Week 49 – Marty Stone
Full Season Ahead 12/5/2005

Photo: Doug Cox

Marty Stone said people in the Lucky Craft office will gasp when they see the size of his 2006 order.

Like many professional athletes, Marty Stone thrives on competition and the desire to win every event he’s in. He's had to endure the changes to the landscape of BASS like the rest of the tour pros. The announcements and retractions and revised announcements from BASS over the course of the last year have made for a bumpy ride, but Stone held on and is onboard for the trip.

Earlier this year, BASS announced the increase of the Bassmaster Tour fields to 200 boats, and that the season would be expanded to include 11 regular-season events and three majors, along with the Bassmaster Classic. After several adjustments and lots of heated debate, BASS settled on an Elite Series with only 100 anglers for 2007.

The 2006 entry fees zoomed up to $5,000 per event, but Stone sees that as a positive and said from now on, he’s only going to play in the "big leagues" at BASS. He said that since they'll have an actual off season, Elite Series pros will be recognized as true professional athletes.

Real Estate Time

The everyday grind that non-tour pros experience is also a part of Stone’s existence. He’s ready to close two real estate deals before Christmas.

“I really enjoy the time I have at home,” he said. “You’ve got to spend as much time with your family as possible, because the time you’re away from your family can be tough.

“I’m in the middle of two real estate projects,” he said. “I’m building a bigger home, because my family needs it. I’m also in the process of buying some prime hunting land. Like so many of the anglers on tour, I love to hunt and this land is that perfect piece of property that I’ll truly be able to enjoy.”

New Tackle

Along with his annual order of Lucky Craft lures, Stone has picked up a new line of reels for 2006.

“I was going through my tackle to see what I have and what I need to order,” he said. “Well, the funny thing is I still have a bit of my Lucky Craft gear from last year, but with all of the new colors and styles, I’ll have to place a pretty big order.

“Actually, when my order hits the Lucky Craft office, someone there is going to let out a huge gasp. I’m a little embarrassed, but I need to get my supply of those baits. I don’t want to miss any of the new hot colors.”

He's also pleased with his new reels.

“I was asked to try out the Browning line of reels that Bass Pro Shops is now offering,” he said. “I can say that the Browning Midas reels are impressive. I recently took one out and loaded it with braided line to do a little flipping. My sole intention was to tear the reel apart. It stood up to my abuse. I really like the product.”

Pro Season

Stone said the new Bassmaster Elite Series will finally put tournament pros on a par with athletes in other major sports.

“We’ll finally have a real season like other professional athletes,” he said. “It’s going to take a lot of discipline to stay at the top of your game over this next season, but it’s what the sport needs. We’ll finally have a true on and off season like the rest of the professional athletes in the world.

“The idea that the Angler of the Year (AOY) actually has to earn the title fishing so many different seasons and types of water is great,” he said. “You’ll really need to be the most consistent angler to win the title. Whoever takes the AOY in 2006 will really have accomplished an incredible feat.”