Tough Economic Times Alter Some Anglers' Goals

(Editor's note: This is part 1 of a 2-part story that looks at tour-level anglers' goals and objectives for 2009. Part 1 focuses on Bassmaster Elite Series competitors, and part 2 will cover the FLW Tour.)

New Year's resolutions aren't for everyone – only a small percentage of them ever result in anything tangible, anyway. Nonetheless, many of us take at least a few moments in early January to determine what we'd most like to see transpire over the next 12 months.

For those who catch green (and sometimes brown) fish for a living, this year dawned with more uncertainties on the horizon than any in recent memory. With many sponsorship deals having gone by the wayside, their livelihoods could depend on them maximizing their on-the-water money-making opportunities.

BassFan surveyed some anglers from both major tours to find out whether they've set any specific performance goals for 2009, and whether there are any tournaments on their respective schedules that they're particularly looking forward to. Elite Series anglers' answers appear below, and FLW Tour anglers' answers will be published on Wednesday.

Kelly Jordon

> Primary 2009 goal – "I'm not a real goal-setting person – that's just the way I roll. My biggest goal, and I've actually thought about this, is when I'm fishing a tournament, to focus on that event right there and make the best decisions I can. There were a couple of tournaments this year where a decision or two just sunk my boat."

> Most anticipated tournament – "I'm really looking forward to the Classic – this is a special one for me because it's pretty close to home. I've fished there a lot and I'm very comfortable there."

Brent Chapman

> Primary 2009 goal – "My goals are the same as always – winning the Classic, winning the Angler of the Year and all that. Other than that, I'm going to hopefully try to get some of my sponsorships back. I'd like to recover some of those losses."

> Most anticipated tournament – "Amistad is always fun and Champlain should be exciting. Also, the Mississippi River in Iowa should suit my style."

Todd Faircloth

> Primary 2009 goal – "I set a goal each year to qualify for the Classic, and if I'm in a position to try for the AOY and the end of the year, that'll be great."

> Most anticipated tournament – "I'm definitely looking forward to Amistad because the last two times there I've done really well (1st and 4th). And the fishing should be good."

Paul Elias

> Primary 2009 goal – "I'm looking forward to having a more consistent year. I like the idea of fishing (without co-anglers) – a lot of good fish came off my water last year that weren't in my bag."

> Most anticipated tournament – "I always look forward to Guntersville, and we're going to Kentucky Lake at the right time of year. Pickwick should be real good, too."

Todd Auten

> Primary 2009 goal – "My only goal next year is to make some checks and make a Top 12 or two. I want to finish up there in the points to get all the bonus money I can."

> Most anticipated tournament – "I'm looking forward to Dardanelle. A lot of the lakes we fish are clear, but it's usually dirty water and shallow fishing, and I like it. It's a good fishery and it fits my style."

Terry Butcher

> Primary 2009 goal – "My main goal for the year is to make the (2010) Bassmaster Classic – in fact, that's my one and only goal. I really don't plan on doing anything differently than I have been, but I'm going to work a little harder at it."

> Most anticipated tournament – "Dardanelle. I've only fished one tournament there and I didn't do very good, but I'm looking forward to trying it at a different time of year."

Ken Cook

> Primary 2009 goal – "It's going to be an interesting year, and I want to win a tournament and qualify for the Classic again. I think those are reachable for me, and there ones that'll be on a lot of people's radar."

> Most anticipated tournament – "I'm looking forward to Amistad. It's the first tournament and I really like the fishery."

Edwin Evers

> Primary 2009 goal – "Same as always – the AOY and winning the Classic."

> Most anticipated tournament – "I'm real eager to fish the Classic on the Red River. That's by far my favorite venue on the whole schedule."

Jami Fralick

> Primary 2009 goal – "I get to go to the Classic this year (he qualified through the Central Opens), so I'm already starting out better, and my whole goal will be to make it back there in 2010. Instead of one every once in awhile, I'd like to make it in back-to-back years."

> Most anticipated tournament – "Amistad. I really like it and the time of year we're going there, it'll be really fun to fish. You can catch fish so many different ways."

Shaw Grigsby

> Primary 2009 goal – "My goals have always been things like make the Classic or win the Classic, but because of the tough times we're in, this year it's survival. I want to be around at the end of the year."

> Most anticipated tournament – "I'm excited about Iowa (the Mississippi River). I haven't fished there in many years, but it's a good fishery and it'll be new to us. And anytime something's new, it's fun."

Steve Kennedy

> Primary 2009 goal – "Nothing's changed for me. The Angler of the Year is always there – I finished 2nd (in 2006) and there's only one spot above that. And I certainly would hope to win the Classic, but that's more of a lifetime goal."

> Most anticipated tournament – "Dardanelle – I'm looking forward to that one. I like that lake, so that'll be a fun one for me."

Bobby Lane

> Primary 2009 goal – "To finish better than 15th in the points (his 2008 placement) and to make the Classic again."

> Most anticipated tournament – "The lakes where I didn't do well, I'm looking forward to going back and getting even with them. I learned a lot and it'll be nice to get another chance to shine."

– End of part 1 (of 2) –