Luke Estel – Tournament Team Blogger

 

Call it the “MeToo” generation, the “everyone gets a trophy”, or the “parents want to be their kids friends instead of being a parent” generation, we screwed up. It’s our own fault. We let it happen and now we can’t seem to stop it. Since this article is about bass fishing and not really a “how to raise your kids the right way” story, let’s jump right in.

College fishing. It’s booming and a lot of young anglers have made the transition to the big leagues and are doing well. Good for them. I definitely would have stayed in college if they had that way back when. Now high school fishing is taking off. This is great for the sport. This brings young kids into the outdoors and what a great way to stay in school when you have activities like that to keep you going.

But,………………there is a problem. Somewhere along the line, the teachers or the parents forgot to teach these kids the basics of fishing etiquette. This isn’t every college angler, but I am talking to a handful of you, at least.

When I started tournament fishing it was about respect. You looked up to the old guys and tried to become as good as they were. Things that my uncle and his partner taught me were things like don’t cut a guy off down a bank. Be courteous on the water. Find you own fish. No one owns a “spot”. It’s a public lake. Don’t brag when you win, be humble. Back in the day if you cut a guy off, after the weigh in you were probably going to get your butt kicked. Literally. Guys didn’t put up with that. So, myself not being a good fighter, I never dared to do something like that.

That’s obviously not the case anymore. It is more cut throat than ever all for the glory and no one will stand in your way. News flash, that cocky attitude you got will get you a bad reputation. Good luck getting sponsors.

Here are some simple rules for all you young, inspiring tournament anglers.

DO NOT be a “bent pole”or “sight fisherman.”This means when you are driving down the lake and you see another boat catching a fish, you drive over to where they are fishing and start fishing yourself. This is a big no no.

Find your own fish. This is the only way you will get better. Yes, the internet is great and so is social media, but if you cannot find your own fish, you will never make it.

It’s not your spot!  If you take off in the morning and get to your starting spot and there is a boat already there, leave. Do not nose in there or cut right in front of them. That is just part of the game. Wait until they leave, go fish somewhere else.

You do not walk on water!  Even if your parents put you on a pedestal and even bought you a fancy boat. The kid in the 84 Ranger has just as much right to be on the water as you do. Don’t make fun of others that are less fortunate. What goes around, comes around.

You want to make it in this sport? Go shake the winners hand and tell them good job. Suck it up. There’s always next tournament.

Learn from your mistakes and work harder. I know you probably have never heard this before but if you work hard for it, you will actually appreciate it more. I know, you got everything handed to you and it’s hard to comprehend in that adolescent brain of yours, but it’s true.

Life in general is tough. Be thankful you have the opportunity to compete in tournaments at the college level. Work hard at it. You will reap the rewards. Remember these few little rules and I can guarantee you, it will take you farther.