Tournament Tour with Mark Menendez

The weather patterns have not changed in months. A quick look at the forecast—Hot with little chance of rain has been the script for the weathermen.  The second Professional Anglers Association (PAA) event was held in the Alabama at Lake Neely Henry. I knew the forecast before I left my home. I made adjustments on my tournament strategy.

Finally, I make it home to the family. My children have missed me most of the summer. It is a part of my job that I really don’t like. We spent a day having fun. The kids and I went to the Wickliffe Indian Burial Mounds State Park. We learned about Indian culture and how they lived. Max and Caroline were shocked to see ancient fish hooks. Caroline said, “Daddy there is no way the Indians had fish hooks! They look like some of yours.” I replied, “The Indians did make their own hooks. They were made out of bone.” The other feats of engineering were amazing too. Pottery, arrowheads, and drills took us back to those days. Max topped it all off with a perfect statement from a six year old, “Daddy, can we go back to the air condition now?” So we packed up and headed to Ya Ya’s Island. It is an indoor playhouse with club houses, blow-up slides, and tons of fun things for the kids to do.

This was a 21 day road trip. It has been so intense that my wife reminded me that I was only home three days in the month of June. I worked hard, gambled on decisions, and ended up with the Bassmaster Classic in view! I had a successful turn of events and I am proud of the outcome.

 The Texas part of the Elites Series was not a good thing for me, Toledo Bend was the lake. Summertime angling on this historic lake deals with structure fishing. This is my favorite way to fish. You sure could not tell by my bottom of the barrel finish in this event.  The benefit of the trip was making new friends and seeing old friends at the Skeeter Owners Tournament held at Lake Fork.

 Every angler has to make sacrifices. Whether it is economic or family, there is a sacrifice from each dedicated angler. Time away from home is the hardest part for me now. My seven year old daughter and six year old son get all my attention when I am home.

One week before the Elite Series started…I did not know if I would compete…

This time I don’t get to take my dancing shoes…

The clock is ticking down for my first event on the Elite Series. I am ready to get in my Skeeter and Fish! The start of the season is the beginning of travel, long hours, and not much sleep. It is what I love to do.

What's a bass pro do when he's got the whole weekend to himself? Find out from nice guy/bass legend Mark Menendez!