I’m Back!

(If you missed the “Al” byline up top, Al Smith wrote this!)

Have you ever been away from something you really love? You know what I’m talking about. Work gets crazy,  the in-laws show up for the weekend and all of a sudden life keeps you off the water for a few weeks.

But that longing to be out on the water and feel that tug on the end of your line is strong, and if you live up north like I do, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Fall shows up, and soon it’s time to put the boat away for the winter and dream of springtime fishing, snapping a jerkbait along a rocky shoreline. Like I said, that longing can be strong!

Well, if you can relate to what I am saying you have a good idea about what I’m feeling right now.

Many of you reading this know that since my time as Federation Director for B.A.S.S I’ve enjoyed working within the fishing industry. I truly enjoy the interaction with fellow “grassroots” anglers around the country. Over the years I’ve met literally thousands of people and have made many good friends.

Unfortunately that all came to an end a few years ago as I was forced to moved out of the industry to provide for my family. It was a move I didn’t like or want, but as we know life often doesn’t care what we want.

But even though I was out of the industry, I stayed in contact with many good friends, one of them being Jay Kumar. Jay is not only a friend, but we also worked together to build the BassFan Army – at the time, the largest grassroots bass fishing membership program. And that was only by its first birthday! It was a great program that had real potential. Unfortunately, new ownership saw things differently and the program was ended.

Jay and I stayed in touch over the years, and recently Jay had a few ideas he ran by me. The more he explained what he was doing, the more excited I became – because our industry is full of copycat baits, copycat programs, copycat everything, and what Jay was talking about was new, innovative and most importantly was for grassroots fishermen, my true passion. Just like BassFan.com and the BassFan Army were new and different for the times.

It wasn’t long before Jay and I were talking on a regular basis, and decided to work together again.

I’m very excited about the path we’re headed down – several things in the works that are geared to helping the grassroots angler. Whether you’re a hardcore tourney guy or “just” a weekend angler, what we’ll be unveiling over the course of the upcoming year will be of value to you.

Other than that, it’s great to be back in fishing. I’m back in the industry I love, working with great folks who share the same values. What more could a guy ask for?

I look forward to talking to you soon. Keep your eye right here on BassParade as we start to roll out the next chapter.