Reeling in the dough
story by Cassie Brooks
Kalem Tippett was cast as a fisherman early in life because of his father's luring advice. "I have a four and a quarter pound bass on the wall at home that I caught when I was 5," he said.
Kalem grew up with a three-acre lake in his backyard, so he and his father spent many afternoons fishing together. "My dad taught me all the general stuff about bass, about fishing," he said.
Kalem, a junior in the Murray State University Bass Anglers Club, competed alongside Steven Miller in the Central Regional Championship held Oct. 31, 2009 on Kentucky Lake.
Lots of cash was at stake. If Kalem and Steven won, the Anglers Club and MSU would each receive $25,000, gaining respect for the club and a bonus for the school.
While Kalem can’t use any winnings to fund his future fishing aspirations, he is dreaming big.
"I would love to fish professionally, but it's a big investment," he said. "Most guys save up a ton of money, then tour for a while to see if they can make it.”
If lack of cash keeps Kalem from casting as a pro, he plans to work construction for his dad’s building contracting company.
He hopes wisdom learned at the family lake and experience gained from fishing competitively will raise him above other fishermen during the Central Regional Championship.
"When I was 5, I remember going down to the lake with a big bucket of worms by myself and catching two bass," Kalem said. "I had to wait to show Daddy when he got home from work."
Fifteen years later, he wants to show his dad a trophy.
Steven Miller must choose five rods and bait pieces each for their weekend tournament. "I wish you could have eight or nine," Miller said. "That's easier to prepare for whatever." The five rods, reel lines and bait pieces the partners choose are the only options they will have out on the water.
"I learned everything I know about general fishing from my dad," Kalem Tippett said. "We would always fish in the backyard together." Tippett partakes in many tournaments throughout the nation and has a reputation for winning.
Murray State University bass angler Kalem Tippet, left, practices with teammate Steven Miller on Kentucky Lake in preparation for a weekend tournament. The Bass Angler Club could potentially win the grand prize of $50,000 to split between the club and MSU.
At the start of the day on Kentucky Lake, Kalem Tippett catches one of several "keeper fish." Keeper fish are long and heavy enough to be considered in the top three for each fisherman, but they aren't always kept.