Though I certainly don’t consider myself a wise man, I’ve found in life that, most often, first impressions are useless. The person you least expect to relate to becomes a close friend and a hero often turns transparent once scrutinized.
I remember the first time I watched Mike Iaconelli on television. While I’ve always appreciated someone – anyone – attempting to propel the sport of professional bass fishing, Iaconelli’s antics were just too over the top for me. My close friends agreed: This guy was just out for himself, trying to get publicity in any way possible. Acting like a fool, with no place in our squeaky-clean, conservative sport.
I was happy when he got DQd at the Classic for throwing his American flag-adorned light pole in the lake. I was glad he lost sponsors as a result.
Boy, was I a fool!
As many of you have come to know through my writing here, I’ve become somewhat of an Iaconelli fan in recent times. I’ve watched from the rear as he’s dealt with the public at all hours of the day, never losing enthusiasm for their stories. Iaconelli’s win at the Delaware River, and the way he proudly stood in front of the crowd, truly elevating his profession like never before, was a feat every tournament fisherman in America owes him for.
But just like many of the world’s best before and after him, Iaconelli’s day never ends. For these guys, there’s no time under the radar. It’s draining for them, and must be crippling for their spouses.
Despite such challenges, Ike’s latest feat may have truly been his greatest. He was recently the “featured bass pro” at the Adventures NYC outdoor event. But this was no ordinary county fair-type deal in rural America. Nope, Adventures NYC is held in Central Park, right smack-dab in the middle of the biggest city in the United States.
I called Iaconelli the following day to get his take.
A few weeks prior, he had received a phone call informing him of sponsor Toyota’s interest in the event; they wanted to know if Iaconelli could make it happen. Not surprisingly, his answer was a resounding yes. This was the first time that fishing would be included at the event (which has been going on for several years), and Iaconelli was the natural go-to guy. He had an urban feel and he could relate with New Yorkers; he’d be comfortable.
I think the execs at Toyota or the personnel at B.A.S.S. may have taken for granted what they were asking Iaconelli to do. It’s one thing to be a former Classic champ giving a crankbait seminar at BASSFest, but it’s a whole different ballgame when you’re the jersey-wearing bass pro that no one’s ever heard of, teaching people how to cast in Central Park.
But Iaconelli pulled it off, as usual.
I asked him about the details of the event, and he confirmed that only about 10 to 15 percent of the people he met at Adventures NYC had ever fished before. That surprised even Ike. Take into account that probably even fewer had ever even heard of “The Bassmasters”, and you get a feel for the type of scene that Iaconelli was tossed into. Quite the contrast, he confirmed, from his normal travels, where the vast majority know his name when he steps out of his truck.
Iaconelli’s job in NYC was, indeed, to teach casting seminars. He found it just as appealing as a hard-core bass symposium. And just as rewarding were the discussions before and after with local people who had no idea that fishing was free and legal throughout most of the bass-filled lakes of Central Park.
Iaconelli had fished there before, and was astounded by the quality of the fishery. Certainly his enthusiasm shined through; I’d wager he created new fishermen by the dozens just by giving up that info.
From 9 to 5, the line for Ike’s casting demo never slowed. He combined lessons with stories, smiles, and pledge cards for his Ike Foundation, another outlet to introduce people to fishing.
Iaconelli admitted a little anxiety going into the event, but once he settled in and mingled with the public, he found his premonitions were true: This time, it was truly special. The fishing conversations may have been less detailed, but they were no less important.
Ike described it this way: “Honestly, when I’m in my 70s, looking back on my life and fishing, these are the things that are special. (They’re) a level above all other accomplishments; they have more meaning. Introducing my kids to fishing, and what happened yesterday.”
We owe a lot to guys like Iaconelli, who aren’t afraid to throw the superhero cape on and walk proudly down the street. Believe me, it ain’t easy, despite what fans might think. For many bass pros, appearances are the hardest aspect of their job – in fact, some refuse to do them.
We all like staying in our comfort zones, whether it’s a group of fishermen telling lies, doctors meeting on the golf course or duck hunters drinking beer. And I can think of nowhere in the country less comfortable for a bass pro than New York City.
But Ike pulled it off.
I’ll remember that the next time I feel a first impression coming on.
(Joe Balog is the often outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)
