Nashville, Tennessee — Matt Robertson, Kentucky’s bass fishing pro, recently won $1.25 million. Despite his success, Robertson declared he would remain in the trailer home, saying, “We ain’t moving out the trailer, baby.” His victory came at World Bass Enterprises’ inaugural tournament on Old Hickory Lake, setting a record for the largest first-place prize in bass fishing history.
Robertson brought a 20-pound, 2-ounce bass to the scales on Championship Saturday. He expressed disbelief over the win, admitting the gravity of the moment had yet to sink in.
The week-long competition saw him dominate early stages, eventually leading him to victory with the largest bag of bass. Pake South came in second, winning $500,000, while Wesley Strader secured third place with a $300,000 prize.
More Than Just a Prize
For Robertson, the win means more than money. While he isn’t upgrading his home, some of his winnings are earmarked for a new vehicle for his wife and purchasing additional trailers. Before the final weigh-in, he stated his plans to buy two trailers near his home.
Despite the financial windfall, Robertson reflected on his past, explaining that he grew up with little and understands the struggles of living paycheck to paycheck. These experiences prepared him for the stress of competing at such high stakes.
A Unique Victory Strategy
Robertson’s win didn’t come easily. He employed an unconventional strategy by using the navigation lock at Old Hickory Dam to target smallmouth bass below. His distinctive approach paid off, allowing him to secure the top qualifying position for the championship day.
Ron Nelson, an MLF pro and competitor, also discovered this productive area. Despite the competitive environment, Nelson admired Robertson’s integrity, having avoided casting into Robertson’s fishing area.
Mutual Respect Among Competitors
As the tournament progressed, the changing conditions led both Robertson and Nelson to share successful fishing territory. However, they couldn’t communicate about their catches due to tournament rules, creating challenges for both.
Robertson felt compelled to express his regret upon learning about Nelson’s struggles, wishing he could have helped Nelson catch more fish.
The Tournament’s Legacy
The Champions Tournament not only showcased individual talent but also brought together competitors from rival circuits. Robertson was grateful to WBE and CEO Brian Bird for organizing the event.
Robertson, now holding the sport’s richest prize, remains devoted to his roots. He plans to buy his wife a new vehicle and acquire more trailers but has no intention of leaving his home.
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