Profile of Pat Fisher

Pat Fisher of Buford, Ga., is among the hottest prospects on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. In 2002, he finished 12th in the points standings and finished fourth at the Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship. So far this season he won the FLW Tour season opener on Lake Okeechobee in January and finished in the top 30 at stop No. 2 on the Atchafalaya Basin. Those performances are enough to put Fisher in Angler-of-the-Year contention.

Fisher stands as a testament to the importance of mentors to young tournament anglers, and he credits Tony Couch with much of his early encouragement. “Early on I traveled with Tony,” Fisher said. “He showed me the ropes and was my mentor. He showed me how to read the water and the weather. Those long rides were just like going to college.”

Fisher also credits Mickey Bruce with critical encouragement. “Mickey told me, `You have the fishing aspect down. Now you have to work on getting sponsors,'” Fisher said.

Following Bruce’s suggestions, Fisher has been successful in lining up sponsors and now serves as the unofficial leader of Team Snickers.

Crucial support also came from Alabama angler Randy Howell. “Randy came to me and said, `Pat, I know you can do this. Don’t let the down times get to you,'” Fisher said.

Fisher also got much-needed support at home. At the time, he was debating whether to quit his job in lawn maintenance. His parents, reflecting on the opportunity, told him, “Take it.”

While the level of independence that any of us requires varies from person to person, quality mentors are often key factors in ultimate success. For Pat Fisher, established touring anglers have been both encouraging and helpful in boosting him toward the top of the heap.