Entry 72-3

Denny Brauer

My First Break

Editor's Note: Denny Brauer, of Camdenton, Missouri, has had has 64-top-10 finishes and 14 career wins in BASS, with the most recent being the Southern Open at Wheeler Lake. Brauer, the 1998 Bassmaster Classic champion and the 1987 BASS Angler of the Year has fished in 17 Classics and has earned over $1.7 million on the BASS circuit alone. Brauer, the first angler to be on the Wheaties Breakfast of Champions cereal box, is one of the most well-recognized and best-known bass fishermen in the nation.

Question: Denny, when did you get your first break as a tournament fisherman?

Brauer: I started guiding in 1982, and I won my first tournament in 1984. But, from 1984 to 1987, there were only about six tournaments a year, so there still wasn't enough money even if you were really good, to make a full time living as a fisherman without guiding or doing something else.

Question: When did your next big break happen?

Brauer: In 1987 I won the BASS Angler of the Year title. At that point I felt that guiding was no longer a necessity for me to make a living the fishing business. I had picked up enough sponsors and endorsements and my schedule was busy enough with promotions and speaking engagements. I was over the financial hump of trying to earn enough money to pay the bills.

Question: Was one of the biggest breaks for you the sponsorship that came from Ranger Boats?

Brauer: Absolutely. All sponsors are very critical to an angler's financial future and his ability to stay in the sport. I had only won one tournament when Nina and Forrest Wood began to talk with me. They told me that if I were interested in fishing more tournaments, that they would pay some entry fees for me. I always look back and wonder if they had not believed in me and been willing to pay my entry fees, if I would have still been able to compete.

Sometimes during my career, I would have a terrible tournament and coming up with enough money to go to the next tournament was a real financial struggle. Entry fees back then were about $300, but for me and my family, $300 was a huge amount of money. Without the Woods' support, there may have been many tournaments that I would not have been able to fish. I'll never forget what they did for me, and even today what they do for me. Hopefully I've been able to pay back some of the faith and support they had for me in those early days.
 

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