Story by Chad Marler | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
Professional fishing is often seen through the highlight reels — big fish, shiny boats, roaring crowds, and trophies hoisted high. But the truth is, behind every cast on that big stage is a man or woman who’s worked their tail off to get there. The National Professional Fishing League was built for those people — the ones who clock in, grind, and dream about competing at the highest level not because it’s easy, but because it’s earned.
Fishing professionally isn’t about private jets, high-dollar endorsements, or cushy schedules. It’s about long hauls down the interstate pulling a wrapped boat, grabbing gas station coffee before daylight, and rigging tackle in a hotel parking lot when everyone else is asleep. It’s about believing in yourself enough to chase a dream that doesn’t always guarantee a paycheck.
That’s what makes the NPFL special. This league was built for the working-class angler—the guys who balance guiding, family, and side jobs just to keep the dream alive. You’ll find welders, linemen, small business owners, and weekend guides all towing their rigs to the next stop. Every one of them is proof that this sport isn’t reserved for the wealthy—it’s for the willing.
For me, this rookie season has been humbling in all the right ways. I’ve guided countless trips in between tournaments, worked long days getting everything dialed in, and spent plenty of late nights studying electronics and maps to give myself a shot when tournament day rolls around. There’s no shortcut to the top in this sport—only hard work and the willingness to stay consistent when the grind gets heavy.
Fishing at this level has shown me something that sticks deep—the best anglers aren’t just talented fishermen, they’re some of the hardest-working people you’ll ever meet. We’ve all slept in the truck at one point or fixed a trolling motor in a parking lot with a flashlight. It’s part of the deal. You do what it takes because that’s what this life demands.
One of the most rewarding things this year has been meeting fans and other anglers who share that same blue-collar fire. Whether it’s a young fisherman who just started guiding, or a dad working overtime to buy his first bass boat, these are the people that keep this sport grounded. That’s who I fish for because those are my people.
When I look back at the season—the ups, the tough days, the near misses, and the moments where everything came together—I see a story that’s bigger than fishing. It’s about chasing a dream through hard work and humility. It’s about remembering where you came from while aiming for where you want to be. That’s the heart of this league, and it’s why I’m proud to wear the NPFL shield on my jersey.
This sport has always belonged to the doers—the people who build things with their hands, who know what it means to sacrifice, and who still find time to help a kid tie on a lure at the boat ramp. The NPFL represents that spirit better than anything I’ve ever been part of.
At the end of the day, when the crowds go home and the boats are back on the trailer, every one of us faces the same question: Did you give it everything you had? For me, the answer has to be yes—not because it’s easy, but because it’s who I am. This league, this journey, and this lifestyle, they’re all rooted in the same soil: hard work, faith, and the belief that good things come to those who earn them.
So, here’s to the men and women out there who work hard all week, then get up before sunrise to chase something they love. You’re the reason the sport of bass fishing is what it is today. And I’m proud to stand beside you … one cast at a time.
Chad Marler – Angler Profile
