TEXARKANA, Texas - Lake Wright Patman will be the site of the second stop of the National Professional Fishing League on April 22-24.
Michael Yoder and Jake Chauncey are two local, professional anglers who will participate in the tournament. The tournament's inaugural event was held on Lake Eufuala in Alabama on March 11-13.
The goal is to catch the most weight in bass over the 3-day period. Vying for the cash prizes will be a field of 110 anglers.
Chauncey is in his first year of being a professional fisherman on tour.
"Fishing professional is pretty awesome," Chauncey said. "I get to represent my sponsors and know that I have people supporting me. It really is a very humbling experience but, at the same time, it is really cool. If I do well, then it's great and I make some cash. If I don't, then it's 'oh well' and onto the next one.
"This style of fishing at this level is different. Ultimately, my job is to do well enough so that my sponsors get more representation and coverage. It's different but it's amazing. I am humbled and happy to be doing what I do."
Chauncey said that he never envisioned that a fishing tournament would come to his home lake. He has the most fun in the sport going against the competition.
"Having knowledge of the lake and knowing what I can try, I don't have to worry about burning days of practice on dead water," Chauncey said. "I know the lake already. When I am at a lake that is unfamiliar to me, I have three days to unlock that lake. I can dial in on what I believe will produce for me in order for me to do the best I can in the tournament."
Yoder, who turned pro in 2010, had a son, 11, who passed away five years ago. He was in a bad mental state and took a break from professional fishing. It took him about four years before he was ready to go pursue fishing again.
"I am excited, but worn out a bit already," Yoder said. "There's too much hype, drama and talk. I have a wife and a daughter. I can struggle and be upset, but I have to look at the big picture and be thankful for what I have. We all want to do good.
"There is a home lake jinx and it's possible to mess up by knowing too much. A lot of these pro-tour guys mess up because they know where the fish live on their home lakes, and they run too much. It can be a blessing or a curse.
"I have been just enjoying time with my wife and daughter. I am not too caught up in it until it's time to really go. The biggest thing I love about it being at Wright Patman is that I get to be home all week and sleep in my own bed. I've seen locals blow it away and have seen them flop. I am going to go out there and try to catch 'em."
Fishing can provide many life lessons for all who choose to participate. Some people will learn patience and persistence while others learn how to cope with feelings.
"Fishing is just fishing," Yoder said. "If I lose, it's not the end of the world. If I win, it's not the beginning of the world. Life and family is so much bigger than the fishing part of the world. I met a lot of good people and met a ton of good friends through fishing.
"I love what I do and am excited. I am going to have fun. But there is a lot of pressure on me because I am fishing on my (quote) home lake. In 2010, I won a tournament that I didn't even think I would be able to participate in because I was sick. There are many variables in fishing, and I can't be sure of how the tournament will go."