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Hands down, the best fishing hole |
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If you don't believe it, look at the palms and fingers of Mark Burgess; he has tape strategically wrapped over the places that saw the worst wear and tear Thursday in the opening round of the Southern Challenge. Complete Story |
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Don Barone |
By Don Barone - I first met Mark at the beginning of his dream, at a boat show in Hartford, Conn. There he stood, all proud-like, you could see his success, feel it even. Straight of back, eyes up, never down, a handshake fed by confidence.A guy who has done what you hope to do.
Forty-nine years old, married, the father of three boys, a New England guy and regional sales manager for Skeeter boats. Norman Rockwell in a tournament jersey.
This was his time, his place, he owned this patch of the convention center. And you knew it. Here was "The Pro."
A rookie in name only, as he told me, "I've been fishing tournaments around the country for a decade now." He spoke of having charts of all the upcoming Elite lakes, of spending several hours a day preparing his tackle, his boat, his self. Complete Story |
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BURGESS: LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO STAY ON THE SIDELINE |
Dedicates Rookie Season To Ailing Father
Norton,MA. – Immediately after the BASS Central Open season ended, Mark Burgess found himself on the outside of the Elite Series cut looking in. It was a disappointing position, but one that he was familiar with.
“It has always been a goal of mine,” he said. “The first year I fished the Opens, I was in 14th place going into the last event. That was when they took 25 and I ended up 32nd. When they took the top 15, I was 18th.”
But his disappointment was short-lived. When it became evident that several qualifiers would decline their invitations to fish the 2009 Elite Series, Burgess got his opportunity. “They handed me an Elite packet and I was psyched,” he said. “It was a personal accomplishment that had always been a goal of mine.” With that accomplishment came opportunity, but there also came a weighty decision – could he afford to take the leap to the next level?
Ultimately, Burgess could not turn down the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream to fish at the highest level of competition, but it took a full-family commitment and inspiration from a number of sources to get him to that point. Read Complete Story
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