Story by Brad Fuller | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
As we enter the fifth year of our endeavor, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. Over the past four seasons, we’ve built something truly special together—a league grounded in integrity, passion, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
We are starting to see key indicators that we are clearly on the right track. But make no mistake—this has never been about overnight success or visions of grandeur. From day one, we’ve understood that building the NPFL would be a long and arduous process. It’s not just about hosting tournaments; it’s about creating a league that reflects our values, serves our anglers and fans, and strengthens the foundation of professional fishing for years to come.
While we are always working to move the needle with the look, feel, and reach of the NPFL, it’s just as important to remain realistic about who we are, where we stand in our growth, and what obstacles we need to overcome. Building this business the way we have chosen to—with a clear purpose and unwavering commitment to our “why”—is, in itself, a challenge.
Everyone knows WHAT we do. We conduct bass fishing tournaments.
A lot of people understand HOW we do it. We do it with great respect for our anglers and a high regard for their role in the sport. The anglers are a focal point for a wider audience that can benefit from our sport.
Not enough people—including our anglers—know WHY we do it. It’s important to know WHY, and I want to make it very clear right here and right now before you embark on that next step with us. If you cannot get in step with our WHY, we cannot make this journey together.
Our WHY is simply this: We believe that bass fishing is more than a hobby, more than a sport. We believe it is a path to family, friends, and fulfillment.
You can define “family” and “friends” any way you like. They can be blood relations or fishing buddies.
You can measure “fulfillment” by any personal standard. Part of that can be trophies and prize money, but it’s also something bigger and far more rewarding.
If you do not align with our WHY—that bass fishing is a path to family, friends, and fulfillment—then we are on a different path and we cannot travel together.
But if we are on the same path—to family, friends, and fulfillment—we will not only travel together, we will reach our goals together, grow our families and friends together, and find fulfillment together. We will take bass fishing to greater heights than ever before and know that the destination was worth the journey and the vision was worth the struggle.
This year, we are committing even more to that vision by growing intentionally. One key move we’ve made is the creation of a sister company, FullCom Media. FullCom is purpose-built to be the sole provider for all NPFL production needs, ensuring that every piece of content, every live stream, and every moment we share with the world reflects the professionalism and quality that you, our anglers, deserve.
I will oversee FullCom personally, and it will operate independently but with the same values and commitment that have guided the NPFL from the start. This is a significant financial investment, 100% funded by Mike and Catharine Comeau, who share our belief in building the best fishing league possible. FullCom will allow us to maintain complete control over our production, ensuring that the relationship between the League and its anglers remains strong and focused on what truly matters.
One of the cornerstones of our growth has been building a team with people who aren’t motivated by a paycheck—they are motivated by WHY. From Luke Dunkin to Fat Cat Newton, Tanner and Travis Lyons, Ray Otterson, Justin Brouillard, Mike Auten and all the staff who make the NPFL go, every single one of these individuals is dedicated to our mission. That is the secret to our success.
From our event staff to the ownership group, this team is here for the right reasons.
From the anglers who have been with us since day one to those joining us for the first time in 2025, we are united by a shared belief in what this league can be and what it can do. That belief is what drives us forward every day.
This year, I ask you—are you here for the same reasons? Are you here for the WHY? It is that shared purpose that will make all the difference. It’s what will propel the NPFL to new heights and ensure that this league continues to grow in a way that benefits everyone.
Let’s also be honest—this is a business. And like any business, profitability is a goal. But for us, profit is the result of our hard work, not our motivator. Our driving force isn’t financial gain; it’s the pursuit of excellence and the mission to grow the NPFL the right way. When we take care of our business, remain true to our WHY, and work with integrity, profit will come as a natural outcome.
We’ve proven that we’re dedicated to the process of growth. Every step we take is intentional and designed to create something mutually beneficial for everyone involved. We’re here for the long haul, and we’re building something bigger than any one of us—a league that reflects the very best of what professional fishing can be.
The 2025 season will challenge us—it will push us all to grow, adapt, and thrive. But I know that together, we will continue to build something that stands the test of time. This is a journey worth taking, and I’m proud to walk this path with each of you.
Thank you for your trust, your belief, and your commitment to this league. Let’s make 2025 a year of purpose, growth, and unparalleled achievement.
Let’s go to work.
Brad Fuller
