NPFL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
By Timmy Reams
Consistency – in my opinion, it’s the one word that every professional angler strives to have tied to their name. It’s a crucial aspect of a lasting career.
I have been with the NPFL since its inception in 2021. Before the start of the 2021 season, I delved into research, attempting to discern what made anglers good and what made them great. The only answer I could come up with was Consistency. I knew, even before casting a line that year, that my goal was to be consistent.
It took several tournaments for me to truly understand what I was doing, and my results reflect that. It all started clicking during the Pickwick event, where I finished in the top five. I thought to myself, if I could just replicate the motions, the thoughts, the decisions, I could really be onto something special. The remaining two events of the 2021 season resulted in top 10 finishes. I ended the season in the top 10 in the Progressive Angler of the Year points, which exceeded my expectations. More importantly, I remained consistent.
The 2022 and 2023 seasons were almost mirror images of each other. I started off super strong and struggled near the end. Although I managed to finish in the top five in the AOY race, it wasn’t the result I desired. Todd Goade absolutely dominated the AOY race for the 2023 season. Do you know why? Consistency!
Heading into the 2024 season, I will be making some changes. I have to do something different to try and close the door on one of the AOY shields. I don’t know exactly what it is yet, but there is something missing from my arsenal of mental toughness. I’ve learned that playing it safe when you have a lead doesn’t typically work out. You have to keep pushing and not let up. Doing all of that and remaining consistent isn’t an easy task, but it’s professional bass fishing – nothing about it is easy!
A friend once told me years ago, ‘Some anglers only have warning track power. They get close but can never hit the home run.’ That message has stuck with me for years, and I refuse to be that angler.
I know one thing for certain: I am looking forward to getting the 2024 season started.
