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Pro or Co, Either way it’s a Go, Part Two

Category: article

 Apr 19th, 2012 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Apr 19th, 2012 at 11:07 AM

In Part One of “Pro or Co” we heard from AIM Professional Walleye Anglers Chad Schilling of Akaska, SD; Marty Glorvigen of Grand Rapids, MN; and Chase Parsons from Brillion, WI.  Each angler answered a few questions on their experiences fishing the AIM Professional Walleye Circuit.  Here’s another chance to read a bit of what it takes to become a tournament angler from the Co-Angler’s perspective. When deciding to either fish as a professional angler or as a co-angler, it takes someone who has a passion – the passion to simply fish. But it also takes that competitiveness that drives them to be the best that they can be.  To compete and be part of a tournament trail. The AIM Professional Walleye Circuit has chosen some really awesome locations for their 2012 tournament season.  Locations that not only can produce HUGE weights, but just might also hold the potential to break walleye weight records.  There are openings in each event to fish both on the Professional or the Co-Angler level. Listen to some answers by a few AIM Co-anglers and then decide.  Becoming an AIM Walleye Fisherman or woman is a chance for you to “Live the Dream”  Come Join AIM!

Co Info:  Brought to you today by Co-Anglers: Dave Eddy of  Delavan, WI and Bob Luellen of Portland, MI.

Dave Eddy:

1.)    When you first signed up to fish as a co-angler in an AIM event, what experiences where you hoping to get from fishing with different anglers each day?
Eddy:  When I first signed up to fish as a co-angler in an AIM event, I was hoping to gain exposure to techniques used by different anglers on bodies of water that were unfamiliar to me.  In other words—new water, new people, maybe some new techniques.

2.)    While fishing as a co, who was / is your favorite angler that you were able to fish with so far and why?
Eddy:  My favorite angler is Brandon Carpenter because he is extremely easy to get along with.  He and I are relatively new to tournament fishing and I found we were able to work very well together as a team in a new learning experience.  It was a very comfortable situation.

3.)    While fishing with the pro’s, you get to use their equipment and learn how they go about a tournament day, however you can not tell them where to fish or what techniques you might know work on that particular body of water.  How frustrating is that when you aren’t in charge and do you wish you could be?
Eddy:  Since I’m on new water and expect to learn from the pros, I really don’t want to be in charge.  Frustration of this kind has never been a problem with me.

4.)    The AIM Professional Walleye Circuit really appreciates how hard the co’s work.  The Pro’s appreciate having help in the boat too.  Have you ever considered taking the next step and becoming a regular on the AIM Professional tournament trail?
Eddy:  No, the time commitment which must be dedicated to the tournament trail by the participants would not fit my life style at this time.

Bob Luellen:  Interview by phone

1.)    When you first signed up to fish as a co-angler in an AIM event, what experiences where you hoping to get from fishing with different anglers each day?
Bob:  Well I really believe in AIM’s format of CRR (Catch, Record, Release) and so I knew that would make for some really great tournaments.  This year it will be especially fun given the awesome tournament sites and the potential for huge walleye weights!  I also can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to fish in an AIM event.  Where else can you pay only $300.00 and fish for three days with the best fishermen on the planet.  I try to help with gas expenses and things like that too when I can.  I love to fish and to be with these top notch anglers is an awesome experience! 

2.)    While fishing as a co, who was/is your favorite angler that you were able to fish with so far and why?
Bob:  Oh that’s a tough one because I sure wouldn’t want to sell anyone short.  I’ve met a lot of wonderful anglers through my many years of fishing these events.  Up at the top of my list would certainly have to be Doc Johnson.  When Doc and I first met we just clicked and have been friends ever since.  I always know I’ll have a good time if I get to pre-fish or draw Doc as my pro in a tournament. 

3.)    While fishing with the pro’s, you get to use their equipment and learn how they go about a tournament day, however you can not tell them where to fish or what techniques you might know work on that particular body of water.  How frustrating is that when you aren’t in charge and do you wish you could be?
Bob:  Oh I remember once when I drew a professional angler and we were fishing about 150 yards from where I knew the fish were!  As a co-angler we are not allowed to discuss any fishing tactics or spots related to the tournament waters.  So even though I knew where I had caught some really nice walleye the day before, I couldn’t say a thing.  Although it was a bit frustrating wondering why we were fishing where we were, I knew I had to abide by the rules.  However, overall I’m not frustrated in being in charge, I just enjoy being able to show up on the tournament days and fish.  The pro’s are in charge of equipment, boat control, finding fish and every other aspect of the day.  I simply enjoy being part of the experience of it all. Like I said before, who wouldn’t want to fish with the best fishermen on the planet?

4.)    The AIM Professional Walleye Circuit really appreciates how hard the co’s work.  The Pro’s appreciate having help in the boat too.  Have you ever considered taking the next step and becoming a regular on the AIM Professional tournament trail?
Bob:  Though I really do love to fish, I know I’m a realist too.  I am always juggling all of the things I love to do and fishing tournaments takes a huge time commitment that I just don’t have.  In fact I just got married to the sweetest woman on earth and the day after our wedding last year, I left for a tournament.  She is very understanding of my fishing and also of my business.  I own and operate WorldWide Marine Underwriters, Inc.  It is the premiere marine insurance provider for the boating industry and offers the most comprehensive marine insurance available.  Worldwide Marine Underwriters only insures boats. It offers special programs for all types of watercraft, including pleasure boats, performance boats, cruisers, yachts, sailboats, charter boats and fishing boats.  Worldwide Marine is not only committed to insuring the boating industry, but is steadfast in giving back to the community. Worldwide Marine was a major supporter of the “Smoke on the Water Poker Run”, out of Grand Haven, Michigan – a charity event to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. The institution grants the wishes of children, under the age of 18, living with life-threatening medical conditions. The event raised over $170,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, as well as provided over 200 boat ride wishes for children.  Despite how busy I am, fishing is one of my main passions, but I know it’s a hobby and I do plan on fishing as a co-angler on the AIM Professional Walleye Series as often as I can.
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Well there you have it, Pro or Co questions and answers from Part One and Part Two of this article were answered by some seasoned fishermen. It sure sounds like EVERYONE; both the pro’s and the co’s enjoy the pro-co experience. Working side by side, learning from one another and many times, making life-long friends. Now’s your chance to join in an adventure of your own, even if you have never fished a tournament, but always wanted too, you can sign up today, or if you know of a father, a sister, a brother or a friend; anyone else who would love the chance to fish with the top pro’s of the country—spread the word.  Spread the chance to be a part of the dream, too actually make that dream come true and cross it off that ole bucket list.  Fishing on the AIM Professional Walleye Circuit is an awesome experience.  Either way, as a Pro or a Co—It’s a GO!