Winter 2019
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Whether you’re looking to jump up to the next level, or you’re in a rut in your local events and want to break out of it, Niggemeyer’s 2018 “rebirth” – as well as his much earlier move to Texas -- can provide an outline for how to effectuate that change. The first thing is to realize that there is no single way to get back on track.
“As men, we want the formula,” he explained. “Just tell me what I need to do, and I’ll do that.”
Every angler has his or her own ways to get back in the groove, but no matter how you fish, or what your background might be, “you’ve just got to fish your way through it.” After that, you need to take a firm inventory of what provides you your greatest successes, and also what holds you back, and meaningfully integrate that information back into your time on the water.
“I love to fish shallow and that’s not going to change,” Niggemeyer said. “But. I also know that I don’t want to grow stale. I grew up fishing with a spinning rod for trout. I learned finesse fishing from Don Iovino. I got back to some of my roots this year, but I also need to try to reincorporate some other things. A lot of guys who were really strong on tour this year did a lot of damage with a spinning rod. I put it off for too long.”
This year’s change of scenery might not have been by choice, but Niggemeyer turned what appeared to be a bucket full of lemons into a monstrous dose of lemonade. The resulting success helped him to happily remember why he suffered through the early days
in Texas. The lesson is applicable to the weekend angler and the aspiring pro just as much: If your time on the water and fishing results aren’t giving you the satisfaction you need, why are you spending so much time and money doing it?
“We all love to bass fish, but sometimes we get away from that,” he said. “This year I got back to that.”
Did he do well because he was having fun, or did he have fun because he was doing well? It’s a classic chicken-and-egg question, but the answer is probably a little bit of both, but if you’re in the same boat that he was, the best way out may be to totally change your workplace.
Editor’s Note: As time of editing, Niggemeyer made a public announcement regarding Bassmaster re-inviting him back to the Elite Series after the emergence of Major League Fishing. In his own words…
There have been so many changes in our industry as of lately and that has brought different opportunities. I have found that in these choices there all good ones, which can make coming to a decision difficult. Last year I made the move over to the FLW Tour and it felt comfortable, like I was supposed to be there. After a lot of prayer, healthy amount of thought and consideration with my family and sponsors I will be continuing to compete on the FLW Tour moving forward. I want to thank B.A.S.S. for extending an invitation to return to the Elites. •
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Niggemeyer from the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2015 Photo: B.A.S.S.