Story by Brad Fuller | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
Today, I’m coming to you all directly — not just as the president of the National Professional Fishing League, but as someone who’s fiercely committed to the values that make our League stand out. We’re talking respect, integrity, and accountability, not just in words but in action. Recent events have tested those values, and I won’t hide it — I’m angry. But if you know me, you know I won’t apologize for that. Sometimes, when you mess with the bull, you get the horns. I’m not saying that for effect; I’m saying it because we’ve come too far to let trust and respect slip away.
The NPFL was founded on a core belief that we’re more than just a League — we’re a family. And as any family knows, there will be moments when people get sideways with each other. That’s normal. Tough conversations and disagreements are part of what makes us stronger. But there’s a sacred part of family that’s non-negotiable: trust. When someone breaks that trust and drags private matters out into the open, it’s not just a slight — it’s a rip in the very fabric of what we’ve worked so hard to create.
Along with integrity, trust, and respect, there’s another word I hold very dear in my personal life and in my efforts for the League. That word is “confidence,” and I’ve thought about that word a lot recently. It carries a lot of weight, a lot of meanings, and a lot of value.
When we choose a path for the League, we do it without arrogance, but with confidence and conviction that we are making the best possible decision for our future. That’s one meaning of “confidence.” We back that kind of confidence up with our best efforts — with our blood, our sweat and our tears.
Another meaning of “confidence” involves privacy and mutual trust. It goes hand-in-hand with “respect.” If someone tells me something in confidence, I maintain that privacy. Without it, communication suffers. Worse yet, trust and integrity are destroyed.
I will not stand for that — in the NPFL or in my personal life. I value integrity, trust, and respect too much to allow it. So, when someone I want very much to consider “family” chooses to betray that relationship and those standards, I get angry. That behavior will not stand.
This League represents more than competition; it’s a community of people, from anglers and fans to sponsors and staff, all pulling together for a common love of professional bass fishing. And with that comes a responsibility, to each other and to the League. When someone steps outside of that responsibility, they’re not just affecting themselves; they’re affecting every single person who’s invested in what we’re building. This is bigger than any one of us, and it requires respect, if it’s to succeed.
In the NPFL, accountability is a two-way street. I don’t shy away from my words or actions, and I expect the same from everyone involved. It’s how we grow and how we ensure that this League remains a place where trust and respect aren’t just goals — they’re givens. A world without accountability is chaos, and that’s not what this League stands for. When we say we’re about integrity and family, it’s more than a tagline. It’s our bedrock, and I’ll protect it fiercely.
To our fans, our anglers, and everyone watching, this message is simple: we’re here to build something lasting. We’re here to elevate the sport of professional bass fishing, and that can’t happen without mutual respect. This isn’t about grandstanding or posturing. It’s about preserving what we’ve worked so hard for and making sure that we continue on a strong path forward.
So, let’s get back to what makes this League incredible. Let’s honor the values that got us here — values that will carry us forward to even greater success. The NPFL is our home, and like any home worth having, we must protect it. We’ll continue to build on a foundation of integrity, trust, and respect, and we’re going to bring you all along with us, every step of the way.
