Contributing NPFL Editor, John Soukup | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
The 2024 NPFL Season is quickly upon us, and I am excited to announce my “Homecoming” return to competition. From Fat Cat and Dunkin’s humor and analysis, to Big Al’s “There’s the Boom,” to Brad and ownership’s passion both in love and aggression (Those that know, know), to the NPFL anglers who are my people, and finally the Loyal Fans, The National Professional Fishing League is my home.
So when I was asked to write a bio article, I sat and thought, “What’s there to say about me? Do I write about my love for family, friends, God, the NPFL, or my passion for the little green fish called a Bass, or how I’ve strived through adversities and hardships, determined to stay focused and driven, motivated by a passion and love for the sport of Bass Fishing?”
But the one thought, above all, that just wouldn’t leave my mind is I AM the NPFL. I am a Dad, a Husband, a 42-year-old, a Contractor, a Christian, a Fisherman, a Hard worker striving to keep myself in love to provide for my family and friends, with a burning desire to compete at the highest level of Bass Fishing. I AM the NPFL, You ARE the NPFL, We ARE the NPFL.
WE, United, have ridden the adversity of life’s ups and downs. Life has thrown its challenges and knocked us down, but WE are that guy. That guy you need to be aware of, the guy that gets stronger when he’s knocked down. Stronger, resilient, humbled to perfection through life’s hardships. We have eaten our fair share of humble pie, we haven’t won every battle, yet here we stand, battle-tested and ready to fight again.
Failure is no distraction, but a badge of honor we wear proudly in our determination to be the best Angler, Father, Husband, Human, Friend that we can be. We rarely hold up the Shield in victory, yet our focus never wavers. In our defeats, we find our success. Not willing to break, we allow the competition to mold us. Staying driven, we move forward believing in the thrill of the next cast, the next fish, the next tournament.
We do not look back at the 1,000 failed casts, but in perseverance and love of the pursuit, we excitedly focus on the next opportunity. Much like the perseverance of us, its fishermen, The NPFL has taken on its anglers’ perseverance, and with a resounding “Never Give Up” attitude, stands stronger than ever. United in motivation, we have been down, we have been up, but one thing we are not, we are NOT quitters! I AM, You ARE, We ARE. The National Professional Fishing League.
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Be sure to join us for the kickoff of the 2024 NPFL Season on Logan Martin Lake February 1-3 hosted by the City of Oxford. And Be sure to Sign Up for the 100% FREE account to catch all the action streamed exclusively by PHYXtv. Join us for the Nightly Roundtables starting Sunday night with Brad Fuller and our NPFL Anglers to get the inside scoop on practice and more. Then catch all the action from the launch to the presentation of NPFL Shield and the $100,000 Winnner’s Check.
