From Skunked to Champion
After getting skunked the year before, Bob and Matt changed their approach. A 38-inch striper gave them a shot at the title. Getting back to the awards was another matter.
When you think back to your Schoolie victory, what scene comes to mind first?
Bob: “We had zero fish the year before, so we completely changed how we fished that year. Good weather smiled on us and we got really lucky.”
Tell us about the fish from that weekend you still think about most.
Bob: “We managed a big 38-inch fish that made us think we were doing well, but didn't get our fourth good fish until near the end. We had to race to the award ceremony to make it in time.”
What went wrong—or nearly went wrong—before things came together?
Bob: “I am a terrible navigator and got us lost on the way back to the awards.”
What did your partner bring to the win that they'd never brag about themselves?
Bob: “He always gets more fish than me.”
What fly or pattern do you remember most from that weekend?
Bob: “Doyle's Dazzler as tied by the late, great Nantucket angler Paul Doyle.”
What did winning Schoolie mean to you in the moment—and what does it mean to you now?
Bob: “It's a really fun tournament. Even those first years at the smaller venues were always great. Now that our group is dialed in, we have a blast.
“We have standing orders to tell one guy's wife it's a two-day tournament.”
What would you tell someone fishing their first Schoolie that has nothing to do with catching the biggest fish?
Bob: “Take an extra day before the tournament as a practice day. Enjoy spending time with friends.”