Veteran professional angler David Walker has announced that he will return to the BASS Elite Tour in 2011. It may seem like a quick decision to some but Walker and his family have been aiming at it for a while now. Wired2Fish spoke to David about the change to BASS. Here is what he had to say.

 

 

"When I chose to make my move to FLW it was based on my sponsors," Walker said. "One was the Ranger Trail and the other was the Skeeter/Triton Trail. Evinrude was also aligned with FLW.

 

"A couple of other things entered in to my move back as well. I really like that their are no co-anglers in the Elites. I have never understood the concept of a non-boater sponsored by a boat company. To me, many of these guys are really good. They need to get out and fish on the pro side. They need to take the plunge and do it! You can't always wait for someone to pay your way to take the leap."

 

 

"I really feel as I have missed BASS," Walker said. "The biggest names in fishing and the biggest event is the Bassmaster Classic. I really want to get back and fish that Classic (Walker fished in six Classics and back to back third places). My finishes have always been higher in BASS. I can't explain it, but maybe it was the types of lakes. I am a power guy, and even though I tried to fish more finesse, I never got very good at it. I have to fish my strengths, and I think the BASS trail affords me that chance. For example, I have had better finishes in places like Guntersville." 

 

 

"I am always working overtime," Walker said while laughing. "If I don't fish, I don't get a check. Fishing tournaments is how I get paid. I look for as many tournaments as I can find. I am not mad at FLW in any way and will be fishing some of their events. I have to fish events and this move allows me to do that. I am a competitor, and it's important for me to keep my eye on the ball. I have never expected anyone to pay my way, I have to earn it, and it sometimes means sticking your neck out. The new reality is you have to fish more for less, and that is ok with me because I want to fish for a living.

 

"Being a BASS guy allows me to promote my name better. I don't know exactly why, but because I am a self promoter, it fits me better."

 

Walker is sponsored by Evinrude, G Loomis, Power Pole, Sunline, Live Target, X-Point Hooks and Ranger Boats. You can learn more about him at DavidWalkerFishing.info.