CLARK WENDLANDT

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Rick Clunn

April 11, 2016 by Clark Wendlandt

Rick-Clunn 2Every once in a while something happens that just makes you stop and reflect. Not just reflect but really marvel. Two weeks ago my most influential fishing hero gave me one of those moments. He was fishing the BASS Elite event on the St. Johns River, and at the age of 69, just three months shy of 70 years old, he won the event. You may think that’s not that big a deal, but I beg to differ. It’s a really big deal!  To say the competition in these events is tough is an understatement.  He is almost 70 years old fishing against a field of 20-30 years old guys, and he whooped them. It’s significant to me because he is the guy that I dreamed of being as a kid. He helped inspire me to fish for a living, and now at the age of 69, he is still doing it, still able to not only compete, but win.

I’ve been professionally fishing now for 28 years, and the same week Clunn won, I finished second in an FLW Tour event – makes me realize that my best days may be yet to come.  I might still have another good 20 years ahead of me! Truly that is a great feeling. Fishing is a sport that is physically and mentally challenging. Clunn has always been one of the strongest mental competitors out there, and he has managed to stay strong physically as well. That is motivating! As I have reflected on the significance of Clunn’s win, I realize how rare it is that the same guy who inspired a 22 year-old to dive into competitive bass fishing is still a legitimate competitor in the sport and continues to inspire me 28 years later.

photo credit: bassfishingarchives

Filed Under: Blog

4 days ago

They are biting a Strike King jig in preparation for the spawn! #strikeking #sunline #ownerhooks #teamoutdoors #truetimber

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5 days ago

Caught a few nice ones today!

#teamoutdoors #truetimber #rangerboats #yamahaoutboards #powerpole #thmarineteam #lithiumpros #strikeking #sunline #ownerhooks #garminpro #fishgarmin #bassproshops

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6 days ago

Having organized storage while traveling from lake to lake is key! Check out my storage system this year! DECKED #deckedusa #strikeking #sunline #ownerhooks #truetimber #bassfishing

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1 week ago

New Sunline shipment in 🔥 What’s your go-to line? Mine is the Sunline Super FC Sniper for most situations!

#sunline #teamoutdoors

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1 week ago
Fishing & Hunting Texas

Let’s talk Garmin Force. Check out this video for a few reasons why I love this trolling motor.

Garmin Fish & Hunt #garminpro #fishgarmin #fishinghuntingtexas

The Garmin Force Freshwater Trolling Motor is the most powerful and most efficient motor available. It has the power you need to counter winds and currents with the efficiency to fish all day. Wireless chartplotter integration and built-in autopilot get you to fish, along with anchor lock to stay on them. Wireless foot pedal provides instant control and responsiveness - feels and steers like a cable-steered pedal.

#fishgarmin #bassfishing #rangerboats #yamahaoutboards #bassproshops #thmarine
... See more

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1 week ago

Congratulations to Jeff Gustafson Truly one of the nicest guys in fishing. Humble and a really great fisherman... awesome job this week. #bassnation #basselite

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1 week ago
Padre Island residents remove thousands of pounds of dead fish from canals, beaches

This is just a small part of the devastation caused by the winter storm 2 weeks ago.

An estimated 6,000 pounds of fish was collected near Encantada Avenue.

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1 week ago
Fishing & Hunting Texas

Tips on fishing in the wind. #strikeking

Many folks seek the sheltered part of the lake when the wind blows, however they may be missing out #bassfishing #strikeking

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1 week ago

Fishing was brutally tough so I was thankful for every bass I caught this week, but unfortunately it was only good enough to finish middle of the pack in 52nd. Time to put it behind me and gear up for the next one. #teamoutdoors #rangerboats #yamahaoutboards #powerpole #garminpro #thmarineteam #lithiumpros #truetimber #strikeking #sunline #ownerhooks ... See more

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1 week ago

To say I’m thrilled about catching a limit today, would be an understatement. I had 5 fish for 9-15, putting me in 21st place! Let’s get em’ tomorrow. #teamoutdoors #rangerboats #yamahaoutboards #powerpole #thmarineteam #garminpri #fishgarmin #truetimber #strikeking #sunline #ownerhooks #lithiumpros #basselite ... See more

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2020 Bassmaster Angler of the Year

2020 Bassmaster Angler of the Year It is hard to put in to words how it feels to have the greatest accomplishment of my career occur in the context of the most chaotic year of my life, and I imagine many of yours too – 2020. But in the midst of all the chaos, my job, while disrupted for a few months, resumed after a few months thanks to the efforts made by B.A.S.S to provide a full season for us. I am so appreciative to them and my fellow anglers for pulling together to make this happen. And … Read More...

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