The Fisher King: Haywood grad after 4th state B.A.S.S. junior title

TRENTON - For as long as he can remember, Nick Kelly has talked to the fish he's caught. In fact, he apologizes for catching them, right before their release back into the water.

It's part of the 18-year-old Brownsville resident's belief that in order to catch bass, you have to be the fish first.

Dr. Doolittle the Haywood High graduate is not. But there is a method - and results - with his unique approach.

Already a world champion, Kelly will go for a fourth state title when he participates in the Tennessee B.A.S.S. Junior Championships (15-18 age division) on Saturday at Birdsong Resort in Camden.

Just in the sport of bass fishing, the following has happened to Kelly during the previous four fishing seasons:

     * Won three Tennessee B.A.S.S. Junior Championships (2003-04-06).
     * Won the 2003 national B.A.S.S. Junior Championship.
     * Won the 2005-06 world B.A.S.S. Junior Championship.

That's not to mention graduating from Haywood High School in May, making a decision on college and holding down a job.

"I've changed a lot," Kelly said. "I'm at that point in my life where a lot of things change, but two titles have helped a lot."

The biggest change is that Kelly is now a celebrity. He's sought out by autograph-seekers and is often approached for fishing advice and invited to conduct youth clinics.

"I went from being this little country boy from Brownsville to being Nick Kelly national champion," he said.

However, as much as Kelly has enjoyed the ride, it will end soon. This is his last year in the junior ranks. He'll either have to go pro after the season or become just another weekend warrior.

For now, Kelly is putting off the decision. He'll go to Jackson State Community College in the fall and major in marketing.

"I'm going to start doing some soul searching," he said.

Kelly's prowess has become so well-known in bass circles that he's even started competing in adult tournaments. Against some of the best in the world, Kelly said he's been able to hold his own.

"Now, I'm competing against people who have fished their whole life," he said. "They have knowledge and experience, something I don't have much of."

Kelly, though, is nervous about his last full junior season. Mainly, he's expected to win. And if he doesn't at Saturday's state event, he won't get a chance to defend his world title.

"When I started, I didn't have much pressure on me," he said. "Now, I'm a world champ and a national champ.

"I feel the need to win this one."

And that may be one of the biggest changes for Kelly. With all the sponsors that litter his competition shirt, fishing is now a business.

Although he still can't accept prize money in order to retain amateur status, Kelly has won enough scholarship money that his college is paid for. He's also won his fair share of prizes, including a Triton boat for winning the world championship.

But, for all the changes that have happened, Kelly's still the same guy at heart.

"A lot of people think I'm rich," Kelly said. "But I'm still a poor country boy."

-By RYAN BEVITZ
rbevitz@jacksonsun.com
425-936
Originally published July 28, 2006

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