Chris Lane is on a mega roll. Honestly, the Bass Pro Shops pro is having one productive season after another on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Starting with his Bassmaster Classic victory in 2012, Lane has won an Elite event in each season. Plus, there are still a few events left in the 2015 season for Lane to add another victory. How is he doing it?
Well, according to Lane, moving from Florida to Alabama several years ago and paying attention on tour have changed his life as a pro angler. In fact, the move to Guntersville, Alabama changed the trajectory of Lane's bass fishing career.
"When my family and I moved to Guntersville, it was a huge change," said Lane. "I learned to fish in Florida, that is where we we're from. Moving to Guntersville and being able to fish on Lake Guntersville regularly has allowed me to grow as an angler.
"You can read about or watch a how-to video on a certain fishing technique, but unless you can get out and use it and actually have some success with it, well it doesn't do you much good. Being able to fish Guntersville and use a variety of techniques and have them work has been a huge part of my angling growth."
Continuing education is another key to Lane's success on the Elites
"I continue to learn and become more educated as a pro on the Elite Series," said Lane. "Over the past 10 years, I've learned so much. The first years in particular were the cornerstone to my pro-fishing education.
"Learning what not to do during an event. How not to get rattled. How to practice smarter. I used to practice from sun up to sundown. I'd be exhausted by the time the tournament came. I sure caught them, but practices don't count. When the first day of the derby comes, then it counts.
"I've learned to make sure I have plan A, B, C and D, if necessary. Every cast counts. One fish can make your tournament to the positive or negative.
"It takes years to figure all of this stuff out."
Even with the incredible success Lane has had, he still feels the need to prove himself among the legendary anglers he fishes against.
"The first time I competed at this level, I was backing my boat down the ramp at Lake Amistad in Texas," said Lane. "I became star struck. There was Denny Brauer, Rick Clunn, Shaw Grigsby, Paul Elias. All these guys I grew up watching on TV. Amazing to think I made it there.
"Then after my first year, that was when Kevin VanDam was the guy, still is. Anyway, he is such a class act. I thought if I ever could get close to that level I'd be successful. I've done pretty well to this point. I have a long, long way to go to get to VanDam's level.
"I strive to be the best I can be. By the grace of God over the last five years, I've had success. It's getting harder and harder. The competition is better. My kids are getting older. It's harder to leave them and be away from them.
"I will continue to work as hard as I can and leave the rest to God."
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