Story by Chad Marler | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
For as long as I can remember, fishing has been more than just a hobby. It’s a way of life.
Growing up, I was drawn to the water not just for the chance to catch fish, but for the lessons it taught me: patience, preparation, and persistence. Those lessons followed me well beyond the boat ramp and have shaped the person I am today.
Before stepping into professional fishing, I took a very different path of service. I was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. Jumping out of planes with that unit was about more than courage; it was about discipline, accountability, and trust. I learned quickly that success comes from preparation, that adversity is overcome with perseverance, and that no mission is accomplished alone. Those same values go with me every time I launch my boat in competition.
After my military service, I returned to the water with a deeper appreciation for the sport of fishing and the community around it. Guiding became a natural extension of that. Every trip with a client isn’t just about finding fish, it’s about teaching, encouraging, and making sure they leave with a memory they’ll never forget. I take pride in never having a “strikeout” trip, and that doesn’t happen by luck. It happens because of the preparation, scouting, and attention to detail I put in beforehand. In many ways, guiding has been just as much about people as it has been about fishing.
That blend of service, guiding, and competition is what ultimately brought me to the National Professional Fishing League. To compete on the NPFL tour is both humbling and motivating. I know I’m lining up against some of the best anglers in the country, but I also know that every obstacle I’ve faced in life—from the military to the grind of building a career in fishing—has prepared me for this.
As a rookie on the tour, my goals go beyond just chasing wins. I want to be consistent, to compete with integrity, and to represent the values that matter most to me: faith, hard work, and humility. Fishing is unpredictable by nature, but character never wavers. Whether I’m holding up a trophy or fighting to salvage a tough day, I want people to see that I approach this sport with respect and perseverance.
Off the water, I’m a husband, a father, a veteran, and a guide who believes in giving back more than I take. I’ve seen firsthand how fishing can bring people together, break down barriers, and create memories that last a lifetime. That’s why I share my journey openly on social media—not just the highlights, but the grind, the preparation, and the lessons along the way. I believe people connect with authenticity, and I want to inspire others to chase their own goals, whether on the water or off it.
The NPFL gives anglers like me a chance to share our stories on a national stage, and I don’t take that lightly. This league is built on more than just competition; it’s about showcasing the journey, the struggle, and the heart behind every cast. I’m proud to be part of that mission.
To everyone following along, thank you for supporting me in this new chapter. I’m excited to represent my family, my sponsors, my fellow veterans, and the fishing community as I chase this dream. The road won’t be easy, but if there’s one thing the 82nd Airborne taught me, it’s that the harder the mission, the greater the reward. And for me, the reward is simple: to honor the sport, respect the competition, and give everything I have every time I take the water.
Chad Marler – Angler Profile
