Although fishing does indeed have its professional combatants and its competitions, it is mostly practiced by people who are truly amateurs, at best. Most of the amateur fishermen operate under no type of framework, whatsoever, not the least bit organized like even our high school bass fishermen. We just pick up our gear and hit the water, either solo or with friends. There is no right or wrong way to do it.

That said, we do keep track of the won/loss records and the standings, whether we watch the Bassmasters on television or check the data when we attend our local fishing club meeting.

How about the records and streaks? Many of the fishing records are as hallowed as those in other sports. Want to start a fight in Minnesota or Wisconsin? Just go ahead and question the validity of Luis Spray’s record muskellunge. Was any American angler more devastated than when George Perry’s revered record bass was matched in weight by a lucky angler from Japan?