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Mojo Rising

Category: Tournament

 May 20th, 2014 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified May 20th, 2014 at 12:00 AM

One year ago, Phoenix Boats pro Chad Morgenthaler was fishing the FLW Tour and B.A.S.S. Opens. His goal was always to win, but he wanted to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series as well. He did just that and ended his year winning the Bassmaster Classic Wildcard event on Lake Okeechobee. Morgenthaler’s mojo has been rising ever since. No longer fishing the FLW Tour, Morgenthaler is focused on the Elites and the ultimate goal of doing his job well and winning a major title. Perhaps that title will be the Angler of the Year (AOY).

Chad Morgenthaler with a pair of business associates (Joel Shangle)

No magic for Morgenthaler.

“I’ve had a lot of factors behind me not having a lot of success when I was fishing the FLW Tour,” said Morgenthaler. “All sorts of outside factors were working against me. Too many distractions. I was the president and vice president of the PAA (Professional Anglers Association), although I am proud to do that work, it was a distraction from my fishing. Other business dealings as well always working against my success.

“By qualifying for the Elites, I can now focus on my fishing. It is so neat. I have removed most of the outside distractions and now I feel like I am finally fishing up to my potential.”

Less is more
.

“My wife gave me great advice after I qualified for the Elites,” said Morgenthaler. “She told me to not overtax myself. Deciding to fish only the Elites and not both tours was something I was very nervous about, but it was the right decision.

“I’m 47. I need to work smarter, not harder. I now know how to make adjustments, at least make better adjustments when things go wrong on the water. Lots of anglers will fish more and more when things get tough on them. I’ve found out that time away lights a fire in me to perform better at the events I am fishing. I’m not worn out now and it is allowing me to focus on my job, fishing the Elites.”
 
Confidence comes with experience.

“Instead of having excuses, I have learned to accept things,” said Morgenthaler. “With experience I’ve realized that somebody is always gonna catch the fish. It’s my fault if I don’t. No excuses. I need to adapt to win or I won’t win. My years of experience really allow me to fish with confidence now.”

AOY in his sights.

“I would love to win the AOY title,” said Morgenthaler. “Who wouldn’t? I just need to take one tournament at a time. I try not to think about it. I know where I am in the standings, but I don’t count points and worry constantly. With this group of anglers it is so tough. Any of them have the skills to win AOY any year. There is always someone who can slam the door on you. I just go out and fish hard. I do my job to the best of my abilities and however it is meant to be, it is meant to be.”

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