The REAL Difference…EXPERIENCE!
by Terry Brown

All of us at one time or another have felt we could compete at the "next level". Many of us have felt we could compete with "the professionals" on the competitive bass fishing trail. We have all had the desire, some of the same ability and maybe even some of the same fortitude to compete, but to be sure, there is only one Gary Klein, one Denny Brauer and only one Rick Clunn.

The thing that drives us to believe we can achieve some of the same skills and abilities is the essence of what this sport is about. To see someone achieve greatness is undeniably the driving force behind each of us trying our luck at local tournaments, competing regionally or even giving a shot at the national level. Success at any of these levels is obtainable but the real difference is " staying power". Consistency makes all the aforementioned superstars different. Passion for their sport, love of the environment and the ability to put unmatched dexterity together with a solid game plan that is executable makes Pros….. Pros!

"The difference between me and others who compete at this level is time on the water" notes Triton Bass Pro Gary Klein. Local anglers can have many of the same skill sets. "The difference is how I manage my time on the water, the ability to react to change and seeing the same situations over and over again" says Klein. The ability to read any body of water is clearly matched with experience on that particular body of water or one similar to it. I know when fish are staging, I know when they are spawning or moving to their deep water summer patterns and when they are moving into the creeks in preparation for winter and the time I have spent on the water helps me react to the technique that will allow me to catch any of these seasonal fish." Although Klein is most notable for his ability to handle a "flip stick" his versatility is probably his strongest asset. Being able to change to a Carolina Rig, recognizing a crankbait pattern, or twitching a jerkbait or casting a spinnerbait at the proper time has allowed him to surpass 1 million dollars in career earnings.

"Kids coming up now spend more time on the water than any of us did in our early years" notes Chevy Trucks Pro angler Denny Brauer. These kids are hungry, usually have plenty of financial backing and understand what it takes to be successful. That really drives me. I know I have to spend quality preparation time and utilize my time on the water more efficiently now than any other time in the past." Brauer notes watching his son Chad prepare has made him a better angler. " Chad can reach whatever level he wants to. He has the skills, the drive, and he is at the age that allows the physical toll we put on our bodies not to matter much."

The old timers have experience, savvy and professional moxy. Four time Bassmaster Classic Champion and career million-dollar angler Rick Clunn still feels he can compete with the younger generation. "At 58 I can still compete because I feel the mental aspect is the most crucial aspect left in our sport and I am closer to managing it than any other time in my life". "There are so many outside influences that can adversely impact an angler that control over them is crucial. I have seen may good anglers never reach their potential because they couldn't control those influences."

Commitment to a goal, passion to achieve it and motivation to fight through the tough times, always persevering is the difference between the "real pro's " and those trying for stardom.

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