TBF's Student Angler Federation - The Future of our Sport

Outlaw Angler, Ben Cayer, tells us a little about the TBF's Student Angler Federation..

The future of bass fishing depends on the youths and there are many organizations that are doing their best to make sure that our sport lives on. 

The TBF recently developed the Student Angler Federation a program that links high school fishing clubs together and provides knowledge and fishing experience to students all over. This is a great opportunity to give younger anglers, who may not have had the chance otherwise, a chance to fish competitive bass tournaments.

I got my start fishing tournaments in a small junior club here in Vermont. I now run that club and I feel that I am doing my part to keep the sport growing. The group of kids that fish in the club now are getting a big start on their fishing careers and most of the time they are bringing in bags that are as nice as ones that some pros would catch. 

I am really looking forward to the upcoming season; it is going to be great!

Ben

Don't Question Your Angling Abilities - Just Do It

Outlaw Angler, Adrian Avena, talks about how to power-through when your abilities as an angler are in question.  Great info, Adrian!

In 2009 after I just fished my first BASS Northern Open on Lake Champlain, I decided on my drive home that I wanted more. I finished that tournament 132 out of 181 anglers, but that didn’t faze me. I was told I was not ready, but being a stubborn and driven teenager I did not listen. When you have a love for a sport you want to succeed and those people saying I was not ready only fueled my engine to become better.

The very next year I fished all three BASS Northern Opens, cashed two checks, and finished up the season 19th in points.  My advice for anyone who wants to take their fishing to the next level is DO IT!  It may be an expensive learning experience, but I believe it is well worth it;  The amount you learn in one event will benefit your fishing abilities tremendously.  If you have any questions at all you can post them here, on my Facebook page and I will answer them ASAP.

Adrian

Being a Successful Tournament Angler - What It Takes

Whiskey River Bait Company's Outlaw Angler, Kirk McMullen, posts his thoughts on what it takes to be a successful tournament angler.

How good are you at what you set out do? Ask yourself,  ‘am I good or am I great’?

What does it take to be great? Great is a difficult word to define and can sometimes be misinterpreted. In my eyes being great means the one who can win when it counts, the one who people admire, and look to for guidance. The leaders whom set an example, and can make a person believe and follow. When you’re at the top of your game, losing should burn in the pit of your inside, and if you’re destined to be a champion you will never continue to make that same losing mistake again and again. What path have I defined? What price have I payed? You must possess the desire and will to win along with a well thought out and strategic plan to overcome any sudden unseen change and be able to adapt quickly and efficiently.

You must have a set of goals in place on what you want to accomplish and the discipline and drive to follow through on your goals. Everyone fails at their goals at some point in time. It is the one whom learns from their mistakes the fastest that that will achieve their goals first. 
You must have faith and always believe in yourself. Success will come with dedication and determination; with maintaining focus on the little things that paint the big picture. I have left two quotes for you to think about from two very influential and respected icons.

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.

-Vince Lombardi
 
 if you can dream it,  you can do it!
-Walt Disney