Entry 37-5

Mark Rose's Tips for Professional and Recreational Fishing

More Questions Answered By Rose

Editor's Note: Up-and-coming professional fisherman Mark Rose, 31, of Marion, Arkansas, is a member of the Strike King Pro Staff, has competed professionally since 1999 and has had several top-20 and top-10 finishes in bass tournaments.

Question: What else would you ask yourself?

Rose: I'd probably also ask, "Did you feel intimidated early on by some of the bigger names in bass fishing like Denny Brauer and Larry Nixon? How do you manage that nervous feeling? You know you are a good fisherman, but in the back of your mind you're thinking, 'There's no way I can beat these guys. They are the best of the best.' Too, how do you deal with the camera being on you?"

I'd say to just be you. I try not to get intimidated. I'm very dedicated to my spiritual life, and that really helps me personally. I'd just say try to remain as calm as you can. Attempt to put yourself in a situation where you are around a lot of people all of the time. Try to do guest speaking as much as you can. Do any kind of seminar-type stuff. Early on, I didn't have all those public-speaking skills, and I just had to develop them by being in groups of people and talking. I knew I was going to do a terrible job the first couple of times, but I learned from my mistakes and got better.

I'd also ask, "What would you do if you were fishing in a tournament, and your partner was a jerk?" If you know beforehand that your partner has a sour attitude tell him, "Look, we are going to have to fish together tomorrow for eight hours. We've got to be around each other, and whether you like me or not, we are going to have to work this out. So let's try to get along. We have a job to do." Anytime you are confused about any type of ethical or personal situations, try to talk it out with the other person.




 

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