BassFans have had an opportunity to watch John Murray's season unfold via his BassFan Big Stick reports. But one thing Murray hasn't talked much about is his roommate Skeet Reese. The two travel together, so Murray's been right there in the hotel room all year as a witness to Reese's run at the Angler of the Year title.
About Reese's demeanor through it all, Murray said: "He's cool, calm and collected. He really has a single focus. He doesn't get distracted. He just has that quiet confidence where he knows he's going to catch them, even if he's not on them in practice."
Murray also noted the two have shared notes throughout the year – both during practice and competition – but he's actively tried to keep his distance from Reese while on the water. "We share info as far as techniques, but I don't want to be near any of his areas," Murray said. "It's his lifelong goal, he's one of my best friends, and I want him to win it."
About whether he's learned anything from Reese this year, Murray said: "Oh yeah. I'll sit there at night and stress that I have to make the (Bassmaster) Classic, then I'll look at him, in a one-on-one battle with (Kevin) VanDam, and he's handling it a lot better than I am. That helps me put things in focus."
