Kalem Tippett was cast as a fisherman early in life because of his father’s luring advice. “I have a four and a quarter pound bass on the wall at home that I caught when I was 5,” he said.
Kalem grew up with a three-acre lake in his backyard, so he and his father spent many afternoons fishing together. “My dad taught me all the general stuff about bass, about fishing,” he said.
Kalem, a junior in the Murray State University Bass Anglers Club, competed alongside Steven Miller in the Central Regional Championship held Oct. 31, 2009 on Kentucky Lake.
Lots of cash was at stake. If Kalem and Steven won, the Anglers Club and MSU would each receive $25,000, gaining respect for the club and a bonus for the school.
While Kalem can’t use any winnings to fund his future fishing aspirations, he is dreaming big.
“I would love to fish professionally, but it’s a big investment,” he said. “Most guys save up a ton of money, then tour for a while to see if they can make it.”
If lack of cash keeps Kalem from casting as a pro, he plans to work construction for his dad’s building contracting company.
He hopes wisdom learned at the family lake and experience gained from fishing competitively will raise him above other fishermen during the Central Regional Championship.
“When I was 5, I remember going down to the lake with a big bucket of worms by myself and catching two bass,” Kalem said. “I had to wait to show Daddy when he got home from work.”
Fifteen years later, he wants to show his dad a trophy.
