheer poses . Warming up for the Very Big Moment . These are moments that Olivia lives for : When “ Lurch ” yells her dad ’ s name , Dad picks up a big trophy , sparks go off ( sometimes confetti , too ), people cheer , and she , Hudson and mom , Alicia , join Dad onstage to pose with a big check and celebrate Dad ’ s ability to catch a bass better than anyone else in the world .
There have been a lot of Very Big Moments for Olivia , Hudson , Alicia and Jacob Wheeler over the past handful of years . Jacob has hoisted eight Bass Pro Tour trophies and three Angler of the Year trophies in six years , which has made for plenty of sparks , big checks and celebrations .
But this one – a year and a half after one of Dad ’ s most disappointing days as a professional angler – might be the very biggest .
Jacob Wheeler celebrates his third Fishing Clash Angler of the Year title alongside his wife , Alicia , his daughter , Olivia , and his son , Hudson .
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