Goltz one step closer to fishing at pro level
Kyle Goltz, Cornell, took first place June 26-27, in the Wisconsin Bass Nation Classic at Buffalo Lake. With the win, that means Goltz is moving on to the Regional competition, at a date to be determined, as a step toward fishing at a pro level.
By Ginna Young
“You gotta eat, sleep, drink fishing. That’s the only thing on your mind all the time.”
Those words come from Cornell angler Kyle Goltz, who took first place in the Wisconsin Bass Nation Classic June 26-27, which reels in the top three guys from all the clubs in the state, to fish the tournament.
From there, the winner of that tournament goes on to the Regional tournament and from there, the anglers can go to Nationals, which qualifies them to fish the pro tour.
“This is kind of the grass roots version to take the regular guy and get them to the pro tour, without spending so much money,” said Goltz.
Anglers can go the other route, by fishing the four Bass Master Opens, which run at least $2,000 each, just for the entry fee.
“It’s really difficult for the average person to get out of work for at least six weeks of vacation,” said Goltz. “It’s a lot of time, a lot of money, a lot of commitment to do that.”
As part of the Chippewa Valley Bass Attack club, Goltz can bounce ideas off his fellow anglers, including Pat Schlapper, who went the same route Goltz and now fishes at an elite level.
Goltz says you think how impossible it is, that only one person out of the whole nation makes it to the pro level.
“Well, one of our guys did it,” said Goltz.
With that in mind, Goltz looks at his tackle box like that of a mechanic, that every tool has its time and place for use. He also admits that working toward a pro career doesn’t give an angler much of a social life.
“Every second, every chance you get on the water,” said Goltz, “is the only way you’re going to learn situations of what to throw and where.”
With optimism that he will come out of Regionals as the champ and move on until he reaches the pro level, Goltz says if the chance comes up, he is completely on board with an elite career.
“It’s been my goal since I could talk and it still is to this day.”
