Apparently, lightning from the storm had hit the building right at the same time someone tried to cook toast in the microwave, setting the fire alarm off. Lightning hit the alarm and no one could get it turned off. You could still hear it downstairs the next morning. Times were tough that night, but it ended up being a night of lodging that I didn't have to pay for. We worked Sunday, saw the weigh-in, and then made the drive back home. Home, sweet, home! But the Bassmaster Classic had taken on a whole new meaning for me.
2008 Classic
The 2007 fishing season has come and gone. It was now time for the 2008 Bassmaster Classic. Yes, I was in Greenville. I wish I could tell you that I had been there to fish the WBT Championship, but I can't. Once again, I "almost" qualified. I entered our last tournament on the Red River in 11th place and again had a terrible tournament, which dropped me down to 14th place this time, again finishing outside the top twelve. What would my role be at the Classic? I really wasn't sure to begin with, but I did know I planned to work again in some way. So off we went to Greenville with hopes of a great experience and more positive changes in my fishing career.
I'm not sure where to begin. I didn't get to fish, but I still had a great weekend. Humbled and excited. Those were the two emotions that I bounced back and forth between from the time we arrived until the time we left for home. Sometimes I felt both at the same time if that's possible. I had the opportunity to work in the BASS Life Member Lounge with other anglers as well as the Academy Sports booth, which is our new WBT sponsor. We signed autographs, promoted our sponsors and the WBT, had pictures taken, and talked about fishing. I had finally decided to have business cards made to take with me only to find out people would ask for the picture sports cards. They will be made soon, but it is pretty humbling to know that it is a need now. The weigh-ins were fun, and the Outdoor Expo was elbow to elbow. It was so busy that we only had time for one quick walk through. I had hoped to shop for a new rod and reel so I could get the special "show price" but there was just no time and that was okay. I was working and I was happy.
We watched Sunday as the new World Champion of bass fishing was revealed. What an exciting time! I will tell you I knew very little about Alton Jones before that weigh-in, but by the time all was said and done I discovered I had a new favorite Elite angler. I learned from his victory speech that our families have a couple of things in common plus I think his attitude and fishing go well together. I knew in my heart and mind at that moment that everything was right for me.
I was so pumped when I left there that my husband didn't think he was going to get me settled down. It wasn't just an excitement of cheering on a winner that you believe in because, as I said, I didn't know that much about him. This was an excitement that comes from an affirmation of what you are doing, knowing you are on the "right track", and knowing you should keep going. At times, something like that happens when you least expect it and that's what happened to me at that weigh-in.
So in four years going from Classic to Classic the changes have been quite unexpected, surprising, exciting, and, most of all, humbling. In the beginning I just wanted to catch good fish whether I was fishing with friends for some fun or just hanging out on the bank by myself. I never knew that one day I would be fishing and calling it my job. I never knew that one day I would be actually working, signing autographs, taking pictures, and promoting sponsors at the Bassmaster Classic. I never knew that one day I would be writing about these things and so many people would have an opportunity to read it.
What is the most important thing that I have learned to date? That it is all about the people - not us but you. We do have to work hard and fish hard to make our careers better, but if we don't make it better for you somehow I truly believe we have missed the mark.
As I finish this article our family is dealing with the heartache of a loved one not thinking she is worthy of anyone or anything. I have chosen not to write faith-based articles at this time but I await the opportunity some day. It's just not time yet. But I do want to tell each of you that I believe God created each of us to be special and to have purpose. Just as fishing is not always easy, life is not always easy. So I encourage you to see the beauty of creation as it surrounds you and to know that you are special.
I hope you are having a great day and catching lots of fish. The next time I visit with you I will begin to recap my 2006 WBT season.
Susan is sponsored by:
Triton Boats
Cleveland Boat Center
About Fishing
Kick’n Bass Fish Attractant
