| I don't know about you, but it seems to me | | | | |
| that more and more people nowadays are | | | | I've also noticed recently that bass fishing |
| starting to realize that there's more to bass | | | | seems to develop closer relationships. |
| fishing than what they can see on TV shows | | | | Couples who enroll in bass fishing schools |
| during the weekends. And to me that's | | | | and spend lots of time together on the water, |
| definitely good news. At least now they're | | | | sharing the laughter and the excitement of |
| being exposed to more of what is considered | | | | catching bass, often comment that they should |
| to be America's #1 freshwater sport! Just | | | | have done this years ago. It doesn't make any |
| tune in to any outdoors sports network on | | | | difference at all with fathers and sons, |
| cable TV, and chances are you'll see a few | | | | mothers and daughters, brothers, sisters, |
| shows geared towards bass fishing. And for | | | | boyfriends and girlfriends; bass fishing is |
| good reason. Even Wheaties got in on the act | | | | one outdoor sport that almost anybody at all |
| when they put a picture of a famous Bass | | | | can enjoy. |
| Fishing pro on their box. | | | | |
| | | | One thing I've noticed when I go out with my |
| Want more proof? Go outside. Bass anglers can | | | | wife, though. It's irritating to admit it, |
| be found at every lake, river, pond and swamp | | | | but she's become a better bass angler than |
| that is accessible by boat. Watch the | | | | me! Some of my male friends ruefully admit |
| highways. You will see at least a dozen | | | | it, too. As a matter of fact, more women than |
| trailers pulling bass boats going by every | | | | ever before are showing interest about bass |
| day, more during peak seasons. Or you can go | | | | fishing and are even enrolling in bass |
| online. Typing in the keywords "bass fishing" | | | | fishing schools. All this just to show their |
| will net you different websites and blogs | | | | husbands, fathers, or boyfriends that they |
| about bass fishing. Bass fishing clubs, | | | | can do it too. |
| charters and guides, bass fishing | | | | |
| tournaments, bass boats, etc. The bass | | | | And you know what? Kids seem to love this |
| fishing industry has grown to an estimated | | | | sport more than we do. At least that's what |
| $4.8 billion industry today, and still | | | | it appears to me, especially after years of |
| growing. | | | | observing the faces of children when their |
| | | | parents bring them on fishing trips or enroll |
| What is so great about bass fishing, anyway? | | | | in fishing schools. You'd also have to see |
| For starters, bass fishing is open to | | | | the precious looks on their faces when they |
| everybody. It allows anyone with the | | | | catch a bass. You'll see what I mean, then. |
| dedication and discipline to learn about the | | | | Popular bass fishing pros and teachers are |
| sport to compete on an equal level, amateur | | | | even receiving fan mail from boys and girls, |
| or professional. With other sports, like | | | | wanting to know more about the sport, where |
| basketball, football, baseball, and tennis, | | | | to go fishing, and who can teach them. Now |
| to name just a few, you'd have to be a gifted | | | | that's enthusiasm! |
| athlete and have excellent athletic abilities | | | | |
| to succeed. I have spent years playing | | | | Have you ever seen that slogan, "Get Kids |
| basketball, but still I haven't managed to | | | | Hooked on Fishing Instead of Drugs"? It |
| dunk a ball yet or shoot three-pointers | | | | really makes perfect sense to me. But after |
| consistently. Compare this with bass fishing. | | | | all, I'm a long-time bass fishing fanatic. So |
| The more time you spend fishing and | | | | don't just take my word for it. Go ahead and |
| practicing and educating yourself about the | | | | learn about bass fishing, then go out into |
| important aspects of the sport, the more you | | | | the water. I'm sure you'll have an epiphany. |
| will be able to compete at a pro level. | | | | |