What slump?
Didn't know I wasn't doing so hot until fantasy players got to me
By Marty StoneI have just finished enjoying some time off from a very busy season so far. It was a great Fourth of July. I got to hang out with some friends I have not seen in more than five years.
Before I get started, I want to take this time to say thanks to all our troops for what they are doing and have done. Their efforts allow me, and everyone else in this great country, to have the freedoms we all enjoy.
Speaking of freedoms, I have found that fishing fans all over the country are participating in fantasy fishing. I used to think this was something Mark Zona, Tommy Sanders and Jerry McKinnis just used to talk about to fill a show. I figured Zona and Tommy were forced to play by Jerry (not that he would ever play the "I am the boss" card).
After this Fourth of July, I have come to find out there are a whole lot of people playing this madness.
People who have watched my career for the last year and a half want me to come up with some profound statement of why I sit where I do in the standings.
Here is a small explanation, and the larger will probably be another article. I will keep this simple so all the "Ike" fans won't have to think too hard. I have fished 15 days so far in the Elite Series (for those adding everything up, I have only made one cut).
So far, I have caught limits in 13 of those days. Of those 13 days, I have culled no less than three times each day. I have not figured it out exactly, but I guess I am averaging close to 14 pounds a day.
Of all the days I have had on the water, the only day I wish I could do over was the first day on Lake Guntersville. So if catching a limit in 13 of 15 days is a "slump," I guess I am in one. If averaging 14 pounds a day is considered being in a "slump," I guess I am in one. (Can you believe I used the dreaded "S" word twice?)
Anyway, back to my point about fantasy fishing … In 2005, when I was making my run at the Angler of the Year (AOY) title, I did not hear much about this disease called fantasy fishing. Since my "little slide" down the standings, fans all across the country have wanted to know what was wrong with Marty Stone. (That's right — I just went third person on you).
Some have done it with the deepest concern, and some have been down right angry because I am messing up their fantasy teams. To those who are truly concerned… "Thank you." For those who are not real happy with me — get over it. It is fantasy, not reality.
I also say this with the utmost confidence: Beware, because if you have followed my career at all, it will remind you of a volatile stock. I can go way up and then loose value, but I will come out of this with a vengeance. I always do. Just study my history.
So, to all my friends who confronted me this Fourth of July with "why are you messing up my fantasy team" questions: Drop me! As Swindle always says, "Don't hate the player, just the game!" This game can and will drive you nuts.
To Zona, this is all your fault. I never went through this when you left me off your team, but you had to go and pick me.
To BASS, thanks for creating this "monster." It is obviously working. I might even have to log on and get a team.
I will let everybody in on a little secret, but please do not tell a soul. Pick a skinny, almost-grown angler, who lacks any athletic talent other than fishing and has absolutely no chest hair (he is probably working on a career in body building after fishing):
No, not Mark Tucker (although I would definitely have him on my team); No… The secret is Kevin Van Dam. If you have a team, and he is not on it, you probably believe the Chicago Cubs are going to win the World Series. (And I still think Skeet is the man!!)
Until next time keep logging on!
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