Entry 308-3

From Bull Riding to State Bass-Fishing Pro and then National Bass-Fishing Pro with Brian Clark

Part 3: Local Pro to Strike King Proe.

Question: Brian, how did you become one of Strike King’s newest pros?

Clark: I’ve been using Strike King lures every since I was young. Two of the fishermen I’ve always admired, Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Denny Brauer of Camdenton, Missouri, are Strike King Pros. Too, Strike King has the best professional fishing team of any manufacturer in the industry. One day, I told a friend of mine that I’d really like to be a member of the Strike King professional-fishing team. He mentioned that he knew John Barns, the president of Strike King. My friend introduced me and Mr. Barns, we had lunch, Mr. Barns looked over my resume, and here I am today – a Strike King pro.

Question: What does it mean to you to be a part of the Strike King professional bass-fishing team?

Clark: Being one of the Strike King pros is an honor. I’m humbled to be a part of the team with Denny and Kevin, two professional fishermen I admire and respect, who along with many other professional fishermen have paved the way and opened the doors for guys like me to live our dreams and have the opportunity to earn a living as professional bass fishermen. These pioneers of bass fishing took the chance and risked leaving their stable careers to become professional bass fishermen in the days when the money was minimal, and the fame was nonexistent. I wouldn’t be a Strike King pro today if pros like Kevin and Denny hadn’t opened the doors for me to the world of professional fishing.

Many of the young pros often fail to realize the opportunities afforded them because of guys like Kevin and Denny. I really appreciate their suffering through those growing pains with the sport of bass fishing to help create the bass-fishing industry into the powerhouse it is today. To have the chance to compete on the same team as the guys I’ve admired for years is an extreme honor and an overwhelming experience.

Question: How did you get other sponsors, besides Strike King?

Clark: I worked hard for them. I tried to prove that I’d be a good partner, and that I’d work hard for them on the water, as well as off the water. I try to help my sponsors sell their products by doing public appearances, seminars and other tasks to help them be successful. Also, I’ve learned that maintaining a good, clean appearance and image helps my sponsors.

Being a professional bass fisherman isn’t just about catching bass and winning tournaments. Yes, that is a part of your duties, but helping your sponsors teach consumers how to use their lures, proving that their lures will catch fish and showing other anglers how to fish these lures properly, so they’ll buy the products is just as important, if not more, in acquiring and keeping sponsors.

Next: Sexy Swimmer?

Contents:

• Part 1: From a State Pro to a National Pro - Big Jump
• Part 2: Bull Riding to Bass Fishing
• Part 3: Local Pro to Strike King Pro
• Part 4: Sexy Swimmer?
• Part 5: You've Got to Have the Right Lady - One Day the Classic