Hackney vs. Godzilla
Category: Tournament
May 22nd, 2014 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified May 22nd, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Many fans of pro bass fishing will remember the now famous quote from Mercury pro Greg Hackney from several years ago while fishing an event on Lake Dardanelle in Arkansas. He shouted out “Godzilla ain’t got nothing on me!” That was a mighty bold statement back then. Today, based on the massive box office money the current incarnation of Godzilla on film is making, that would be an epic statement.
Godzilla’s adversary was literally ounces from taking the Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year (AOY) lead from Skeeter pro Mark Davis. If Hackney finished in second in the last event they fished, the anglers would be tied. If Hackney came up with 9 extra ounces of bass in said tournament, he leads the AOY race. At this point in the year, with three regular season events left and one AOY Championship, it’s anybody’s game, but Hackney is zeroed in on making it his year. Look out Godzilla.
Hackney putting in the time.
“I am fishing a lot and have a good time,” said Hackney. “I’m one of those anglers who needs to fish all of the time to keep sharp. I think this is true because I tend to not fish a lot between tournaments. I always find something around the house that needs to be done.
“I don’t pre-fish, only on the practice days. I’m more a swing-by-the-seat-of-your-pants angler in tournaments. That type of angler needs to stay sharp to be successful. That’s why I fish both the Elites and FLW. Plus, there is a chance to make a lot of money.”
Two tours relaxes Hackney.
“This a tough sport,” said Hackney. “Or maybe I make it tough on myself. It’s funny how unhappy it can make you with certain finishes. I end up in 34th at Toledo Bend and I’m happy with how I fished. I finish third at Dardanelle and only needed 9 ounces to win and I’m unhappy with my performance.
“Then I end up just one point out of the AOY lead. Funny thing, knowing I am now going to fish an FLW event before the next Bassmaster event takes my mind off the AOY race. Helps me calm down. Allows me to relax and focus on something else.
It works both ways. It’s weird, but effective for me.”
Age has mellowed Hackney.
“I’m not as edgy as I was when I was younger,” said Hackney. “I’m 40 now. I’m way more relaxed. I’m looking at the big picture of my career and life. Both life and my career are marathons. I used to get caught up in each year and not focusing on the entire deal. I settled down and realized I’m doing this to make a living. I still get jacked, believe me. I am gonna hunt down that AOY title and give it my all to win it.
“In the end, I’m happy with where I am at. I make a living fishing. I take care of my family with a fishing pole.”