40
central Alabama. I also enjoy catching giant crappie on Lake
Jordan."
Master of the Freshwater Fishing Universe
Scott Canterbury grew up fishing on Alabama Power lakes
but nowadays makes a living on them and reservoirs across
the nation.
"I learned how to fish on the Coosa River with my dad
and my uncles," said Canterbury, a Moody native who was
a plumber until turning pro fisherman. "When I was 12 or
so we started fishing Lay Lake and the tailrace there and at
Logan Martin. That style of fishing is still a passion for me,
holds a special place in my heart and led to where I'm at
now."
The Bassmasters Elite 2019 Angler of the Year has earned
nearly $2 million since becoming a full-time pro in 2012,
when Canterbury was Rookie of the Year on the Fishing
League Worldwide (FLW) tour.
2019 was the best year for the blue-collar guy who never
dreamed of being a professional but worked his way up to
the Top 10 of what is now the FLW Toyota Series, where
amateur anglers can advance. Canterbury earned more than
$200,000 his last couple of years on the FLW pro tour and
has since moved on to Bassmaster, winning $326,446.92 last
year.
But the average angler who pulls in a trophy bass on
Lake Martin might hold off trying to match Canterbury's
exploits. Without his many sponsors, he "wouldn't even
attempt" to take on a sport that requires $5,000 for
rods, reels and tackle, $45,000 in annual entrance fees, a
Smith Lake quiet at sunrise near the Duncan Bridge.
Canterbury has won nearly $2 million fishing since 2012.