|
|
2004 BASS Tour Preview
01/13/2004 - I am really looking forward to getting back on the Tour in late January. I took a well needed respite from tournament fishing this fall, and it has been a good break. I am refreshed, and anxiuosly awaiting the new season. This season will mark my 15th year on the BASS Tour. Judging by the last two years, I seem to be getting better with age. That is a good sign, because, if the Lord wills, I still have many years of competition left in me. Historically, most bass pros careers' tend to peek when they are in their mid to late 40s, and I am currently 38.
After winning the Classic in 2002, and AOY in 2003, I have had quite a few ask what my goals are for 2004. I have been in quite a groove mentally and spiritually the last couple of years, so I don't really want to change anything. I just want to keep the momentum going. Jesus is still my focas. Like the song says "...if I keep my eyes on Jesus I can walk on water..". I am continually amazed at the work He does through me. I am nobody special as a fisherman or as a Christian, yet His Grace and favor continues to rain down on me. It is all about Jesus and not Jay, perhaps that is the key.
We have another Busch Beer situation again this year. In 2004, there is a voluntary Busch program anglers may choose to participate in on the BASS Tour. I was pleased to see BASS switch this program from mandatory in '03 to voluntary in '04. That was a good decision on their behalf, as it is in the best interest of all parties. I thank them for it.
I have spent the better part of the fall off-season praying about what to do about this voluntary Busch program. My initial reaction was "there is no way" I am going to participate. For a month I held that conviction, but never had a peace about it.
I have decided after much prayer to participate in the Busch program, and to donate any and all Busch bonus winnings to Christian missions work. That "any and all" includes the $100K if I win the Busch Shootout, and the $million if I catch the record one day stringer. Just like last year, when I won the $100K from Busch for AOY, I will not keep a penny of my Busch winnings for myself.
After wearing the Busch patch and boat sticker last year, I feel they are of little or no signifigance in terms of having a negative impact on people. To be honest, it seemed as if hardly anybody noticed them. If I can wear the patch and boat sticker without anyone being hurt or negatively impacted in any way, I will do it for the opportunity to win a $million for Jesus.
Last season I had to wear the Busch patch and boat sticker to participate, it was mandatory. This season I choose to wear the Busch patch and boat sticker because I want to win money to help Christian missionaries worldwide spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
|
|