Never Give Up: Winning the Bassmaster Classic (Episode 8)

[@fishdaddyforreel]

This transcends beyond fishing. It’s a true life story about never giving up!!! Thanks mike enjoy every episode.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Fish Daddy!!!!

[@nunyabusiness102]

I just ran into the ESPN Classic show for your Classic the other day Your voice was shot! Must have been a great party!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Excellent!! Lol

[@richlewis1879]

Thank God they had you on camera for that last bad boy. Instant stardom. You the man Mike

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

It was an incredible moment!!

[@shawnbeck2303]

Mike. After my Father died in 1996. I was going to give up fishing. I sold alot of his fishing equipment. Then gave my Mother the money. I kept what didn't sell. I put what was left in my garage. Wouldn't even look at it! It took a while. But one day I got up the courage to look and grieve his loss. He was the Best fisherman I knew. I as I began combing through what fishing gear and lures were left. Great memories flooded my mind. Slowly, I began to want to get back out there. Fishing was our connection. My love for my Father and fishing were glued together. I could not separate them. I began to rebuild what wasn't sold. Cleaning, Oiling and organizing Rod's, Reel's and lures soft and hard baits. I even moved between to lakes in Southern Indiana. Still no boat. But just wanted to remember him and what he taught me about fishing. He passed at 60 years old. I was 36 then now I am 61. One year older when he passed. I am bigger and better for knowing him for just a little while. I have caught thousands of Bass since then. Even learned the baitcaster reel and how to catch Smallmouths. Thanks to your series. It once again brought even more memories of him and fishing. You are the teacher of Bass fishing and life. Congrats for this great series. Shawn.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

That is a beautiful story Shawn!! Never Give Up!

[@motorcycleislife8296]

This just proves hard times is what makes us great.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

TRUTH!

[@richlewis1879]

That fish changed bass fishing forever. Simply because of you Ike. You the man

[@bradleyrussell1973]

One of the true, all-time greats of this sport, and a wonderful ambassador for it. Love ya, Ike! Thanks for all the teachings and inspiration!!!

[@Frank-vh8zf]

Thank you for sharing real life,shit. That's why we all, love you, Mike!!!!!! Been a fan since the beginning.

[@haydenswainoutdoors5688]

Hey Mike I just want to say that I have been waiting for this episode, a lot of great memories. The 2003 classic was the first Bassmaster Classic I ever watched. I was 7 years old and thats what got me into competitive bass fishing. I started fishing on my high school team, I was college angler for Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and I've been fishing the BFLs as a co-angler for the last 7 years now. I know you won't remember this, but it was the 2013 National FFA convention you were there and I actually got to meet you. I never got a chance to say this in person but your phrase "never give up" has helped me a lot, not just in fishing but for everything in life. Looking forward to the next episode, keep up the good work Mike.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Hayden!! Never Give Up!!!!

[@vellwilk422]

Man …. What a great series ! Truly a inside look at the what it means to NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!! Mike is actually human guys ….. who would of thought. Your a legend dude.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

haha Thanks Vell! Truly Appreciate that!

[@michaelnadeau3238]

You would have made a great teacher, and probably helped many kids Mike. With your exceptional character and passion for life and fishing you clearly made the right choice. Watching your journey and passion for the sport over the years has been a gift. Thanks for bringing us along! #nevergiveup

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Wow, thank you!

[@richlewis1879]

By far best classic of all time. It's not even close. Ike became an all-time legend

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks Rich!!! 💪

[@Abe_Sinclair]

I'm not crying... You're crying...... (This vid hits you in the feels....

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Lol!! No one is crying!!

[@platinumhandymansolutions]

We all try and live through Ike, he is the only one who can go Ike and will make me smile. These episodes are just amazing, keep em coming.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you!!! Never Give Up!!

[@tonicobastos]

These are the ones we put the like before we even see the thing!!! 💪"Pull up in my BassCat doing donuts, If I don't make the Classic the people go nuts." 🎶🎶🤟

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks Antonio!

[@spiderrico6307]

Finally, I came across my favorite anglers story of never giving up! Wow! Always have loved watching you compete. Hoping someday you could win another one! Your passion and excitement for the SPORT of fishing is second to none! Folks at home, folks at home! NEVER GIVE UP! Love and appreciate IKE! Blessings to you and yours.

[@davidharris4030]

I am a 58 year old man and like can’t wait for next episode! Like a kid in a candy shop!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you David!!!

[@hoopsheavenpa]

I totally need to meet you one day! I always rooted for you because you're a Northeast guy like myself. This video series makes me respect you even more with the adversity you fought through. Thank you this series on your life and career and for maintaining great weekly content on the best fishing KZbin channel out there!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Maybe one day!

[@poboyfishingthe2258]

I remember being high school seeing you say never give up great career 1 of the legends

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you!!! Truly appreciate that!

[@Playaj711]

I remember watching that Classic and thinking damn Never Give Up!!!!!!!!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

💪 thanks Jerry!!

[@memphis1071]

I’m speechless and I have goosebumps. There’s really nothing else to say. Ike, man…….. wow.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

💪 thanks Memphis!!

[@charlesgiannotti5745]

Mike can't wait for episode 8 I have been a fan of yours since you broke in and got nationally known I love your enthusiasm and excitement when you catch fish anytime I catch you on tv mostly now on Mlf I pull for you to win you keep it real and that's what it's all about. Keep ripping lips bro!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Charles!! Appreciate the support!!!

[@tomroperti2476]

Mike thank you for sharing sharing that special moment in your life. You have been my rockstar and always be my rockstar. I live by, never give up! Thank you again.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Rock on! Thanks Tom! Never Give Up!

[@slimjimmy229]

I remember watching this classic wile working my first job after graduating high school. My job was a sales associate in the lodge at Dick's. Being a diehard fishermen myself and seeing your passion in that moment drove me to pursue tournament fishing. Literally seeing that moment when you grasped your chest screaming "NEVER GIVE UP!" changed my life forever. Thanks for everything you have contributed to the sport.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Never Give Up!!!! Thanks Slim!!

[@JerryCollett-f8k]

Loved this story Mike and never knew this about you in life and always pull for you as I love smallie fishing as you always did and still do ❤

[@oscarchip01]

These vids feel like a video/audio telling of your book Fishing on the Edge. I love hearing it from you. You had called that spot the Heart. You had used the Stone Jig to catch them on Day 1. Then you talked about waiting for a tug to pass to create current which generated a bite. Then the last day you figured out the 1-2 punch. Great stuff Mike!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks Stephen!!!!! Appreciate the support man!

[@jaynyceoutdoors]

Not gonna lie, when we were teenagers my team partner and I used to have your “never give up” on audio recording. We would play it every time we’d catch a kicker on tournament day. Awesome memories 😂

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

That is AWWESOMEEEE!

[@jcataldo1988]

I really love this series bro, I'm a stereotypical Italian from NYC who moved to NC and got addicted to bass fishing. This really hit home, I definitely know the feeling of being an outsider in the sport but man do I love bassin! Incredible journey brother, thanks for giving me an Italian to root for, never give up!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Yo J! Thanks man!!! Never Give Up!!!

[@jcataldo1988]

@@mikeiaconellifishing You're welcome bro, if the trail ever brings you near Norman and your sick of fast food we'd be honored to have you over for some chicken Parm with spaghetti and meatballs!

[@tonymcbroom5252]

Wow.... I am speechless. Never give up!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Never Give Up!!

[@DanielJones-nv3my]

I'll tell you buddy you've got me HOOKED like that winning bass that won it for you. No better way to enjoy your dinner break eating and watching this fantastic series you're sharing with us. I'm not going to lie I must have rewind that part and watched it roughly 5 times when you won the trophy. Can't wait till next week and NEVER GIVE UP.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Daniel!! Appreciate the support!!

[@davidbrown-55]

And you caughtem Mike! That’s what I’m talkin about.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Heck yeah!!!

[@johnsimonelli9988]

Hey Mike, I'll never forget the day you won. I was home and just happen to turn the TV on right when you went crazy over the fish you caught. You made me laugh so hard that I went upstairs to reenact for my wife...Of course she thought I was nuts!! Then a few years later I had the pleasure of meeting you and Becky who was pregnant with Vegas and that was a treat. ( I'm the guy that sold you Becky two trucks) God bless you and your family. PS: I laughed just as hard again!!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Hahaha! That's awesome! Thanks John!!

[@ScottinEC]

Love this series!!!! Your story of working at at Dick’s and coming up through the federation series reminds me a lot of my friend Pat Schlapper. He won the bass nation and birthed into classic too. He’s now fishing the Elite Series and I couldn’t be happier for him. Keep up with the great videos. I’m not at an awesome time right now myself in life but that “Never Give Up” mentality is powerful stuff and I’ll get through it eventually. Thanks man and God Bless.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Keep pushing! Never Give Up!! You got this Lazur!!

[@ScottinEC]

Will do, Sir! PS. You remember those berkley Ike jigs? It was a compact football jig with silicone skirt with a living rubber tied above it? I put many smallies in the boat on tourney day with those back then. I haven’t seen them in stores for years so I make my own now. Good memories back in the day.

[@ryanraddin9568]

I loved seeing all the old college basketball scores at 12:10!!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

What a throwback!

[@toddshook5798]

I watched you as you broke into the scene. I thought, “wow, this guy is different. He doesn’t sound the same and he doesn’t act the same. This guy is actually fired up about fishing.” This series has helped me remember a lot about those years. Thank you for sharing your passion! About a year and a half ago, I started river fishing for musky in my kayak. I have caught 16 in that time period. Every one that I caught, I “pulled an Iaconelli.” Thanks again for everything that you have done for the sport and for all of us that have learned from you watching videos.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Todd!! I will keep the videos coming! Glad I could help!!

[@jimbaumgardner1436]

Goosebumps for me on this one! I remember watching 19 years ago. I can only imagine how you felt that day 😎

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

It was truly an incredible feeling!

[@paulbighorse7498]

Can these get any better? I think not. Another epic episode Ike. Thanks for battling thru all the difficulties of life and continuing to follow your passion for fishing. Come on next Tuesday.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Glad you like them!

[@willitsnow503]

Watching this makes me wanna keep going!! Never give up!!! Thanks ike!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Never Give Up!!! Keep pushing!!

[@travisbruno1988]

this story brings tears to my eyes Mike im not joking, the first think i thought was follow your dreams and never give up. ive been rooting for you this year, its not over till the fat lady sings. God Bless you and the family we love you brother and were so proud of who youve become

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Travis!! Truly appreciate the support!!!

[@dualthreatoutdoors]

Love the passion you have Ike!!! If you don’t get pumped up about the winning fish of the classic, then just stay home!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

#truth hahaha Thanks !

[@JBird401]

Truly inspirational Mike. Whenever i feel like quitting I'm gonna watch these videos and dig deep.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

NEVER GIVE UP!!!!

[@412_fishing4]

So excited to watch these every week. My favorite angler. Thank you for never giving up Mike!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you!! Never Give Up!!

[@kls8813]

You gave my husband some good advice and he was very inspired by this video (and is by all your videos your incredible career). So thank you! Also, a lot of pros don't interact with their fans, especially a pro of your status, which shows how awesome you are. Thanks again and God bless!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

That just gave me a huge smile!! Thank you!! Never Give Up!!!

[@markueltschy9518]

Never give up has brought a lot of people hope !!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank You Mark I hope it continues to help whoever and all who need it!

[@tompavlot2704]

So Awesome ! Can’t wait til next Tuesday !

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks Tom!! Got a lot more coming!

[@donkswampey3874]

What an incredible story Mike, can’t wait for the next episode every week.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Donk!! Got a lot more coming!

[@bradleyrussell1973]

NEVER GIVE UP

[@isurfinsb]

Bruh... Episode....Eight!!! Here's another word that starts with "E"... EPIC! They can't just keep gettin' better like this every week can they? Welp... we'll see next Tuesday won't we... Thanks for telling your story man. It's amazing to me how applicable the lessons we learn from fishing are to life. I'm inspired. It's 7:30pm on aTuesday and I'm gonna go hang some blinds for my wife then rig up for Thursday!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks MelB!

[@JerseyBoy5110]

What a great story, envisioned everything described

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeffgrier8488]

What a great story Mike, thanks for taking us along and sharing the memories!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks Jeff!! Got a lot more coming!!

[@mrs.prospectsouth6875]

Literally crying at work rn! This is beautiful! Your energy and passion is infectious, Mike! You are truly the GOAT 🐐 🙌 🎣

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Don't CRY!! Happy thoughts! Happy Fish!

[@richlewis1879]

Crying really.

[@mrs.prospectsouth6875]

@@mikeiaconellifishing happy tears! Of course! 😃

[@mrs.prospectsouth6875]

@@richlewis1879 haha yupp. Happy tears 😀

[@davekleinsmith4540]

It never disappoints, LOVE ya Mike!!!!!!!!. I hope to fish at one percent like you one day, I'll never give up!! Thanks for you being you :-)

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!

[@fof_fishing1468]

Can’t wait for the next episode!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks Fof! Glad you enjoyed!!

[@richardsnyder3902]

Like Mike..If I could be like Mike!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Lol

[@SpookyRedz]

Venice ,Louisiana yaaaaaa babyyyyy , catching footballs in the Rosos

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Foosball!!!

[@chrisl6733]

Awsome dude. You're still an inspirational to all of us that bass fish at any level

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Truly appreciate that! Thank you!

[@bassing1968]

Mike been a fan from the beginning of your career… love your energy and thanks for sharing your entire story! You inspire me as disabled veteran who inspires to fish the KBF. Best wishes always🤙 Never Give Up!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Bryan thank you for your service and thank you very much for the support!!!

[@jackgiljr]

I really enjoy this series. Good work Mike!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Jack!!!

[@MrBuffaluffagus]

Awesome! You're a great storyteller. Your passion as you tell the story makes us feel like we were there. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks for watching Les! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ryanraddin9568]

Great series! I learn a lot from all of your videos, keep up the good work!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Ryan!! Will do!!

[@powerbaitpaul]

That's awesome man, such an iconic moment getting that winning fish! 🔥🔥🔥

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

A moment in time that forever changed my life!

[@stevencaldwell838]

I really appreciate your honesty and emotional testimony… you had this big guy chocked up a couple of times! Your a good dude Mike 🙏🎣

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Steven truly appreciate that!

[@SpookyRedz]

I loved watching it then and now , total incredible story , all the wins the positive s not the negatives though , love it mr.Mike sorry for the family stuff though

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Spooky! Life happens sometimes its part of the journey!

[@SpookyRedz]

@@mikeiaconellifishing thank you mr.Mike also

[@leroysmith9455]

Great episode. Can’t wait for the next one

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks Leroy!

[@bryceslavik6730]

All I can say is wow! Your videos are so good it makes me in a suspenseful mood and I really enjoy your series!! A lot! thanks Mike for sharing

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks Bryce!! Appreciate that! I have a lot more to share!

[@josemadrigal8240]

Mike I like all your signature rods. I have two of them and one day I like to own all of them . Good 👍🏼 job

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Heck yeah!!!!! Thank you Jose!!!

[@fatguyoutdoors3511]

Well you ended up fishing and teaching. Keep it up. #nevergiveup

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Living my dream!

[@SpookyRedz]

Big oneeeeee , big oneeeeee , I love it so much

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

GIANNNNNNNTTTTTT!!!!

[@johndelgrosso2699]

Another great episode Mike ! I remember watching that on BASS ! 👊🏻

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks John!!!

[@stevenmcneal2334]

I'm a big fan now!

[@idiscorp512]

Great episode man, I look forward every week for these!!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks for watching and the support!

[@sgt_salty_cracka1541]

I'm loving this series Mike!!!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Sgt! Appreciate the support! Tell everyone you know!

[@shaybag]

awesome story cant wait to hear the rest

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

A lot more coming Sheldon!

[@MainlakeFishguides]

Love hearing this story!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Team Mainlake!

[@jeffmendell4533]

Great work Mike. Maybe some day we cross paths on a South Jersey lake Some day . So if you hear it’s Berlin Jeff I’d like to congratulate you personally for changing the game. The Eddie Van Halen of bass fishing 😎

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Jeff!!! 💪

[@lanceydenis3878]

I love your story 🤩🤩🤩🤩💪💪💪💪

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Lancey!

[@ScuffedThumbZFishing]

Chills! So awesome Ike

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you!!!! Appreciate that

[@ScuffedThumbZFishing]

@@mikeiaconellifishing made this ol truck driver and kayak fisherman’s day 😀

[@davidalejandroglennieporra6678]

Great overcoming sensei!!!.Regards from Monterrey Mexico

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks and welcome!!

[@andiiramii2775]

Once again such a sick episode 🔥

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you Andii!

[@paulkrueger2886]

I love this so much I even bought the Ant Beale song off of itunes!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

That is awesome!!! Thanks for the support Paul!!!

[@richlewis1879]

Hate to say it pal, but I've gone through everything you have times ten. I love you man. No disrespect. But at least you've become a world famous angler. Imagine cutting down trees for a living. So I completely understand life kicking you in the head, but believe me bro, you've got it way better than most regular guys. ❤️ I'd love to meet you man. Gaurentee brothers from different mothers. Please don't take my comment the wrong way

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Brother NEVER GIVE UP!!! Everything we go through is part of our journey!

[@tommylagebro6865]

This almost made me religious, big thanks for sharing. Never give up.......

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

lol Thank you Tommy!

[@heitorvinci6634]

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing your story with us, Mike. Isn’t it incredible how the Lord gives us rest in the midst of storms? (Quite literally in your case) Hearing about the Classic was great, but hearing about how you fell asleep on your boat with an absolute downpour outside was even better. Great stuff! Keep it up, Mike!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

It was a powerful moment! Thank you Heitor

[@Abe_Sinclair]

These are so good.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks Abe!!!!

[@larrywhite4121]

Man I enjoyed this, keep em coming br

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Got them dropping every Tuesday

[@neilbonefishing]

Really awesome 👊

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@northeastodc3921]

18:15 I think that’s the opposite of blacking out bud 😂😂

[@BobbyBalsaRNM]

Great story. Got into an argument with my wife last night about me not being home bc I was fishing. We're both trying to find a healthy balance and it's very difficult.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Never Give Up!!!

[@BobbyBalsaRNM]

@@mikeiaconellifishing I won't! Thank you for your inspiration!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

@@BobbyBalsaRNM come here every Tuesday man. It can only help. Maybe ask your wife to watch an episode or two and see why fishing is important to you and how you relate. Through understanding all good things come

[@BobbyBalsaRNM]

@@mikeiaconellifishing thank you very much! We had a great talk today. She knows it's therapeutic and my passion. We're working out a schedule/compromise and she even promised to go out with me this spring to learn! The fact that someone as famous and CRAZY busy as you replies to everyone is so cool and shows your character and dedication to your craft and fans. Thanks again! You rock!

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

@@BobbyBalsaRNM dude I'm very happy to hear that!! Good stuff!!

[@mrpinfold]

Respect mate , good on ya mate

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you!! Never Give Up!

[@travisbruno1988]

Mike what type of sunglasses did you use to cover your prescription? because i cant wear contacts and prescription sunglasses arent that affordable

[@Zellamo1]

u the man mike! 💪

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks!! You are the BEST!

[@poeanglersfishingwithbrian8361]

MAN l love this video goals for me hafaspot 1st place bank angler trophy

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Good luck!

[@stephenpetho9570]

What song does he use

[@captainhunter_oubre1364]

The classic need to come back down here to NOLA.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

That would be amazing!

[@x--LeethaL--x]

N.G.U!!

[@colinmattson7959]

I have to be honest with you sir I stopped watching you when I saw a shoot out video you lost and broke your rod and kicked your electronics off the dash I was done and by chance I saw this video and you have changed my mind and reminded me we can all make bad choices and now I'm blaming fishing on all my shortcomings you have opened my eyes and I thank you for that.

[@elizabethsumpter9129]

💖💖💖

[@richlewis1879]

Dead serious, did or do you have relatives in Massachusetts?

[@chadhensley55]

What's up Mike

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Yo Chad!!

[@howard4405]

Praise jesus