Upon reading a piece today on Basszone.com I was reminded how much of an east coast bias there is in the world of fishing. It amazes me that the rest of the country gives almost no credit to what happens in the west. The US Open is credited by Rick Clunn as being the toughest tournament in the world to win. Still 9 out of 10 bass heads couldn't tell you who if anyone has ever won the event.
The article in question is regarding Byron Velvick and his 2008 season. So many find his season to be a surprise, WHY????? The man has won the US Open not once but TWICE!!!!!!!!! The man can flat out fish. Sure he may wear to much hair products for your taste but why the hell does that give you the right to assume he can't fish. Yes he is the "Bachelor" so what!!!!! So are you telling me that if you were single and ABC wanted to put you on a show with over a dozen beautiful talented woman and you get to date them all and pick one you wouldn't? LIAR!!!!!!!
http://www.basszone.com/2008zlines/velvick1.htm
The western anglers have been forgotten and dismissed as guys who haven't "proven" themselves. Well folks Byron has done more before he left the west then I will ever do in my life in the world of bassfishing. He doesn't need to prove a thing to me. He qualified for the BassMasters Classic and oh by the way won the US Open TWICE!!!!
On a side note, do you know who else has won the US Open, Aaron Martens, he won in 2004 and 2005! Those that read this and think the west is just a bunch of sand with a few anglers that haven't "proven" themselves, think again! The west is perhaps the toughest proving ground there is. The lakes are large, small, clear, dirty, tidal, weedy, barrian, deep, and did I mention at times clear. The west if for real and should be taken seriously.
The names of Skeet Reese, Luke Clausen, Ish Monroe, Dean Rojas, Aaron Martens, Micheal Bennett, Brent Ehrler, Jared Lintner, John Murray, Brett Hite, and oh by the way Bryon Velvick should be respected as great anglers. Sure Skeet and Byron could use a little less hair products but that doesn't take away from the fact that they can fish. Take a look at the next big time tournament and notice the amount of CA guys or Western anglers are on the list and see how well they finished.
There is a ton of Western websites and magazines that bass fishermen should take a look at. Their ideas out west are cutting edge and if you get on them early you might just win a tournament or two and have to see that Byron Velvick can fish!
My Opening Thoughts
I'm back! I decided to come back to my blog and renew submitting my thoughts. I had taken time away due to my job and wasn't sure if my thoughts should be put online. After some consideration I have decided, screw it, I am going to speak my mind.
Some of you are aware, I work in the fishing industry as a sales representative. I had been concerned that my thoughts would be tied to a company that I work for. Well, here is my get out of jail free card, these are my thoughts, mine, not yours, mine! If or perhaps WHEN I say something stupid, I am stupid, not a company that I represent. These are my thoughts.
My fishing style is simple, I am a finesse fisherman with a minor in heavy cover! Odd combo I know but something that has served me well over the years. I love to have a couple drop shot rods on the deck and a couple flipping sticks.
I consider myself a good fisherman. Not the best or I would be doing it for a living. I enjoy tournaments but seldom fish them anymore due to high costs.
I prefer natural lakes that are near my home. I live in the great state of Minnesota! Minnesota offers what I believe is the best bass fishing in the world. Sure we have ice for 5 months a year but that is what also makes it so good. I can travel 30 miles from my home and fish over a dozen lakes where I can catch 3 to 5 lb fish on a regular basis! More important then that, I can do it in August and also have 25 to 50 fish days along with those 5lb fish. Sure we don't have 20lb Monsters like they do in California but we have the most consistent 3 to 5lb fish in the nation.
With my background in the fishing industry I will also make comments on the industry and thoughts on products. I have one major bias and that is my boat, Bass Cat makes the best boat in the world! Well, there is also a second bias, Humminbird.
With that being said lets all enjoy the ride!
Some of you are aware, I work in the fishing industry as a sales representative. I had been concerned that my thoughts would be tied to a company that I work for. Well, here is my get out of jail free card, these are my thoughts, mine, not yours, mine! If or perhaps WHEN I say something stupid, I am stupid, not a company that I represent. These are my thoughts.
My fishing style is simple, I am a finesse fisherman with a minor in heavy cover! Odd combo I know but something that has served me well over the years. I love to have a couple drop shot rods on the deck and a couple flipping sticks.
I consider myself a good fisherman. Not the best or I would be doing it for a living. I enjoy tournaments but seldom fish them anymore due to high costs.
I prefer natural lakes that are near my home. I live in the great state of Minnesota! Minnesota offers what I believe is the best bass fishing in the world. Sure we have ice for 5 months a year but that is what also makes it so good. I can travel 30 miles from my home and fish over a dozen lakes where I can catch 3 to 5 lb fish on a regular basis! More important then that, I can do it in August and also have 25 to 50 fish days along with those 5lb fish. Sure we don't have 20lb Monsters like they do in California but we have the most consistent 3 to 5lb fish in the nation.
With my background in the fishing industry I will also make comments on the industry and thoughts on products. I have one major bias and that is my boat, Bass Cat makes the best boat in the world! Well, there is also a second bias, Humminbird.
With that being said lets all enjoy the ride!
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