Well, only three more days till I hit the road for the 2003 Bassmaster Pro Tour. Yes I am excited, but it is a big chore to try to pack and plan for the next five months on the road. My conversion van has been to the dealer, and received its stamp of approval. My boat and motor were also checked out and tuned up, with three new batteries. I learned my lesson this summer with old batteries that cost me several thousand dollars. I will not make that mistake again. And tomorrow I will be picking up the boat after having the bearings on the trailer repacked and checked. Nothing is worse then having a mechanical problem on the road, with either the van or the boat, so now I have some piece of mind.

Over the next two days, I will be paying the last of my bills, having my home phone forward all calls to my cell phone, and double check all the reservations I made for the tournaments. Being young, my personal funds are limited, and being a rookie on the Pro Tour, I have limited sponsor support. The sponsors that I currently have are supportive, I only wish their were more of them. That being said, my plan is to live out of my conversion van at campgrounds to cut down on my expenses. I lived out of my van for over 2 months this summer for the Northern Opens, and it was actually quite comfortable. I gutted the inside, installed a bed, microwave, refrigerator, storage boxes for tackle, and two plastic containers for clothes. After all, I will be fishing everyday, and we all know how a day on the water can make you tired, so I will have no trouble getting a good night sleep in the van.

However, I’ve noticed I am bringing much more with me this time around. Having to bring enough tackle to last five months, at 10 different bodies of water around the country is quite a task. Also, I will be brining more clothes with me, taking up more space. The only time the van is uncomfortable is when the rain is really coming down, as I have to try to work on my tackle and rig up my rods inside the van, making for real tight quarters.

Even with all my preparation, I still think I am forgetting to do something before I depart. It’s a common feeling, sometimes its correct, and other times it isn’t. Either way I can’t wait to get on the road as it will be a picture perfect scene. New Year’s Day, I will embark on a new adventure, what a way to start the year!