Swindle reflects on humble beginnings

Elite Series pro Gerald Swindle returns to his home lake that helped catapult him into his career as a pro angler.
#Bassmaster #BASSElite #LiveSmart #FishSmart
Follow Gerald Swindle here:
Facebook - / geraldswindle.gman
Instagram - / geraldswindle
Twitter - / geraldswindle
KZbin - / geraldgmanswindle
Check out Bassmaster for more: www.bassmaster...
Follow Bassmaster here:
Facebook: / bass
Twitter: / bassmaster
Instagram: / bass_nation

[@fishingbass7318]

Mr. Swindle, you are an inspiration to many. Very humble and honest. Me and my wife, who is a nurse and appreciates you as well, have always been inspired by you as a fisherman but more as a man and a human being. I pray all this is over soon so we can watch you get back at it. Take care buddy and God bless.

[@phillipjenkins6279]

G’s PMA was a main tool to help me get sober over 2 years ago and repair my family. Could listen to Gerald all day everyday.

[@jasonscottsgreatoutdoors429]

Phillip Jenkins wore that on one wrist, and one that said “never give up” through all of my cancer treatment. Mental attitude is a hugely underestimated thing!

[@diybassfishing5757]

Hey man congratulations on your sobriety. It's so hard to make that change for people and it should be applauded.

[@phillipjenkins6279]

@@diybassfishing5757 Thanks! i appreciate that!

[@anthonykozar9172]

Same boat and same motivation. God bless brother

[@abgr5747]

Gerald is the man !!RIP Tony swindle

[@forresttuxon8283]

Great video loved it! 53 with a seven year old just got a skeeter strata f90 so I can take France fishing and my 84 year old dad. Keep it up you will win the big one. God bless.

[@abgr5747]

7:28 This is the best way to grow up !! Same way I did just without a father , I would ride my bicycle 13 miles one way to go fishing ..I look back now and fishing really shaped my life ..very thankful

[@damienbethea7443]

Gerald Swindle, you are the man brother. It awesome to see someone like you, from the same type of background as many of us, go after your dream, and actually make it. I've always dreamed of fishing for a living but i guess i don't want it bad enough to sacrifice family and kids to go for it.

[@alexbutler8223]

‘G’ I showed your video to my grandson. He took as a life lesson. For that I thank you sir. He is now hitting that golf ball with with gusto! You a great dude. Good luck in future. I missed you at Toledo Bend. But there will be another time. God bless you and your family. I write with tears in my eyes.

[@Rip66230]

I’ve watched 11ty 100 of your vids and this is by far in my top 3 if not too 2 , this one is golden my friend!!!

[@scott19641]

One of the best stories I’ve ever heard! Whole lot of young-in’s could learn a lot from it. Thanks for sharing !

[@sammylacks4937]

G man , I can certainly relate to simple beginnings. My Grandfather started me fishing . I lost my father to a car accident at 6. I got my bottom warmed many times when found fishing in local ponds within bicycle range. My mom bought me my first boat , a plywood one man. I remember looking at it in our back yard realizing I was no closer to the fish. Then I tried putting it on my bike. The bow end on the handle bars and the rest on the seat, walking beside pushing it sometimes miles. That's wanting to go bad. Thanks for sharing.

[@dave-cd7jd]

this video hit my feelings hard. grew up fishing toledo bend with dad, nothing was ever better than getting up at 4am and headed to the lake with dad. ive just about saved enough money to get me a new boat and i honestly get more excited at the idea of being able to go fishing with dad again than i get just getting the boat itself

[@jimdeale]

G-Man you are real and provide a connection to a world we don’t live in but only visit when we have the time and money to venture out and fish for fun. Thank you for your videos and positive mental attitude .

[@shawnbeck2303]

G-Man! Thank you for being Honest about your Humble beginnings. Shawn

[@MikesWorld1]

Great story. Hard work and the exhausting pursuit of a dream pays off. I needed to see this. It fits perfectly for where I'm at in my life. I've been very successful in the field I pursued but now I'm starting over pursuing a dream I had as a kid. Never give up.

[@shawntitsworth4878]

Great story. True inspiration to many. Ty for taking us along. Stay safe and tight lines

[@robertjacobsfishing]

Thanks G, you are my favorite angler by a long shot! Faith, family, fishing! Stay safe!!

[@WolfSpiritOutdoorz]

We started from the same beginnings brother. Granted I grew up fishing south of Columbia south carolina slept at the ramp when I could finally fish BFL then red man tournaments. Key word means we didn't come from money we came from determination. Thanks for the trip brother see yall at Murray looking forward to seeing yall again.

[@dayneowens7549]

I know this is an older video but I have just got back into bass fishing and the videos I have watched from you are the ones I prefer. I from Ga and it’s good to see videos from guys from the south. Did I see 1.89 gas? Good ole days are gone. Much love brother!

[@dayneowens7549]

Oh…. Go Dawgs!

[@jameslynn8088]

Just a down to earth dude right there🤙

[@mattleitch899]

You da man G, glad your back in the Elites!! Go bust’em 🎣

[@djonpow]

Thanks Bassmaster and Gerald for this look into what Dreams are made from....hope everyone had a great ....Resurrection Day.

[@kristophersmith6485]

Would love to see this as a series!

[@chrisbenedict4927]

Love these videos G. Thanks for all you do sir! Truly an inspiration to many! Big fan buddy

[@tailhookmd2546]

This was my Xbox. Beautiful!

[@jtomlinsonfishing1406]

You're my hero Gman. I feel the same about fishing Hartwell, the little stretch i live on. Hartwell i feel as well, if you can catch quality fish here, you can anywhere, its tough.I fished my first FLW this year and then this pandemic has happened. Hartwell is federally ran, so fishing is still possible. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope somehow someday we can link up and go bust some heads on some fish. It's awesome you pretend you are in the classic, I do the same everytime I fish. I lost my best friend 2 years ago, I started teaching him how to bass fish, and every time I fish it's for him, so this hits home hard. Im going to make it one day and I'm coming for you Gman hahaha. You are my hero. Thank you for everything

[@owenmanygoats8037]

Great inspiration, you are the man G. Like the story about you’re being of fishing.

[@mkf7449]

Love this thanks for sharing man fishing is a dream and its worth living keep it ago.

[@cowboyup1215]

Kinda cool to see a lake that I know and grew up around so close to my house in this capacity.

[@mikeseal7075]

Thanks G-man your such an inspiration to many a hero to many more I'm 39 for years I've been G-man while out bass fishing

[@cross_fire_]

As a fisherman who frequents inland, it’s a very difficult place to fish but there are some good ones out there.

[@jeremyjohnson8243]

Damn good story telling Gman!!!

[@mikewegener847]

God bless it!!! Grew up the same way fishing derbys on our little mudhole lakes up north. My buddy Chris Groh made it to the Elite Series from our swamp. Just gotta want it. He worked his ass off to get there.

[@mattthomen1608]

I appreciate your time telling about your humble beginning, so much in fishing is how you perceive it. Your imagination, excitement and joy are the basis of all good entertainment! And I've jumped off so many bass at my home lake I wonder if I could ever land one. But I've done better since I got a more parabolic rod. The med hvy was unloading, or too stiff during the double bust and 6 loops around my Lil jon boat. I really hammered that lake. and it was so fun to have it all to myself offshore. Seen a local guy tell me to run the bank. He got 50 bass bout this size ...... and he asked if I was crappie fishing. I said no, I'm fishing for a fish that is above 2lbs. And the best there I've gotten is 5lb .and crossed paths w a few giants that I failed to trigger, or that mashed my bait before I could re rig and make a critically timed cast.i unlocked so many mysteries in fishing in 1 week there. And landed over a 100 bass. Which is good where I come from up north, struggling fir a bite,or fish in a whole day. Spooking spotted bass in shallow clear pond lakes.

[@wesleybrown8036]

My daddy said boy never forgot were you come from your the same way I really appreciate that about you everytime I get in a bad spot fishing I say what would the G man do

[@jimmyw9171]

Very cool video, thanks for sharing.

[@Kayakphotography]

Great hearing Benjamin Tod’s music getting around...

[@purplecottonmouth5649]

Mike Rotch song at 3:13?

[@mileshoffman4146]

You are my favorite for a reason ..I was a plumber and went fishin just like you...

[@jeffburke463]

Love these videos man!

[@sammylacks4937]

I really enjoy your videos like this. I like hearing, learning about your family and growing up. Sounds aweful familiar. I m sorry about the loss of your brother. I lost my dad when I was 6. Never fished with him even once I m 62, I see guys my age still fishing with their dad and I hope they know how fortunate they are. Thanks for sharing. Hey, I ve always been interested in weather, storms. You Alabamians get more than your share it seems of tornados. Not just tornados but big EF 4 s and 5s wedge tornados. Have you had any experiences with any? Take care , stay safe. Tight lines to ya.

[@skeeter2786]

G-MAN FOR PRESIDENT! God bless you and your family. I pray for good health and happiness for all of you out there listening and watching.

[@CC.94]

Really enjoyed this. 👍

[@userjasker76]

Say what you want, don't nobody deserve a classic and another AOY more than G. Proud to call him a homeboy from Alabama.

[@barryd.9426]

Great message from one of the most popular down to earth bass fishermen. I'm 60 years old. I'm one of those who let his dream go due to little dedication and insecurity in the sport I excelled in. Today, I'm content but I always look back and wonder what if. I say this to give those with a dream the other side of the story. Don't be like me. Be like the G-man. Work your butt off to achieve your dream. Regret isn't served hot. It's ice cold and stays with you for your entire life. Be safe everyone.

[@kevinporter89]

Your message is just as important and I second that sentiment sir!! That is some of the Best advice I’ve ever heard!! God Bless You!

[@bobschmaltz4434]

Gerald, would love to you in my local Iake where I grew up and started fishing, The best memories I have are my brothers and I using Zebco 77s catching Bluegills as big as 10'' frying pans and sharing them with 3 of the most inspired people we met. Way older and was very respectful they told stories of their Black and their attention to the common bond to each other be you black or white. Learned alot May they rest in peace and still have a buck of fish waiting on them AMEN!

[@toddspindler6190]

Great words of wisdom bud.. I’m 46 these’s days and grew up working hard, so my body reflects every inch of my past just getting out of the bed… Just 2 years ago I was in a position to give it a go and fish full time,nice travel vehicle,nice new Phoenix just like the rest of the guys but no sponsors, NON lol… But luckily just for that first year I was able to experience life as a professional angler and the whole nine yards from traveling to strange lakes I’d never in any other circumstance be able or have any reason to just strike out and go fish for 8 or 9 days…I’m just a ol country boy with no education but a heck of a bull sh*tter (not a lier but a salesman to a certain degree) that you have to be in this sport, and that’s one thing I never really knew about the sport or thought about going into it.... I’d never really fished much out of my home state of Ga. but had most definitely put my time in far as time in the water over the years, fishing my first big tournament in 91 as a 16 year old or so in a Redman tour event before there was ever a FLW outdoors series on Lake Blackshear in Ga. that Shaw Grisby won when he was just making a name for himself… One of the main things that helped me last season at the age of 46 reflecting back was taking it all in and appreciating ever moment.. I mean traveling alone and just taking it all in knowing the whole time I would probably just get this one shot to prove myself…I watch some of the young guys and think i would’ve probably would’ve been the same way at that age but can just tell they don’t get it, and honestly plain and simple wasn’t ready to be there, and them thinking they did just because some one have invested in the best this and that far as equipment so they thought they had it all figured out..But hey, that’s part of journey I guess…A lot of guys still haven’t figured out that we’re not promised tomorrow, nobody owes you anything and to sometimes just to be quiet and listen and learn from every single person you encounter… I fished with a lot of different styles and characters threw out this journey but most importantly to me and this is just me at this age, I made a few really good life long (because we don’t have long on this earth)friends.. True friends.. As far as this coming season, which I’m waaaay more prepared for as I learned sooooo much from my rookie season, I’m just taking 1 tournament at the time if I’m even financially able to make this season happen… I am lucky enough these days with the help of my beautiful family and hardest working woman I have ever met, able to guide full-time …. 300 days on the water my rookie season along with my guiding.. I’ll put it this way Ive put 300 hours on a new Mercury V-8 250 in 6 months literally fishing ever single day of the year.. I mean Christmas Eve,Day and Thanksgiving day to even days I probably should’ve been home spending time with my family I can never get back with my children. It’s some of what these guys talk about as far as the sacrifices you have to be prepared for… I also found out another aspect of the nature of the sport ( ITS WORK) and it’s hard work believe it or not.. Especially at my age and I know there’s guy older that are like man your still young or whatever but I’m feeling ever second let me tell you.. Saying all that to say this, go for it if your able you only live once and it goes bye so quick it’s scary especially when you hit around the 50 mark because really only then did I realize as dumb as it sound we’re not gona live forever and the people around me are absolutely dropping like fly’s… Mine and your story are very similar growing up G-Man just being I grew up on Lake Seminole and every lake 250 miles around it as well… I fished a whole season last year on the Toyota Series right alone side of some of my life long hero’s/ real pros (in my eyes) Brayn Thrift ect. and had a heck of a ride from my fort smallmouth ever on Dell Hollow to my first good bag of fish and first time ever on the famous Lake Chickamaga jumping off a 10+ pounder with 15 pounds in the boat and 2 hours to go 😩 … I definitely spent my share of money last season and have a clue of how much it actually cost to do it fulltime as just in the Toyota’s spending somewhere around 80k all together as far as travel, upgrades on my rig,fuel fuel fuel and room and board… Thanks for your story G and hopefully I can talk someone into taking the leap if your thinking about it… I just didn’t won’t to be one of those guys with any regrets saying I wish I’d tried it ONE time.. I did for fill my dream basically in a nutshell and I’m very grateful for giving the opportunity.. Tight lines guys and go for it… Toyota Open Pro Todd Spindler Ig. @Spinwspinder

[@613BASS_N]

this was awesome G - shared to 613 BASS'n for ya... you have a ton of fans with us! stay healthy!

[@jakeblaha9233]

Man them big ones! Almost like ya Bill Danced em right off G man. You need a northerner to show ya how to use that ferry wand. 😊 Great to see where it all started. Somehow it's allot like I imagined it. Love hearing G man tell stories about the good old days.

[@Bigpappawpiper]

G your good people and I have a ton of respect for you and how you conduct yourself. some day if your in Greenwood Indiana I would love to just sit and talk and get to know you. I know your way to busy to put up with me, and doubt you will ever see this but you have blessed my life in so many ways, thank you.

[@vintux1211]

great video

[@sccvideos4025]

Heard you mention Johnny Mccombs. I knew a few boys from up around Cullman that talked about losing a bunch of money to him fishing jackpots back in the day. Masterful with a buzzbait. Appreciate you sharing your story.

[@smokintreez8330]

Need times like that on the way back home to do some fishing in some places in Virginia i aint been there since i was a kid good to see to you worked hard to get where you are and are an inspiration to all of us hard workers who still find time to pursue a dream im fishing on the weekends and wed nights and work full time doing tree work hence the name. Good luck this season brother when this virus crap ends thinkin it was a great move going back to bassmaster look forward to see you holding some blue trophies brother thanks!

[@bustermerritt2303]

Awesome video G-man!!!!

[@BamaDad]

Done Dirty at Inland! Back in the 80's Matt Herren and fished a tournament at Inland Lake, while we were fishing we noticed a guy launching after the tournament had started. His boat was still pouring water out of the back. Matt and I fished hard the whole night, even burned his dads motor up after an ice bag wrapped around the foot of the motor. When we went in to way the late comer had a huge catch, and they let him win the tournament. I have never seen Matt so mad in my life. I won't tell the name of the lure manufacturer that won the tournament, but I can tell you he went out of business, cheaters never win! Your video brought back that memory so I thought I would share it.

[@toddbrauselling]

very cool. appreciate you doing this. look forward to seeing you up in LaCrosse someday. Stay healthy

[@patriotmadness6231]

Thanks G man. I broke my neck neck on March 22 2001 I fell 22 feet through a roof. I’m a lucky man I can walk I have to reel left handed now because I can hold a pole with my left hand. But I can catch fish thank God. You’re an inspiration to many.

[@eliteangler]

Tight Lines... and good advice!! Great video!!

[@ryonwilson2950]

Bassmasters live

[@stevenharrison95]

Awesome story nothing but up most respect for you. From Logan West Virginia coal country

[@jmac7877]

Hope your still tourney fishing gman. You need to come fish in texas in November

[@donbaine118]

That was a great video. I think more pro fisherman should tell their story.

[@danielkinn782]

You want to talk about humble beginning...do a interview with Chris Zaldain/Skeet Reese. They both at one time fished the club I was in out of Float Tubes and Kickboats. Man those were fun days....

[@gtflyer]

Your one of the good dudes MR. G....

[@davidsherbet9954]

hey Gman my name is david sherbet you know my family very well my grandfather J.T and my uncle james and my dad terry (duck). i have fished that lake in tournaments for years. actually seen your truck and trailer there about a month ago.

[@kennethfieldsjr.968]

Good stuff my man. I hear you jammin that Benjamin Tod too 👌🏽🤘🏼

[@purplecottonmouth5649]

Song at 3:13?

[@swoodhaus]

Like these kind of vids!

[@williamwright3629]

Sorry to hear you talk about MLF so badly, I understand you didn't click too well with that format. Those guys are by far the best in the sport today, at least in my opinion, I really think that the MLF format is the best experience for the fans. I have never got to see first hand what you guys do on the water and it is incredible. that's what is going to grow this sport is the fan experience. Regardless, I think you are a great angler, good luck in the Elites.

[@dewfishing3093]

Man I could go out and fish an 8 hour tournament or a 4 hour tournament and not catch a fish, if I could say I fished against G-Man, I would take that experience any day.

[@jeremygilreath224]

Awesome g!! I have never been to inland Gary Armstrong speaks highly of it and has told me several stories about it !! I will try to go one day just to say I atleast did lol

[@caseyschneider2733]

We need to get back to our origins when things were simpler

[@nate3116]

I'm from Bham Inland is awesome!

[@clayparrish6693]

Great vid! Tackle box not xbox well said..... Also black rifle coffee is the only coffee! 🤘🏻🤘🏻💪💪💪

[@Mjones8383]

Them Tonka cathead biscuits are still the best in Alabama

[@KendallArnoldFishing]

I don't know G, I feel like Jennifer Anniston would like ya alright.

[@controlavirus9839]

Kendall Arnold Fishing I’m sure she would. BUT the question is would G like her? I bet she wouldn’t be his type

[@stevemcewan8129]

@@controlavirus9839 I don't dude G did more than alright with LuLu

[@marklewis7857]

You the man what kind of shoes you wearing they look cool

[@Kyle_Lowrey]

I know why those 2 came off but I'm gonna keep it to myself. There's plenty of information out there.

[@oniefields7162]

Who sings the songs you listening to in the truck

[@trevorlauminick9466]

I've been trying to find them to

[@BeardsAndBowsOutdoors]

"Quarantine quarantine, drinkin whiskey like vaccine, sprayin that lysol on like sunscreen" -GMan

[@proangler4721]

@Jesse Leo pretty sure no one cares

[@chadlair2458]

This video is 2yrs ago. 1.89 for gas. Oh the good Ol’ days!!!

[@rodneystewart7334]

👍

[@Zanzabar5]

Yeah yeah we all have our push broom stories.

[@davidodom3549]

he aint lying. he jokes around alot but he aint lying a bit ri-cheer

[@kylevodden19]

Great video Gman!!! I was brought up same way out in the country in rural Ontario. Just watched Blat video and you should reach out to him he has some great ideas for the fishing community on how to help with this Covid thing. Brian Latimer FLW angler. Title is call please help. Good idea

[@sammylacks4937]

Gerald came up country as collard sandwiches.

[@davidodom3549]

if u can catch em on inland u can catch em on mars. thats the toughest place i ever fished and i lived there

[@Davo2233]

Gerald, Lake Purdy in Birmingham, another water works lake is in my opinion a better lake than inland but for some stupid ass reason they won’t let you put your own boat in. They charge over $100 per night to rent a raggedy bass tracker without carpet, trolling motors that may or may not work, NO TOPO MAP EXISTS FOR THE 1300 acre lake and they have grey scale $59 cud’s trolling motors. I sure wish someone like you could open there eyes. They are worried about hydroplane, milfoil and zebra muscles. I’d be glad to pay a $25 launch fee if they would hire a couple of boat inspectors/washers to make sure my live well is empty and I didn’t have muscles stuck to my boat and no hydrilla, milfoil or coontail in my big motor prompt or trolling motor prop. This time of year I could fish 3 hours after work because I get off at 2 pm. As much as BASS said “Bassmaster Classic from Birmingham, Alabama) we all know its at least an hour from my house. The closest 2 reservoirs are Logan Martin and Neely Henry so I beg people to fish their pond on foot or find somewhere you can at least launch a freaking kayak. I’ve fished both lakes a lot and I think Purdy is the better all around lake. It’s a better largemouth/ spot lake, tremendous crappie lake, bream lake...... it’s a scenic lake although I’d give Inland the edge there. Bottom line is if I’m gonna drive to Inland I will go to one of 4 or 5 big lakes. Purdy is 10 minutes away from my house But hell will freeze over before I rent a 12 ft Jon boat, battery, pos transom mount trolling motor, a life jacket and a paddle and that’s just for 4 hours.

[@bowdenhooser2200]

Watching in 2022 and man I miss those gas prices!!

[@TexasSmoking]

Those jeans come in mens swindle?

[@carolinahookers9391]

TexasSmoking men’s only! Not little boys!

[@GopherHayes]

🤣

[@tjingram1207]

What shoes 👟 are those ??

[@bobbydeavers4103]

Looks like the Brooks Ghost 12 “Night Life” color

[@RA-zl6iw]

Man….. $1.89 gasoline, ah the good ole days😂

[@stephenbowen7252]

He ain’t lying. Well except any God fearing Alabama boy would be at the ramp at daylight. 😂🤷‍♂️👍

[@tranzformedyouthtn]

Did u get a ticket??

[@tranzformedyouthtn]

Never mind.

[@josephrose9226]

Dude could catch a fish in a mud puddle!

[@joshreed7102]

No social distancing there? Awesome.

[@jeffcoe819]

Looked like he was bribing the DNR lol

[@CrewDogGamer]

Yall remember when gas was 1.89? 😂

[@Pacey247]

Gas $1.89 😅

[@tarpontime7562]

Damn 1.89 and we thought that was high! FJB

[@mikeensor9012]

lol, planning your milk run around how much gas we could put in the boat! Been there done that!!!!!!

[@plantcitychuck2551]

1.89 gas when trump left office.look at it now.this country is goin to hell fast in so many ways.god bless us all.please

[@areddfishing7473]

I swear it be the most amazing time to have Gman sitting around a fire drinking a cold one telling stories. You are a inspiration man!

[@darrellmedley6809]

The night would never end!!!

[@williamlaws2353]

Guy has never forgot his roots Kind of guy who probably never brought parents shame