What Sets Some Pro Bassers Apart from Others?

The answer, I believe, is character.

For example, many probably still remember the ruckus created when a certain bass-fishing legend and, at the time, popular TV bass-fishing-show host allegedly denied a dying boy's request to fish with him. The legend attributed the problem to a lack of communication, but in the final analysis, it took a fellow TV fishing-show host stepping up to the plate and taking the boy fishing to quell the uproar.

And who can forget the scene that flashed across national TV screens when another pro basser opened his livewell during a big tournament, saw some fish floating belly up, and went off the deep end? The four-letter-word tirade that ensued was enough to make even a veteran Sailor blush. This angler didn't stop there, either. The grand finale was a shot of him ripping out and destroying the boat's rear running light, which held an American flag, then tossing the whole thing over the side.

Fortunately, the bass-fishing industry survived these black eyes, thanks in no small part to other pro bassers who know how important it is to keep their heads out of places where the sun don't shine.

One such shining star is a pro who, along with his tournament partner, noticed a local angler having trouble getting his outboard started. With what looked to be a severe thunderstorm approaching, this pro and his back-seater left their fishing spot to help the fisherman, who had his young son with him. The sky was darkening and strong winds were building as the pro and his partner pulled alongside and offered to see if they could help solve the mechanical problem.

After several possibilities had been examined with no luck, the local angler decided he needed to do something quickly to allay the fear he saw in his son's eyes as lightning flashed about all of them. He also didn't want to endanger the pro and his partner. The local angler told them he knew a nearby landowner and could use his trolling motor to get there.

The pro and his partner wouldn't let the man and his son leave, though, without first giving them two costly sets of rain gear. They asked only to have the gear returned to their lodging location once the angler and his son were safe. The pro and his partner stood by and watched the pair until they had made it to shore, then set out for their own destination.

This story ended on a positive note, in that the local angler eventually was able to start his gas motor, get back to the boat-launch site, and return the rain gear as agreed upon.

Another such "good Samaritan" account involved a pro angler who was asked to visit a 12-year-old boy whom doctors had diagnosed with a rare cancer that mainly affects children. The pro gathered up a care package of tackle, among which was a lure another bass pro immediately cut off his line and autographed for the young man upon hearing of the situation. Shortly thereafter, the boy died, but that wasn't the end of the pro's involvement.

The 12-year-old's parents asked the pro to lead the hearse from the church to the cemetery on the day of the boy's funeral. They felt that would be a nice way to honor a young angler who had loved the sport all of his short life.

In the words of William Penn, "I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again."