Local angler makes his name on the pro bass fishing circuit
By Stephanie Covington
For the St. Louis American
Robert Hill, a lifelong resident of Rock Hill, Mo., considers himself a fisherman by nature. In fact, he can’t remember a time when fishing didn’t interest him.
At age four, family members introduced Hill to the rod and reel. Today he competes as a pro bass fisherman. Hill finished ninth place out of more than 200 in the non-boaters division of the Southern Open on West Point Lake June 23 through 25.
He participated in his first bass fishing tournament, hosted by BassMasters, at age twelve and now represents a minority in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Professional fishing is a multi-billion dollar sport with major corporate sponsors. Hill said he simply does on a competitive level what other African Americans have been doing for years.
“Over the last few years, I’ve really started taking fishing seriously and really tried to promote the sport,” Hill said.
Hill competed in his first major competition about four years ago. He said he was scared to death at first to fish against some of the best bass fishermen in the country, but realized that all competitors have one thing in common: They’re all trying to catch fish.
Hill has fished all over the South and said he is greeted by friendly people wherever he goes. He spends an average of 200 days a year fishing. Between bass fishing competitions and programming children’s activities for the Neighborhood Watch, Hill said he tries to make time for charitable events. He said there’s often very little time for recreational fishing, but Florida is his fishing location of choice.
“When I’m not fishing, I’m promoting,” Hill said.
Hill is the only Pro Staffer for TICA, one of the largest rod and reel companies in the world. He is also sponsored by Dunn’s Sporting Goods, Bass Medics and Rejuvenate, Embroidme, Whitton Law Group and Ecity Streets. Hill’s job is to sell his sponsors and make people aware of what they have to offer.
Robert’s sister, Michelle Hill, executive director of Ecity Streets, said her brother is endorsed the same way NBA and NFL players are. Robert’s sponsors act as agents and negotiators and provide financial support during tournaments.
“Our job is to make sure that he can do whatever he wants to do,” Michelle said.
Michelle prefers for her brother to be able to fish as much as possible with as few distractions as possible. Sponsors often take care of travel arrangements, tournament fees and whatever else Robert needs on a case-by-case basis. Michelle said since the sport is still new to a lot of people, it is important for young children who are interested in fishing to know that there is a lot of money involved.
Robert said BassMasters, owned by ESPN, usually pays the top 50 competitors out of the 200 participants. However, Robert said most of his income doesn’t come from the competitions themselves, but from endorsing his sponsors.
During a bass fishing tournament, competitors are allowed to enter their five largest catch from a flight. Robert said the last tournament he fished had a flight from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Over a three-day period, judges determine which fishermen produced the most impressive catch. At the Southern Open tournament last month, Robert had the largest bass in the non-boaters division.
Robert said anyone can go out and fish, and he encourages people to give it a try. He said he has met more and more children over the past few years who enjoy fishing.
“I’ve seen an increase in the amount of children, probably because of the economy,” said Robert. “Fishing is inexpensive and family-oriented.”
Hamid Bangura, an Ecity Streets sales representative, said competitive fishing is a lot easier for young people to get into than the NBA or the NFL, and it’s important for children to see that.
“Fishing breaks all boundaries,” Robert said. “Anybody can go out there and catch fish.”
For more information or to contact Robert Hill, visit www.bassdoctor.net.
