Getting Back in the Tournament Groove
I just finished up the second event here at Lake Washington and I managed to get some decent points to make up for a slow start. I elected to fish as a co again this time around since I wasn’t sure if my boat would be ready. The first club event we made a bit of a mistake which I’m kind of embarrassed about after fishing so many tournaments, but it was an honest mistake. I mistook the tournament structure and thought my buddy and I were fishing a cumulative buddy tournament, not individual. I walked out with no points for the tournament and dropped down in the standings. Despite the poor finish, I’ve really enjoyed my time with this new club; the club is run very well and there are some great guys.
This weekend I am excited to fish a derby on my favorite lake: Banks Lake. I’m looking forward to fishing here again, my first state tournament was here and I finished sixteenth. I’m starting to really pick up on the fishing here in Washington and beginning to enjoy it. It is much different than California so it has taken a little time.
Banks Lake is a canyon reservoir and I have had some experience with similar fisheries in California. The reservoir is really open and can get pretty rough, I have seen it with three and four foot waves. You really have to stay on top of the conditions to figure out the fish.
This time of year in California it usually more of a post spawn stage, while here we are still in the pre spawn and spawning phase. I have learned so much about fish patterns and am constantly learning and figuring it out. Everywhere I have been lately, Washington, California, and Korea, have all shown me how different the spawn is at different times of year.
The boat is still getting prepped at Bass Pro Shops. I accidently ordered a 70 pound thrust trolling motor which wouldn’t get me anywhere! I have a new one on order so we are just waiting for it to get in and they will get it installed – they always do a great job.
Things are blowing up fast. Another thing that I am excited about is that I got contacted by FLW to become a brand ambassador. I have already received a box gear with my name on it, and I am looking forward to getting things going. I have been working on getting re-established since coming back stateside and it is happening.
I understand what it takes to really be competitive in this day and age. Back in 2005 I broke into the tournament scene. I spent countless hours learning the waters and the fish patterns. Things are much different now and I have really been putting the time in again. I look forward to getting back East, I used to fish the BASS Federation with guys like Mark Daniels Jr. It really shows us West Coast guys can compete over on the East Coast. Bass fishing is a lot like football – one game at a time, one event at a time and just continue to grind.
On the business side of things, I would like to announce my new partnership with American Tackle! They make great quality rods and rod components, I look forward to using them this season and beyond.
