American Legacy Fishing

G. Loomis Superstore Blog

  • ALFC Blog Home
  • Shop American Legacy
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Rods
      • Fishing Reels
      • Lines / Leaders
      • Tools
      • Tackle
    • Accessories
      • Bags & Luggage
      • Decals and Stickers
      • Rod & Reel Covers
      • Sunglasses
      • Novelty
      • Cameras
      • Gloves
      • Scales / Measuring Tools
    • Hunting
      • Apparel
      • Archery
      • Decoys
      • Optics
      • GPS & Accessories
      • Lights
      • Oufitting Supplies
      • Treestands & Blinds
      • Youth
      • Accessories
      • Knives & Tools
    • Clothing
      • T-Shirts
      • Hats / Headwear
      • Sweatshirts
      • Jackets
      • Rainwear
      • Shorts
      • Shoes / Boots
    • Electronics & Optics
      • Scopes & Binoculars
      • Game & Trail Cameras
      • Accessories
      • GPS & Maps
      • Fish Finders, Sonar & Accessories
      • Trolling Motors
    • Marine, ATV/UTV
      • Marine
      • ATV/UTV
    • Sale!
    • Brands
    • Gift Cards
  • Newsletter Archives
    • ALFC Newsletters
    • Fishing Stories
    • Videos
    • Specials
    • Product Spotlight
    • Braggin’ Board
    • Tackle Talk Podcast
    • The Weekly Tip
  • Testimonials
You are here: Home / Newsletter Archives / Fishing Stories / A mental edge…..

A mental edge…..

November 30, 2008 By Tom Ashby Leave a Comment

The story of Clay Dyer

11.23.08A

“The main reason I tournament fish,” said 24-year-old Clay Dyer of Hamilton, Ala., “is because my life has always been a competition with the situation I’m in, being the way I was born. To me, it’s the fact that I know I’m competing against the best anglers in the nation. By no means am I at that level. My main perspective is that it’s such a challenge to fish at that level. I don’t want to do it for a year or two and then have the fire burn out.” 

Indeed, Dyer has a fire inside. Dyer was born without legs and without a left arm. His right arm extends to his elbow. Nevertheless, Dyer flings a bait-caster by clenching it between his cheek and collarbone, cranking the reel with his right arm.

“I can make any cast I need to make,” Dyer said. “I can cast left or right. I can pitch and flip – I do that a lot. I can pitch and flip as easily as I can throw a big crankbait. It took a lot of practice – a year or two – to learn a lot of the casts.”

Dyer started fishing at 5 years old and began tournament fishing with older friends at 12 years old. By 1996, when he was a senior in high school, Dyer was fishing full time, and since then, he has won 30 team and regional tournaments. His next goal is to fish FLW Tour and EverStart Series events. Dyer’s hopes are buoyed by a full roster of sponsors, including Yamaha, Minn Kota and Plano. He also splits fishing time with inspirational speaking engagements.

“When you meet the guy and see how determined, how outgoing and how willing to tell his story he is, it’s that much better,” said David Simmons, field promotions coordinator for Yamaha Marine Power Group. “As far as his marketing and promotional abilities, they’re excellent regardless of his abilities or disabilities.”

Another angler with determination and ambition is Brett Ketchum of Little Rock, Ark. Last year Ketchum fished the National Bass Association of the Deaf circuit and the full BFL Arkie Division, taking seventh at Lake Ouachita. “I don’t think (my lack of) hearing affects my fishing at all,” Ketchum said. “That’s why I chose fishing rather than hoops or baseball, which required hearing. I only need help from my partner for the flight call.

“My events for 2003 should be the same with the BFL,” added Ketchum, a cabinet maker with Raytheon Aircraft. “I’m still looking forward to the EverStart Series. If I get a chance, I will go for it!”

Going for it – it’s a common theme among anglers with disabilities. In a way, their fishing is not unlike any other aspect of their lives, with day in, day out obstacles to overcome. The way they look at it, one of the most crucial components of any aspect of their lives is the mental edge.

“I’ve always had a lot of willpower,” Dyer said. “I’m not trying to brag or boast. When something gets in front of me, I’m going to go 110 percent until I accomplish it.”

(Note: Here’s a link to Dyer’s Book: http://www.lulu.com/browse/preview.php?fCID=1783533)

 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

Filed Under: Fishing Stories

  • Terms of Use
  • Shop
  • Contact Us
  • Trade In Program
  • Shipping Info
  • G Loomis Warranty Program

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Current Specials

Afterpay Is Here - American Legacy Fishingtrade In Program

Follow Us on Facebook

American Legacy Fishing Company, LLC

Legacy Loyalty Rewards- Earn Points With Every Purchase!

Legacy Loyalty Rewards- Earn Points With Every Purchase!

Quick Links

  • Site Map
  • Search Terms
  • Advanced Search
  • Reward Points

CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • About Us
  • ALFC Guarantee
  • Contact Info
  • Loyalty Rewards
  • My Account
  • Shipping Info
  • Testimonials
  • Trade-In Form
  • Trade-In Program

ACCOUNT

  • My Account
  • Orders and Returns

RESOURCES

  • Shop By Brand
  • Boats, ATV/UTV
  • Clothing
  • Electronics, Optics
  • Fishing
  • Gift Cards
  • Hunting
  • Sale Items

POLICY LINKS

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • G. Loomis Warranty Info

SOCIAL MEDIA

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

FEATURED BRANDS

  • BogaGrip
  • Daiwa Fishing
  • G. Loomis Fishing
  • Sage Fly Rods
  • Shimano Fishing

CREDIT CARDS

  •  
     
     
     
     

BBB

Copyright © 2023 American Legacy Fishing · All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Submit Your Photos to the Braggin' Board!

  • Max. file size: 500 MB.
  • Tell us about this photo. If there is a cool story that goes along with the photo we would love to hear it. Please also include any names you would like included with the photo.
    By checking this box, you agree to the American Legacy Fishing Company Terms of Service. You also verify that you are the sole owner of the copyright to this image, and grant a universal license to American Legacy Fishing Company to use this image.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.