Dudley: The best of the best
In the 25 years I have been a full-time professional angler, I’ve had the opportunity to see, compete, and become friends with the best bass anglers in the world. During that time, I fished the BASS Tour for nearly 20 years, and the FLW Tour for 13.
So I think that puts me in a unique position to be able to talk fairly about the much-debated level of competition within both circuits.
I’ll come out with it right now; there is no comparison. The FLW Tour, by far, is the toughest circuit in the world, with the deepest talent pool. Sorry if that offends some Elite Series anglers. But if you don’t agree with me fine, I welcome you to come on over and fish the FLW Tour to see for yourself.
Given that, Dudley’s second AOY title this week is one of the greatest achievements in professional sports. Actually, his track record over the past 10 years, in my opinion, is the most impressive one in the world of professional bass fishing – whether it is BASS or FLW.
I say this for several reasons. First, the FLW fields are much larger – averaging 150 to 200 boats over the past 10 years.
The FLW Tour has a talent pool consisting of such proven veterans as Larry Nixon, Jay Yelas, Dion Hibdon and many, many more. Then you have the aggressive young guns like Bryan Thrift, Brent Ehrler, Shin Fukae and many more, all of whom would dominate on the Elite Series if they chose to. And don’t forget about the strong local pro contingent at the FLW Tour Opens.
Given that, and the fact that the BASS Elite Series has just over 90 anglers, makes Dudley’s feat even more impressive.
Don’t get me wrong, BASS has a lot of great anglers competing as well. But my point is, the skill level measured by whatever statistical and historical means you wish points to FLW as the hardest circuit in the world to compete in and stand out in.
So congratulations David. I’ve told you in person, and I will say it again, I think David Dudley is the best bass angler in the history of the sport – period.
More than anyone I really shouldn’t be a Dudley fan.
During the 2003 Ranger M1 Tournament on the Mobile Delta, I was eligible to win 800,000 dollars with the incentives in that event.
I was leading the event going into the last day, where the weights were zeroed going into the final day. On the third day, I was leading with nearly 15 pounds, and Dudley was second with about 8 pounds. In a cumulative weight event, I would be carrying a lead of nearly 10 pounds going into the last day.
On the last day, I had almost 15 pounds again. During the 50-mile run back to weigh-in, I was elated – 100 percent confident I had just won nearly a million dollars.
It was a surreal feeling. At the final weigh-in, Dudley shocked the crowd, and me as well, by coming back with a huge sack, and snatching the victory from me by 6 ounces.
That stung, and still does today, but I also became a fan of David Dudley in the process.
His ability to understand bass behavior, movement and moods are unequaled by anyone. His intuitive ability to locate bass quickly is second to none. He is real, down to earth, and makes no efforts to draw attention to himself like many of the well-known superstars in our sport do.
Good job David. Now quit hogging up all those wins and top finishes and let someone else have some of the pie!