Bass Elite on the Potomac...the reel deal -

Wife and I rode the Motorcycle down from PA to Smallwood State Park, MD
to see the Friday weigh in for the Elite Series Tournamen on the Potomac
River. While I must say the Elite pros, as a group were very fan friendly, I
Left PA a KVD fan and kinda neutral on Ike. I came Back a big Ike fan and
neutral on KVD.
Ike was great with the public; posed for photos, signed autographs,
chatted with anyone that approached him and genuinely was a nice guy. Behind
the scenes, he was hugging and playing with his kids and being what you
would expect of a guy who felt blessed to be making a living fishing for
bass.
KVD was cordial, and signed autographs, but came across like he felt he
had to interact with the fans. He was not overly friendly with the public
and seemed like the public relations part of being a pro fisherman was a
nuissance. He didn't seeme to appreciate the fact that he made over two
million dollars fishing.
I wasn't interested in approaching any of the pros, but was more
interested in seeing how they interacted with the fans, so my observations
aren't based on being snubbed or welcomed.
I still can appreciate the fact that KVD is a hell of a fisherman and
has done alot for the sport, but wish that some these guys would understand
that making a living fishing sure beats working for a living.

Mike wrote:
I wasn't interested in approaching any of the pros, but was more
interested in seeing how they interacted with the fans, so my observations
aren't based on being snubbed or welcomed.

Most of the pros I have met have been extremely nice guys. Just ask
Jimmy Houston about his grandchildren and he will talk your ear off.