Entry 267-1

Doing It All with Shaw Grigsby

Part 1: Filming and Fishing

Question: Shaw, you qualified for the 2009 Classic, but missed the 2007 and the 2008 Bassmaster Classics. What happened during 2006 and 2007 that caused you to miss these tournaments?

Grigsby: Two-years ago, I made a dumb mistake that caused me to disqualify myself from the 2007 Bassmaster Classic. I didn’t think there was a way for me to catch enough fish in the last tournament to make the Classic. So, I asked my partner about the body of water where the Bassmaster Classic would be held. From my perspective, I wouldn’t be a contestant, so gathering information about the Classic lake wasn’t a huge deal. As fate would have it, I caught enough fish in that tournament to make the Classic. I had to disqualify myself from the Classic because it’s against the rules to get information about Classic waters. It was a dumb mistake. I never dreamed I’d catch enough fish to make the Classic, but it happened. So, I felt really-bad because this happened during the last tournament of 2006 before the Classic.

Last year (2007), I took a lightning hit during one of the last tournaments of the season. The lightning fried many of my electronics including the switch to my live well. I thought we had everything fixed for the last tournament of the year. I did well in the last 2007 tournament and felt I had enough fish to make the 2008 Classic. But when I reached the weigh-in site and opened my live well, my fish were belly-up. Apparently, we didn’t fix the live-well switch, which cost me going to the 2008 Classic.

I shouldn’t have been so far back in the pack that the last tournament of both seasons played such a major role in my position for the Classic. But those two mistakes are the reasons I’ve missed the Classic the past 2 years. I’m very excited about qualifying this year for the big show. I’m thrilled to make the 2009 Classic, and it will be a great one in Shreveport, Louisiana, in February.

Question: Shaw, most people don’t realize you have two jobs, instead of one. You’re not only a full-time professional at the highest level of bass fishing, but you’re also the host of a highly-successful TV show. Both jobs are full-time careers. How much strain does working two jobs place on your fishing, your family and your ability to run both businesses?

Grigsby: Television is a full-time job. To work this full-time job and compete on the BASS Elite Series is tough sometimes. Being a TV show host and a professional bass fisherman takes lots of energy, time and creativity. To be an effective tournament bass fisherman, you must be focused and concentrated on fishing. To be an effective TV host, you must focus and concentrate on the TV show. You can’t do both at the same time. This year, I’ve already filmed six shows while fishing on the Elite Series. When we have a week off from tournament fishing, I’m filming TV shows instead of having time off. But my fall schedule is easier.

Question: When other competitors on the Elite Series work on their tackle, boats and/or motors, and practice fishing on the lake, you’re out filming TV shows, right?

Grigsby: Absolutely. I don’t mind being a very-busy guy. I enjoy fishing the Elite Series and filming TV shows. Even though doing both is tough, I’m not willing to give-up either one.

Question: Shaw, your success as a bass fisherman tells me you probably could earn a good living simply being a tournament fisherman. If you chose to be a TV host, you probably could give up tournament bass fishing, and still earn a pretty-good income. Why did you decide to take on a TV show after you already had a successful bass-fishing career?

Grigsby: I didn’t realize how much work was involved in having a TV show. It’s like riding a bull. The idea of climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound animal and riding him, jump for jump, seems fun and glamorous. But once you climb into the chute and tie yourself to the bull by a rope, and the gate opens, the time has long passed to decide whether or not bull riding is a good idea.

The show’s had great ratings and I like filming it. But my passion is for tournament fishing. The TV show is my job, but I look forward to tournament fishing. I love to compete as a bass fisherman and always strive to improve. When a tournament ends, I look back to see how I can perform better. At the end of each tournament, I’ve learned a little more about how to be a better bass fisherman. When I’m working on a TV show, I’m not only finding and catching bass, but I have to be sure my boat, tackle and the bass I catch looks good for the shot.

Question: So, you really have three jobs, Shaw. You have sponsors, so you have to work with the press on promotions, attend seminars and work at consumer shows.

Grigsby: Yes, but that’s just a part of being a professional angler. I’m fortunate to live my dream. To compete with the best bass fishermen in the world and have a TV show about fishing is my dream come true. Though the hours and the days are long, I’m very conscious of the fact that I’m truly blessed to do what I do.

To learn more about Shaw Grigsby, visit www.one-more-cast.com.

Next: So Many New Lures, So Little Time to Fish Them

Contents:

• Part 1: Filming and Fishing
• Part 2: So Many New Lures, So Little Time to Fish Them
• Part 3: It’s Okay to Be Me
• Part 4: What’s that Weird-Looking Bait?
• Part 5: Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number