The last two months of the year are always a time of reflection. We look back on where we’ve been and look forward to where we will go in the new year. It’s also a time to be thankful for where we are and the good things in our lives right now. We asked a few of the Yamaha Pro Anglers what they are thankful for this year. Here’s what they had to say. As for Yamaha, we’re grateful for our wonderful customers, to be a part of the memories you make on the water, and the opportunity to share your incredible stories.
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“My main goal has always been to be the best ambassador for this sport I can possibly be. At the end of the day, having the opportunity to live my dream, support my family and pass my knowledge of the outdoors on to others is what I am most thankful for!"
- Bill Lowen
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“I’m thankful for a healthy and supportive family that allows me to live out my childhood dreams. Those dreams come at a cost though, and I’m thankful that I have partnerships that equally support that same dream. I don’t take for granted that I’ve been with companies such as Yamaha for entirety of my career!”
-Brandon Palaniuk
“I was very fortunate to grow up in Islamorada, Fla. I fished every chance I could as a kid with my father and uncle. I’ve made my living on the water the past 18 months between running fishing charters, building a YouTube Channel, and selling boats. I’m a father myself and I love making similar memories with my two daughters. This year they got more into fishing, and I can’t wait to see what the next few years hold.”
-Captain Nick Stanczyk
“I’m thankful for such a loving and supportive family that is always cheering me on while I am on the road. I’m also thankful for the sport as a whole and all of the lifelong friendships and memories it has brought me thus far.”
-Easton Fothergill
“I have never been so thankful for my life as I have been this year. Watching our family grow and thrive has been the greatest blessing of my life. Some of my best fishing memories have been this year taking my little girl Rivah out on the boat fishing with me. It’s our little time together, and she loves it. Grateful for fishing and the love of the outdoors.”
-Carl Jocumsen
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“I’m thankful to have grown up in South Florida, explore the Everglades (before GPS), and fish the depths of the Atlantic and Gulf. On top of that, I’ve been able to do these things during a time of technological advancement that opens doors to new adventures.”
-Captain Sean Gill
“It’s not hard to be thankful when I’ve been blessed with a loving family, good health and a life that lets me enjoy one of God’s greatest creations – the outdoors. I’m a lucky man.”
-Patrick Walters
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“I have a lot to be thankful for and a ton of gratitude every day. I’d have to say that as a full-time guide, I’m thankful for the opportunity to pass on my love and respect of Mother Nature and my passion for fishing. Making people smile and having lasting memories is such a huge part of it. I’m fortunate to live in a beautiful place, rich in history and tradition. I love the change of seasons and migrations. Of course, anytime I get to spend on the water with my wife and daughter is something to be thankful for as well!”
-Captain Shannon Pickens
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“My main goal has always been to be the best ambassador for this sport I can possibly be. At the end of the day, having the opportunity to live my dream, support my family and pass my knowledge of the outdoors on to others is what I am most thankful for!"
- Bill Lowen
“I’m thankful for a healthy and supportive family that allows me to live out my childhood dreams. Those dreams come at a cost though, and I’m thankful that I have partnerships that equally support that same dream. I don’t take for granted that I’ve been with companies such as Yamaha for entirety of my career!”
-Brandon Palaniuk
“I was very fortunate to grow up in Islamorada, Fla. I fished every chance I could as a kid with my father and uncle. I’ve made my living on the water the past 18 months between running fishing charters, building a YouTube Channel, and selling boats. I’m a father myself and I love making similar memories with my two daughters. This year they got more into fishing, and I can’t wait to see what the next few years hold.”
-Captain Nick Stanczyk
“I’m thankful for such a loving and supportive family that is always cheering me on while I am on the road. I’m also thankful for the sport as a whole and all of the lifelong friendships and memories it has brought me thus far.”
-Easton Fothergill
“I have never been so thankful for my life as I have been this year. Watching our family grow and thrive has been the greatest blessing of my life. Some of my best fishing memories have been this year taking my little girl Rivah out on the boat fishing with me. It’s our little time together, and she loves it. Grateful for fishing and the love of the outdoors.”
-Carl Jocumsen
“I’m thankful to have grown up in South Florida, explore the Everglades (before GPS), and fish the depths of the Atlantic and Gulf. On top of that, I’ve been able to do these things during a time of technological advancement that opens doors to new adventures.”
-Captain Sean Gill
“It’s not hard to be thankful when I’ve been blessed with a loving family, good health and a life that lets me enjoy one of God’s greatest creations – the outdoors. I’m a lucky man.”
-Patrick Walters
“I have a lot to be thankful for and a ton of gratitude every day. I’d have to say that as a full-time guide, I’m thankful for the opportunity to pass on my love and respect of Mother Nature and my passion for fishing. Making people smile and having lasting memories is such a huge part of it. I’m fortunate to live in a beautiful place, rich in history and tradition. I love the change of seasons and migrations. Of course, anytime I get to spend on the water with my wife and daughter is something to be thankful for as well!”
-Captain Shannon Pickens
Back to Blue Life