Pat’s curiosity for marine life and passion for fishing were evident early in his life. As a young boy in Savannah, Georgia, he loved to go to the beach and explore the surf. Even while away from the water, he spent most of his time looking at books about fish and drawing them. Some of his designs of various sharks were so impressive that he won awards for them at school. Pat’s appetite for fishing, however, was inspired by visits to his Mimi’s lake house on the fresh waters of Lake Norman near Charlotte, North Carolina. His first catch at two years old was a blue gill, a trophy that bore so much pride he insisted on sleeping with it. This proved to be a great family story and the first indication of his future path.

Pat’s interest in fishing continued throughout his youth and he especially looked forward to trips with his uncle Dan. Dan was a tournament fisherman who provided Pat with fundamental skills and stoked his desire to fish competitively as well. Pat and Dan continued to fish at different lakes throughout the summers and Pat’s talent was cultivated. He entered his first tournament at Clarks Hill Lake in South Carolina and, although he didn’t do that well, he knew it was something he had to try again.

During his high school years in High Point, North Carolina, Pat was involved in other activities but never strayed from fishing. He spent some time playing tournament tennis, riding motocross, and cruising in his ’79 Trans Am. Most of his fishing was limited to farm ponds and catching catfish from the bank of Oak Hollow Lake. Only occasionally did he and a buddy get the treat of a johnboat. Of all his activities, he knew that fishing made him the happiest, and he planned to pursue a life surrounded by it.

Upon graduation in 1988, Pat moved to Greenwood, South Carolina to work in a sporting goods store and hoped to fish with every chance he could get. While there, Pat got involved with many outdoor activities, from hunting for turkey and deer to fishing for catfish and striped bass. But he was most drawn to the bass fishing scene. Pat read bass magazines to learn more tips and techniques. He asked more questions, took notes from his fishing outings, and learned about the latest technology. Whether it was seasonal patterns, learning about water quality, or the latest gadgetry, Pat knew how it mattered for bass fishing. He began to enjoy an increasing degree of tournament success with partners Russ Hamilton and Mark Greer; they soon became known as the “ones to beat” among the locals. By this time, Pat began to wonder if he could make it as a professional fisherman, imagining himself as a great champion like Larry Nixon, Denny Brauer, or Rick Clunn. Pat was eager to try and take it to the next level.

In this period, however, Pat became distracted by living “the fast life.” It began casually in high school, but grew to be a problem in South Carolina. Pat noticed it was increasingly having a negative impact on his work and relations with his family. It got to be something he couldn’t beat, and he knew it was dashing his hopes of becoming a pro angler. One night, he gave his problem and life over to God. With some time, Pat grew to see life from a spiritual perspective. Being freed from indulging in that lifestyle, he began to improve the quality of his life and relationships. He also revived his tournament fishing with impressive results.

Pat started fishing the Bassmaster Weekend Series and qualified for the national championship his first year. This led him to the Bassmaster Opens, where he could see his dream of becoming a full-time professional on the brink of reality. Pat knew that he would need some sponsorship to cross the threshold and join the big ranks. His major break came in 2005 when he met Andy Stein, a major fishing enthusiast and then owner of a successful furniture company. The two immediately had a rapport with one another, and after a couple days on the lake together, Andy knew that Pat was worth his investment. Under Stein Team Fishing, Pat went on to qualify for the Elite tour by finishing fifth in the Central Open division. Now in his third Elite season, Pat has improved every year and hopes to find himself one day at the very top.

Pat believes that his opportunity to fish at the Elite level is miraculous and is deeply humbled by the whole process that got him there. He is grateful for all of those who supported him along the way and for those who provided the resources to make his dream become a reality. Pat no longer sleeps with his fish, but he does fish alongside and often beats the greats he once read about. Now he has his sights set on winning the Bassmaster Classic, the Super Bowl of competitive bass fishing!

Here are some facts about Pat: