Hitting a Lick: Terry Scroggins’ Unshakable Grit on the Bass Pro Tour
Written by Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
Terry “Big Show” Scroggins has been slinging baits and towing bass boats across the country for nearly two decades, racking up well over $2 million in tournament winnings and cementing his name as one of professional bass fishing’s most respected veterans.
With five professional wins, nearly 50 top 10 finishes and 13 season Championship appearances, the Palatka, Fla., native has seen it all — the highs of hoisting trophies and the lows of poor finishes. Yet, as he navigates the 2025 Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour season, Scroggins remains unfazed by recent lackluster tournament, leaning on a veteran mentality and a timeless Southern saying.
“Hitting a lick.”
In the world of professional fishing, “hitting a lick” means seizing that perfect moment when everything clicks — the fish are biting, the pattern is dialed, and the leaderboard reflects your name at the top. It’s a phrase rooted in Southern vernacular, often tied to striking it big or catching a break.
For Scroggins, it’s more than just a saying; it’s a philosophy that defines his approach to the sport.
“When it’s your time, ain’t nothing stopping you,” he said with a grin. “And when it ain’t, you can’t do a darn thing about it. That’s part of fishing.”
The veteran’s perspective
Scroggins is no stranger to the rollercoaster of competitive fishing. His career, spanning hundreds of tournaments, has been a masterclass in resilience. From his first Bassmaster win in 2001 on his home waters in Palatka to his role as a Team Toyota stalwart, Scroggins has weathered every storm the sport can throw — from cold fronts to mechanical failures to the unpredictable whims of largemouth bass.
Scroggins’ ability to stay grounded comes from a deep well of experience. He’s learned that fishing is as much about mental fortitude as it is about technique.
“You can’t let a bad day — or a bad season — define you,” he explained. “I’ve had stretches where I couldn’t buy a bite and then, boom, you hit a lick; and it’s like you never missed a cast.”
The slump: Just another day on the water
A couple solid showings at the Harris Chain and Lake Murray was tempered by less-than-stellar finishes at Lake Chickamauga and Kentucky Lakes, where he noted the fisheries’ potential but struggled to convert quantity into quality.
“The Tennessee River is good, but you gotta find the big ones,” he said. “I was close, but close don’t cut it.”
Despite these setbacks, Scroggins’ optimism is infectious. He’s not one to dwell on missed opportunities or curse the fish gods. Instead, he leans on a mantra that’s carried him through 18 years of professional fishing.
“Treat others how you want to be treated, keep smiling and showing up.”
Hitting a lick: The art of patience
For Scroggins, “hitting a lick” isn’t about forcing the issue. It’s about preparation, patience and trusting that the moment will come.
These moments, he says, are what keep him grinding.
“When it’s your time, the fish find you,” he said. “You just gotta be out there, doing the work.”
His approach to slumps reflects this same patience. Scroggins doesn’t panic when the bites don’t come. Instead, he doubles down on preparation.
“Preparation is everything,” he said. “You control what you can — your tackle, your rig, your mindset — and let the rest fall into place.”
A Southern soul on the national stage
Scroggins’ Southern roots run deep and his love for the sport is matched only by his love for the lifestyle that comes with it. When he’s not competing, he’s grilling rib-eye steaks for friends, blasting old-school country music or tinkering with custom rods and baits.
His nickname, “Big Show,” isn’t just about his on-the-water performance; it’s about the larger-than-life personality that makes him a fan favorite. Whether he’s joking with anglers at the Toyota Owners Tournament or helping a competitor troubleshoot equipment, Scroggins embodies the camaraderie that defines bass fishing.
Looking ahead: The next big lick
For Scroggins, the key to overcoming slumps is simple: keep fishing, keep smiling and keep believing.
“Every angler hits a rough patch,” he said. “But I’ve been doing this long enough to know that your time comes around. You just gotta be there when it does.”
His veteran mentality — equal parts grit, patience and Southern charm — ensures that he’s always ready for the next lick. And when it happens, you can bet he’ll be wearing that Toyota hat, flashing a grin and reminding everyone why they call him “Big Show.”