For most people, summer is a time to relax — long weekends, lake days, maybe a cold drink in hand. But for Bassmaster Elite Series pros, that idea of “time off” is more myth than reality.
I’ve had people ask me, “What do you do during the off months?” And honestly, I don’t even know how to answer that because there are no off months.
Sure, the tournament schedule gives us a break from the intensity of back-to-back events, but that doesn’t mean we’re sitting still. If anything, it’s the opposite. These weeks are when we reset, reload and re-engage with everything that keeps this career moving forward.
First, the fishing never stops.
Just because there’s no trophy on the line doesn’t mean I’m not on the water. I’m still fishing, constantly testing new baits, dialing in patterns, building content, learning lakes and refining techniques that didn’t get enough reps during the season.
The best anglers in this sport didn’t get where they are by only fishing when the cameras are rolling. It’s about repetition, experimentation and staying sharp even when no one’s watching.
The sponsorship side of this career is full-time.
If you want longevity in this sport, you must treat your career like a business. That means the so-called “offseason” is when I double down on sponsor work:
- Planning and producing content
- Pitching new ideas and locking in renewals
- Attending events, working booths or helping with product development
- Planning additional value adds to new and current companies
I’ve always believed the value I bring to a brand shouldn’t stop when I’m off stage. This stretch of the year is when I prove that.
The month or two we get off during the summer feels a lot like the downtime we get in the winter. We aren’t competing, but that doesn’t mean you can stop. If you treat it like a vacation, that’s exactly what your results will look like when the season picks back up.
I think some people take this time to relax a little too much. But the guys who are hungry? They’re grinding — working on gear, prepping content, pitching sponsors and staying in tournament shape. That’s the difference-maker.
I won’t lie; I do use this time to recharge a bit mentally and physically. But even that comes with structure. However, it’s all with the goal of showing up sharper for the next event.
You can’t pour from an empty cup — but you also can’t afford to sit still too long in this sport. The competition is too good, and it’s getting better by the second. Just look at the recent TNZ podcast. This is a sport, and if you aren’t scoring goals you’re getting replaced.
So, when someone says, “Enjoy your time off,” I just smile. Because they don’t see the early mornings graphing new water, the calls, emails and behind-the-scenes hustle that keep this whole thing going.
The truth is, I love the so-called off months. Not because they’re easy — but because they’re mine. They’re the stretch where I can take ownership of my growth, my brand and my career.
And I’m not wasting a second of it.
