We had a chance today to check in with FLW pro David Walker today as he was preparing for the upcoming FLW Tour event at Ft. Loudoun/Tellico to see what was shaking in his world. Below is that discussion.
1. You are getting to go fish another event ... are you ready and how do you think it will shape up?
"No question this will be a sight fishing deal, and historically, I have not done well at those type of events. Rest assured though, I will be right there in the middle of it. The tough thing is finding enough fish that the rest of the field doesn't find to do well, and that can be a major undertaking. I need to do well because even though I had a good first tournament, I had a poor second one."
2. We have spoken about sponsors and how tough it is out there for many anglers right now. How is it going for you?
"Basically I am fishing with my money. With the exception of Evinrude, who I have been with forever, I am doing this on my own. The funny part about it is I am also fishing more. I am fishing the BASS Opens, the FLW Tour and have fished two of the FLW Series too. I am also going to fish the PAA events. Its about making checks, and I am not bitter or upset. We are all feeling it. The E-Team at Evinrude has been super. I have even updated my
webpage because of it. There is a lot of neat things going on there, and to see the videos and what the Internet can do is staggering."
"I also have been using Sunline for a few years and really like it. It's a product deal, but we, the pros, have an opportunity to showcase the products we actually use, and I talk about it all the time at shows, etc. This fishing deal will come around, and I want to differentiate myself by doing the right thing and fishing well and have to have great products to do that. I also have a deal with Kopper's that could really turn into something special. They already have some great products, but their new stuff is really sweet. I am excited about that one for sure."
3. You are very politically savvy. Do you come by that naturally?
"I want to be respected and try to look into the future. I work very hard both on and off the water, and having an ax to grind doesn't get you anywhere. I am honest and do my best to portray a positive professional image, and with the fan's and sponsors, that has to mean something. Its always best to be positive and let my rod and reel do my talking, if possible ... laughing.
