A couple of months ago, I got a call from B.A.S.S. Senior Writer Don Wirth asking if I would like to participate in another Day on the Lake challenge, Bassmaster Magazine’s most popular feature. Of course, I said yes. Who wouldn’t?
There’s a reason his series is so popular; it challenges any would-be takers to find and catch bass on a completely unfamiliar body of water within a seven-hour time constraint. And your best five fish determine how you performed in the challenge. That is, of course, if you’re able to catch five.
As many of you know, numerous top-level pros have struggled in the series. Whether it was due to harsh conditions or finicky fish, some of the biggest names in the sport were humbled during their Day on the Lake.
A senior moment
Don Wirth has been a contributor to Bassmaster Magazine for 50 years. Think about that … 50 years. In that time, he’s worked with three different editors — including Bob Cobb, Dave Precht and now James Hall.
It was decades ago that he achieved “Senior Writer” status — because of the quality of his work and the frequency with which it was published. Throughout his tenure, Wirth has written thousands of articles. Open just about any issue of Bassmaster and you’re certain find his work.
One of his most popular efforts was “Harry ‘n Charlie,” the cartoon series of two hapless characters whose antics entertained Bassmaster readers for decades. Don wrote the stories while Cliff Shelby did the illustrations. Cliff, who has since passed on, served as a graphic artist for Ranger Boats for many years. He was our mutual friend.
Looking for another creative outlet, Don pitched Day on the Lake to Dave Precht — Bassmaster’s editor at that time. That was more than 22 years ago, and the series has remained a regular feature ever since.
Among the many notable anglers to accept the challenge were Bill Dance, Jimmy Houston and Larry Nixon. Current active Elite anglers who have participated include Jay Yelas (who did the very first installment), Gerald Swindle, David Fritts, Greg Hackney, Keith Combs and Brandon Palaniuk.
I got my first opportunity back in 2008.
That first challenge
I remember it like it was yesterday. I met Don at a hotel parking lot in a small southern town, then followed him to a mystery lake about 20 miles away.
I recall how foreign it all felt, not knowing anything about the body of water I was about to be tested on — with no scouting or prep … not even a map. I was looking at a mere seven hours to figure it out, knowing that, however it turned out, the results would be forever archived in the pages of Bassmaster Magazine.
As it turned out, I had a banner day. I caught five largemouth weighing more than 23 pounds, using a variety of lures — including a topwater popper, squarebill crankbait and Yamamoto Senko. My biggest fish tipped the scales at 6 pounds, and that performance put me among the series’ all-time heavyweights.
I couldn’t have scripted a better result.
Most recent challenge
Just as I was instructed in that first challenge, Don told me to meet him in a small town, approximately 20 miles from a new mystery lake. Once on the water, I asked if I could get a few minutes to scout the lake — to figure out a starting point. His answer was abrupt.
“You don’t get squat!”
Although we both laughed, that did nothing to improve my chances.
When the clock began, I headed to the most promising stretch of shoreline nearby and started plugging away.
As I fished, the first of many conversations ensued. He quizzed me on my lure and tackle selection, and why I chose certain areas of the lake over others. Any time I made a significant change in my approach, he documented it on a voice recorder and took photos.
There was plenty of casual conversation, as well … especially when things were slow. We talked on a number of subjects — everything from vintage lures and classic cars to pandemics and politics. Don is well informed about many topics, and it was cool finding so much common ground.
When my allotted time finally expired, I had fished a variety of places and cover types, using a wide range of lures and techniques.
Unfortunately, I can’t reveal any of the details. You’ll have to wait on Don for those. What I can share with you is this. Don Wirth is a true professional. And the quality of time I’ve spent with him in a boat is immeasurable … more so than anything that could be calculated in simple pounds and ounces.
Thanks, Don, for sharing another day on the lake with me. Please keep them coming.
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