Catching Bass and Grabbing Cash

By Joseph Marcades

Catching bass around Texas can earn you more than a great story for your buddies.

Bass Champs’ website features a schedule of tournaments throughout Texas, with prizes of up to $20,000 for first place. These tournaments cost each competitor an entry fee of $300.

Picture provided by Bynum.

Layne Bynum, the president of the Texas Tech Bass Anglers Association and a member of the Texas Tech Bass Fishing Team, said these tournaments are not for the weak of will.

“There is some big money to be made in these tournaments, but you will be testing your skills against some of the best anglers in the state,” Bynum said.

Coy Callison, the associate dean of graduate programs in the College of Media & Communication and a longtime competitive bass fisherman, said local anglers wanting to compete in these tournaments have to be dedicated. Callison participated in the Bass Champs tournament several years ago and does not plan on fishing the tournament this year.

“It’s not something you can do casually,” Callison said.

Callison said he would spend multiple days preparing for tournaments, which can be difficult because the big lakes in Texas are at least six hours away. Because of the distance, Callison said, the price of these tournaments can go up quickly. From gas to lodging, the endeavor is a fairly expensive one.

“Unfortunately, it has turned into a rich man’s game,” Callison said. “I’ll have $1,200 invested in a tournament before I show up, and if I don’t win at least $1,200, I won’t break even.”

Younger fishermen like Bynum realize bass fishing, whether professionally or semi-professionally, comes with its challenges, leading them to appreciate their collegiate experience.

Bynum, who recently qualified with his partner for the Carhartt College Bassmaster National Championship, said the friendships made are one of the best things about being on the team.

“The friendships I have made in this sport are some that will last a lifetime,” Bynum said. “Not only with the guys here on the Texas Tech team, but I have made friends all over the country.”

Chase Dehaven, a first-year member of the team and a San Antonio native, said he is looking forward to competing in the years to come and loves the community.

“It’s a real tight-knit community,” Dehaven said. “Everybody is always looking out for each other, like when we have tournaments and a boat breaks down, all you have to do is start waving someone over.”

Both Bynum and Dehaven have been fishing all of their lives, and both said they would love to continue doing it at a professional level for real money if given the chance.

“It has always been my dream to fish professionally,” Bynum said. “If the opportunities ever arise for me to give it a shot, I will do it without hesitation.”