It’s been an awesome ride! Kellogg’s was a blessing and I would not be where I am today without them and FLW Outdoors. It was an honor to be a part of that team for 5 seasons. As with any sponsor whom you believe in, it was actually fun promoting them over the years mainly because it centered around the younger generation, speaking at grade schools, working the Kellogg’s Ranger Boat simulator, giving out cookies, etc. I am obviously saddened by our relationship coming to an end. Keebler has become my identity for the most part over the years, but it’s not the end of the road. I look at it as a new beginning, and honestly I’m excited about what the future may hold. It’s unhealthy to look at it any other way. God is so good and I’m learning to trust in Him more and more every day.

As far as my plans, I’m sticking with FLW. The Northern BASS Opens are without a doubt enticing to me and I had an early invite through Yamaha but after some thought I passed. I have several BASS friends and trust me the grass isn’t always greener. For now I am going to thoroughly enjoy my time off with my family and not worry about things. I’ve been in hyper-panic mode basically since I started fishing the pros in 2003 and it feels good to just forget about it all for a while and start fresh in 2010. Usually I have all my contacts signed by now and I’m going over final graphics for my next boat and RV, this year I haven’t signed a single contract, everything is word of mouth, but I have faith. Almost everyone is in the same boat, all we can do is wait and see what happens.

I will be fishing the FLW Tour, I payed the deposits yesterday. I will be fishing the PAA events in the Fall. I’ll also look into the Eastern Series, as FLW is trying to give us some options to make the payouts stronger. It has got to be tough for them because some guys are upset that the Series has been cut in half, but there are others who really like the changes. You can’t please everyone, but they truly are trying to satisfy both sides and so far I like what I’m hearing is in the works. If FLW don’t care about their anglers, why do they always listen to us and try so hard to make things right? Sponsors or no sponsors, that is the main reason I’m not jumping ship.

I’m sure going to miss my little buddy Ernie always smiling up at me!

-Dave