Sixteen years ago, if you would have told me I would be running couples/ co-ed bass fishing tournaments, I’d have looked at you like you had two heads. I had never gone fishing in my life! My mental image was impaling worms onto hooks, and sitting with a line dangling for hours waiting for a fish to happen by and eat it. 

Enter Erich.

I was bedazzled by the sparkly white, black & gold boat with the big, go fast motor that was parked in his driveway. I thought it was some sleek racing boat with its big decks, streamlined windshields, and sparkly fiberglass facade. I grew up water skiing on Chautauqua Lake and was very familiar with boats, but had never a “racing boat” like this before. Then he told me it was a FISHING boat. 

A WHAT? A FISHING boat?

I had to have the whole set up explained to me – the trolling motor, the “hole shot”, no worms just plastic lures – all of it. Hmmm, I thought, this is a cool way to get to know my new guy. I like being on the water and boating, and this bass fishing thing sounds kinda sporty. So I learned how to cast a spinning rod, tie a Palomar knot, and set the hook. The fist time I set hook and felt the fish tug back, bass fishing began flowing through my blood. Knowing I was going to set the fish free unharmed,  it was a guilt-free connection to another life. I felt the powerful pulling as the fish tried to swim free. Holding it, then lowering it back in the water and watching it speed away sent a thrilling adrenaline rush through me. I was shaking! 

Erich absolutely BEAMED with delight. His smile was so bright, it was as if HE had caught the fish! Sixteen years later, he still has the same look of joy every time I catch a fish. What started out as a cool new thing to try has become a special bond for us. It gives us common ground for conversation. I can relate to his love of the solitude of being on the water, the challenge of man vs. fish, the thrill of the catch and the satisfying exhaustion (or exasperation) at the end of a full day of fishing. 

Over the years, Erich has patiently shared his knowledge, taught me how to use different lures, and patiently backed the boat up when I was yet again hung 30 feet high in a tree. I have learned so much – not only from him, but ABOUT him. Bass fishing is something that has bonded us as a couple. Our love affair with the sport has fueled our own love affair. We watch MLF together. We talk about techniques we want to try. We dream of the lakes we want to fish. We laugh about our backlashes and awkward moments. We share memories of those big bites. We have FUN with each other.

Hook, line and sinker, this girl is head over heels.. for the guy AND bass fishing!

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The relaxation effect that takes place when our boat hits the water is like uncorking a champagne bottle. An early summer morning with no sound but the minor hum of the trolling motor and the gentle whoosh of your line running through your guides as you cast is one of my greatest exhales.  I would equate it with meditation. I can feel my pulse slow down, the tension in my shoulders release and my breathing getting deeper. The steady rise and fall of the boat beneath my feet feels like a lullaby. Just for a while, there is nothing but fishing, and all is well in the world.

With every cast, I fall deeper into the luscious trance of the dance my lure does on the end of my rod. My body goes into autopilot. Cast, reel, repeat. Cast, reel, repeat. Ahhhhhhhh! Everything is right in the world again. Bring on the bass. 

I can’t quote any scientific studies that prove specific health benefits. I don’t even know if any have ever been done. All  I know is even if my livewell is empty at the end of the day, fishing for bass is a zen experience for me that connects me to nature, quiets my mind and settles my soul. 

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This year kicked off the season with the Cleveland Boat Show and Fishing Expo. It was great to see BHT sponsors Vic’s Sports Center,  Fisherman’s Central, and NEW sponsor M-Tech Lithium Batteries on display. We checked out the show on opening day and barely covered all the stuff we wanted to see in the time we had to be there. If you missed out on the Cleveland show, here is a list of the upcoming shows & expos around our tournament area. If you know of any I missed, email it to BetterHalfTour@gmail.com & I will add it to this list! 

• February 14-16, 2020 – The Allegheny Outdoor Show – Monroeville Convention Center, Monroeville, PA – https://www.sportandtravel.com/
• February 22-23, 2020 – Vic’s Sports Center Open House – Brimfield, OH – https://vicsboats.com/vics-open-house-celebration/
• February 29 – March 1st – Akron Boat Show & Water Sports – John S. Knight Center, Akron OH – https://www.akronboatshow.com/

We will have a Better Half Tour booth set up at the Vic’s Sports Center Open House. We will be taking t-shirt orders and raffling off a his & her set. You do not have to be present to win, but you’ll need to text me a picture of your ticket if you are not there Sunday at 2:00 pm, when we draw it.  Check out  our t-shirt styles at https://BetterHalfTour.com.

I hope we run into you at one of the upcoming shows. Its a great way to warm up your winter, get your fishing fix, and support those that work hard to keep the best products available to you.

The post Its Boat Show & Fishing Expo Season! appeared first on The Better Half Tour.

We’re making some additions to the Better Half Tour website on this snowy Sunday night in the Portage Lakes. The latest news and event specific updates (like what you’re reading now) will keep you current on tournament info.

Better Half Tour videos coming soon!

The post A Snowy Sunday Night in PLX appeared first on The Better Half Tour.