Stacey King will not compete on the FLW Tour this year, the veteran angler told BassFan on Tuesday. Instead, he will fish the Bassmaster Central Opens and the Central Division of the FLW Series.
The 66-year-old King says that while he liked the venues on the Tour schedule, he wasn’t a fan of the travel it would entail.
“At my age, after being in it for 30 years, I’ve gotten tired of the travel and being away from home and the grandkids, so I decided to back off a little this year,” he said. “I’m going to miss the fishing the Tour. I love the lakes they’re going to, but three of them are on the East Coast and those are long drives for me. I’m just kind of tired of that.”
He said he’s feeling strong and healthy and he’s anxious to get started on the new season despite not fishing much around his Missouri home lately.
He says not fishing for a $100,000 winner’s share will be an adjustment, he’s aware of the other opportunities that fishing the Opens and FLW Series present.
“Both circuits have year-end advantages where if you’re fortunate enough to do well enough, there’s an opportunity there, too,” he said, referring to a potential Bassmaster Classic berth or Elite Series invite through the Opens or a spot at the FLW Series Championship. “The opportunity to win money is not as good, but that’s okay. I’ll give that up for the leisure of taking a 1-day drive to Kentucky Lake or Dardanelle for a tournament.”
