This week’s been a tough one. The Elites are on Lake St. Clair, and instead of making that first run at daylight, I’m sitting at home watching Bassmaster LIVE.
It’s a strange feeling watching my friends out there doing exactly what I’d be doing right now. Running across that big, rolling lake, chasing schools of giant smallmouth. When they set the hook on those big brown tanks, I can almost feel the bite through the screen.
The Northern Swing is my favorite time of year and St. Clair is special. As many of you know it’s the kind of place where every cast could be a 5-pounder. Practice at the northern events is as much fun as tournament day. It’s long runs, dialing in drifts, figuring out which stretches are loaded and stacking little details that might separate you from the rest of the field. Missing that process is just as tough as missing the tournament itself.
I know why I have to be on the sidelines right now, and I know it’s the right move for the bigger picture. But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t sting watching it all unfold without me.
I’ll be back, and when I am, I’ll have an even deeper appreciation for every minute out there. Until then, I’ll be here watching, cheering on my friends, and letting the sight of those big smallmouth fuel the fire for when I’m back in the hunt.
