Camping with the Rich and Famous...

[mgirardo]

Wasn't sure where to put this post, but thought it most appropriate here.

Back in February when we booked our summer vacation, a 6 week trip at Lake Kandle in Southwestern NJ, the owner told us we couldn't have the site we had last year because there was a professional Bass Fishing Tournament on the Delaware River and one of the anglers already had our site for one of the weeks we'd be there.

We wanted a different site anyway, so it wasn't a big deal. Our site this year is 3 sites down from our site last year. So when the Anglers started arriving last week, we thought it was pretty cool to see their boats and how they set up camp for the week. I like to fish, but I don't get too into it.

I knew these were professional anglers, but being the first Bassmaster Elite tournament in NJ, I wasn't expecting the turn out they got. The angler that got the spot we had last year was Rick Clunn, considered by many to be one of the best anglers of all time. There were about 6 anglers at the camp site. The few we interacted with were very nice. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to meet Rick.

Just curious if anyone else has had a similar encounter while camping.

I wanted to respect his privacy until he left. Below is a picture of Rick's site; boat, truck and truck camper.

[cyntdon2010]

Rick Who?

[loulou57]

sch911 wrote:
😄

Since when have professional bass fishermen become rich and famous?

I'm pretty sure even they themselves would disagree...

LOL....we know a couple of "professional anglers". They would not consider themselves rich and famous...They are however Canadian Anglers.

[kcmoedoe]

mgirardo wrote:

sch911 wrote:
😄

Since when have professional bass fishermen become rich and famous?

I'm pretty sure even they themselves would disagree...

Well, considering Rick Clunn's BassMaster earnings are over $2.2 million, there's a pretty good chance he's rich. Since more than just me at the campground knew who he was, I'd say he is famous.

The winner at the Delaware River tournament, Michael Iaconelli, has also earned over $2.2 million, the 2nd place winner, Chris Lane, has earned over $1.5 million. The 4th place winner, Kevin Short, who was also at the campground has won over $800k. There's a good chance all three of them are rich.

-Michael

Those are career earnings and do not take into account their expenses to earn those prizes. That Iaconelli guy has won $2.49 million over a 15 year career. That would make his average yearly winnings $166,000 per year. Even if he had no expenses, that wouldn't exactly qualify as "rich" in today's world. Bass fisherman don't run in the same circles as NBA, NFL, MLB or NASCAR athletes. They may be marginally notable, but hardly famous.

[ScottG]

Who?

[Steeljag]

Lol......his /her privacy is safe with me......I have NO idea who this person is.

[mgirardo]

sch911 wrote:
😄

Since when have professional bass fishermen become rich and famous?

I'm pretty sure even they themselves would disagree...

Well, considering Rick Clunn's BassMaster earnings are over $2.2 million, there's a pretty good chance he's rich. Since more than just me at the campground knew who he was, I'd say he is famous.

The winner at the Delaware River tournament, Michael Iaconelli, has also earned over $2.2 million, the 2nd place winner, Chris Lane, has earned over $1.5 million. The 4th place winner, Kevin Short, who was also at the campground has won over $800k. There's a good chance all three of them are rich.

-Michael

[sch911]

😄

Since when have professional bass fishermen become rich and famous?

I'm pretty sure even they themselves would disagree...

[the_bear_II]

In the late 80's we were involved in off road racing (Baja 1000 & other SCORE events). You would see anything from multi-million dollar setups to guys sleeping in the back of their pickups. Our TT provided a lot more comfort than the pickup bed crowd but not as much as the multi-million dollar crowd.

[newman_fulltime]

they are very good bunch of guys i try to meet up with them when they are in louisiana.