Mike's personal message to his fans.
After many long and thought out conversations with my wife Becky and our family, I have decided that 2026 will be my final year competing full-time on the Bassmaster Elite Series. This was not a quick or easy decision, but it was something that I always knew would happen one day when the timing was right. After decades on the road and on the water competing full time, it feels like the right time for a professional pivot, one that will open the doors to more opportunities and even bigger new creative projects while also allowing more time with my family. I want to be very clear that this is NOT a step back, it’s a step forward! It’s not retirement, it’s just a shift in priorities. Starting in 2027, I will continue with some competitive fishing trails, but with fewer weeks spent traveling and competing full time. I’ll be able to invest more time, more energy, and more focus into content creation, storytelling, live programing and meaningful brand partnerships than ever before. Between our existing platforms like Ike Live, Going Ike and Ike In The Shop; the work we’re doing through Professional Edge Fishing, Inc., and the return of City Limits Fishing, we already have a ton of exciting new initiatives underway.
