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.

[dodge_guy]

Let me know when Jennifer Anniston pulls in next to anyone!

[profdant139]

I wonder if those elite bass hunters travel with this amazing device:

Bass-o-matic

[MO_Rookie]

Not that it means much but if I had camped next to Rick Clunn I would have been excited also. It would have been hard not to be down at his site bothering him.

[mdcamping]

OldRadios wrote:
Some of their income is from actual winnings but I'm sure most of their income comes from product endorsements and advertising on their boats, trucks, and rigs.

Paid to fish. Now that's a good niche income for a full timer.

How about paid to Camp! I'm taking endorsements right now! :B :B

Mike

[lfloom]

I was camping in San Diego. A 1.5 million dollar rig sets up across from us (I know that because my neighbor immediately googled it - he told us his rig was only worth half a million. This while looking wistfully at my 15K popup 🙂 )

Later, people were excited because he was famous for racing big rig trucks. I never knew that was a support. Me? Not so impressed - he accidentally dumped his grey water tank on the ground, and twice set off his alarm in the middle of the night.

I also once camped at a state park. It was one of those wonderful trips were everyone gets to know each other and the kids all roam in a pack. There was a lovely family a few sites down - A single dad, his two kids and his parents. They were taking an extended trip around the country. Apparently he was a well known, retired baseball player. I hadn't a clue who he was, but I sure enjoyed the family.

[Ultralife]

Why does "rich" always have to have a monetary value attached. To have the life-style and joy they have would make me rich beyond all expectations.

[wbwood]

sch911 wrote:
😄

Since when have professional bass fishermen become rich and famous?

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

LOL... I have a coworker that was on the pro fishing circuit for years. He's worked with me for 10 years now. He will confirm that they were definitely not rich. Most of his stories are about rooming with other fishermen in hotel rooms to save money.

He enjoyed it and talks about ti every day. He enjoyed the little notiriety that he had with the small following.

[jesseannie]

When you turn your beloved hobby into a money making operation it just becomes a job!
Been there done that.
jesseannie

[OldRadios]

Some of their income is from actual winnings but I'm sure most of their income comes from product endorsements and advertising on their boats, trucks, and rigs.

Paid to fish. Now that's a good niche income for a full timer.

[empty_nest]

They may not be "famous" to the general public but they are in the bass fishing world. I couldn't tell you one "famous" NASCAR driver, but know (not personally) virtually all of the Elite series pros.

These guys are true professionals and class citizens. I have fished with a few of them when they still allowed amateurs in that circuit. An experience I'll never forget.

It may look like a lot of glitz and glamour but it's a lot of hard work, long hours and weeks on the road.

[Old-Biscuit]

I know who the 'Swamp People' are but haven't a clue about them bass fishermen

[rjf7g]

Yeah, some of the folks who fished the Bassmaster's Elite Series - Blue Ridge Brawl at Smith Mountain Lake (VA) camped in the campground where we have a seasonal site. Great guys - wonderful with the kids (who did know who they were) and even let the kids tour their enclosed boat trailer and really nice camper.

[Markiemark32]

Was a week before a bass pro tournament in GA, when we camped on the lake, several nice Truck Camper setups:

Few Pics here

Markiemark:C

[Dance_Chick]

sch911 wrote:
😄

the 2nd place winner, Chris Lane, has earned over $1.5 million.

-Michael

Chris Lane grew up in our church with our boys. We've known him since he was very young and know his parents well. Good people.