Story by Sean Alvarez | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
As one of the 12 “rookies” on the 2025 NPFL circuit, I have personally grown a greater respect for the term and a deeper appreciation for the challenges that come along with the position and the level.
Through the first two events, and through preparation for the upcoming NPFL Stop 3 on Douglas Lake, I can confirm that the NPFL rookies may quietly be some of the hardest working anglers on the trail.
Having never previously competed in NPFL or competing circuits at a tour level, there are added obstacles that rookies must overcome in order to compete with those who have competed at this level for many years.
What may surprise you to know is that many of us have been competing in multi-day tournament series for many years and some (including myself) have even competed at the Bassmaster Classic or other top-level events. So, while we are ‘rookies’ by definition, competing at high levels and against the best-of-the-best is not new to most of us. We know we can beat them!
Here are some of the additional challenges we rookies face that you may not be aware of:
- Time — Many rookies still have full-time jobs or are new to doing this full-time. Therefore, we must still balance work and family life with the demands of preparation for and participation in tour-level events. Time spent at other work is valuable time that the full-time, experienced touring pro is using for preparation. This is a real disadvantage for many rookies.
- The Routine – We are having to establish new preparation, travel, sleep, and tournament execution routines that seasoned pros may have had established for years. After two stops in NPFL now, I can share that the grueling routine is becoming easier and will probably continue to get easier as the year progresses. Year 2 should be a breeze in this respect.
- Preparation — There is a lot of added working involved with researching new lakes we have not been on, waypoint preparation, organization of our growing inventory of tackle, equipment, and figuring out where to stay and where to go and how to reduce costs.
- Comradery – Being new to an established group of pros can be intimidating if we allow it to be. It amazes me how the NPFL rookies seem to have banded together in travel and other aspects. Many of us have already become good friends, roommates at rentals, work together to figure out a lake, and celebrate our successes together. It is if by having the label of rookie, we share a common fate and want to see each other succeed.
- Social Media – Many established, seasoned pros have large social media accounts and followings and are fun to watch. But, don’t discount the rookies just yet! We are getting set up and starting to build our social media presence. Give a rookie a follow today and watch as they grow! I’m sure you will be surprised and entertained at the same time.
- Sponsors – Most of us have worked over the years to establish some levels of sponsorship. Usually this involves companies who already have faith and belief in our abilities to promote and represent their products, regardless of past. Even with that, rookies have additional work to build and promote a bigger sponsorship base without having household name recognition and bountiful accolades just yet. In today’s environment, many sponsors favor the more seasoned pros. I can assure you that rookies are going out of their way to get their few sponsors extra attention. If you are a sponsor, take a chance on a rookie while you still can. They will work extra hard to keep you happy!
- Pressure — We often place more pressure to do well upon ourselves than people expect of us. When a rookie doesn’t meet his or her own high expectations, the self-imposed pressure cooker can be brutal. In that respect, it is actually nice to have the spotlight off of us and for people to assume that we are true ‘rookies’ in the sense of the term. Many of us perform better as underdogs. I can assure you that we are all looking forward to surprising you someday and showing you what we are truly capable of.
At some point this season, the rookies are going to be climbing further up the Progressive AOY leaderboard, cashing more checks, and taking home the coveted NPFL shield. The future is bright for many of these rookies.
Remember, every famous sports figure was a rookie at some point. So please take a moment to get to know these anglers and celebrate their new journey with them. To succeed, they have overcome many additional challenges in this first year and truly deserve what they have earned – and your support!
Sean Alvarez – Angler Profile
