I love their 7’3” MHF Victory Rods for ripping chatter baits through hydrilla in Florida but I’ve broken 3 of them setting the hook and they have all broken in the same place. I’m going to try the Legend Tournament and see if it’s more durable. I never lost fish on the 7’3 MHF Victory on bladed jigs or Swimjigs. Is there a noticeable difference in the 7’3 Victory MHF and the LTB?

I use 65lb on sharks and rays lol why so heavy?

You’re giving us pearls now.comment on the gold blade please.

What battery tray do you use for the 215 ah starting battery?

Great video explaining how this works. I was hesitant of the system after seeing so many negative reviews out there, but this explanation makes me feel more comfortable with it.

Let’s face it. If you have to pay to play it’s really not a professional sport

I use braid for night time top water I always wondered about just going straight on braid. I use white 15 lb 832. ? I usually 10/12 leader about 6’

Sorry to see you leave the Elites. Double down on the KZfaq stuff! Loved the battery voltage to livescope performance video. You do a good job and are very well spoken.

It’s really a shame to hear this. Loved your presentation at the SFT seminars in central PA and how gracious you were with my son in answering his questions and giving him your autograph. Hopefully you will keep doing things like that within the fishing community.

Truly wish you the best in the future. I would like to see videos regarding practicing for a tournament.

Never heard of him???

Man I appreciate your honesty! No BS here. Young anglers with this dream need to hear this! Best of luck in your future endeavors!!!

Thanks for your efforts, Derek. You have been cashing a check in nearly 80% of Elite tournaments, which is a GREAT percentage! You're a great fisherman. Take care.

Honestly, the working mans dream is becoming less then ever. Its going to push alot of elites out and have the EQs filled with money backed kids with expandable cash (to fish all 9 now). And that will keep bassmaster alive without ever having to change there payouts since 2008 or longer.

A life changing realization when you realize the dream is not going to come true. I made this speech to myself in a mirror when I realized I was never going to be a pro-baseball player. To use his words, “I hate it, it sucks….”

Gonna miss seeing you out there glad I got meet you at Bass U in Bossier City. Best of luck in your future endeavors!

Really going to miss seeing you each trip, Huddy. Stay true to your powerful testimony.

Best of luck!👍🫵💪🙌

Bro…no reason the elites needs to be forever. Look at it as a huge resume builder. The connections you have made will serve you well.

Sorry to hear this, You always seem to be doing things the right way, I have got into Digital marketing where you can work a couple hours a day to pay for my boat. Everthing is getting to expensive.

Congrats living most of out dream for 9 years! Huge feat worth respect no matter where you fell in the pack. I hope you have ultimate success moving forward, sounds like your values and priorities are to be highly respected sad to see a guy like you go but Blessings!!

please, all of this pro fishin nonsense is stemmed from FFS, one example, all of a sudden dustin connell is a total hammer, except before ffs he was your average hot garbage pro angler 🤷‍♂️

Good luck heading forward

You were the first pro bass fisherman we ever met and Hunter Hamilton is chasing his dream because of that educational trip on Tickfaw 4 years ago, thank you for that.

The pros say you cant make it on tournament winnings alone ! So if your sponcer $ got cut alot ? Seems like they are the people that failed you ? But sucks to keep loosing the good guys out their ! Cuz you were a class act ! Peace & Good luck ! 😢😢

Good luck going forward!

Derek don’t fear God has a plan for you young man!Ive not had the pleasure of meeting you but you seem like a true gentleman.Press and lean on God and he will guide you through these times.Much respect to your fellow competitors for commenting on here.I know their gonna miss ya!Keep your head high and your goals even higher my brother in Christ!👍🏼👍🏼

Best wishes on the next endeavors in your life!! You seem like a straight-up guy. Unfortunately, I have a feeling were going to see more posts like this in the future.

While not quite the same, I recently retired from 30 years as a professional fishing guide. My decision was due to health reasons. I miss it dearly. I understand completely where you are coming from and this had to be a heart wrenching decision. I hope you stay in the business to some extent, and I wish you the very best in your future endeavors. God bless.

Man i hurt for you Derek! Its so sad that there isn't some kind of safety net in this sport. There really needs to be! Fishing and B.A.S.S. make ALOT of money. You have a awesome attitude and that's going to make your next chapter that much greater!🙏❤️👑🐟

I regret that I haven’t heard of you because you seem like a fantastic guy. Thanks for your message and congrats on reaching the pinnacle of your sport.

Well this sucks. Sorry to hear the news but quit being so hard on yourself. You are an incredible angler and do not ever forget that. To be ladylike...well..the economy sucks now. I'm afraid we will be seeing more in your situation. Keep your head up and keep fishing! Tight lines!

I am so sorry this has happened to you. I started watching you last year. A man of your integrity will be sorely missed.

I don't know you but i hate to hear this. Best of luck to you moving forward, you seem like a real standup guy.

You have always been positive and a great voice in the fishing communities. Your how to build a brand sessions years ago helped me understand the industry better and build my own platform. We'll see you again soon, play the lotto 😎

Hate that brother your spot on. Pro fishing is very expensive. You have to have a some other income to offset the price of competing. You should always put your family first and what are the best decisions for you and your family. Good luck on your next chapter

Wow Derek. Been a fan since I was a judge for you at Fork. I had a blast on the water with you that day. Outstanding, standup retirement message. You are a class act my friend. Take care buddy.

I hate seeing this to any angler, I give props to Jacob now realization is there.

You’re a class act sir!! Best wishes for much success in your future endeavors!!

Derek, you are all class. God is just sending you down another path in life. May God bless you in your future endeavors.

Sand news man. Hang in there and hope to see you back at the top some day!

Sad to see you go! This is also my dream. I truly appreciate your advice. God bless!🙏

Best of luck in your future endeavors!

100% respect

A rich person sport. You see it at the recreational level to high school level. The kids with rich families have the boat outfitted with the latest and greatest. A rich person sport.

Tight lines forever

Alot of guys who get onto the Elite Series have gone by the wayside because it drains them dry. So many people think this is the greatest deal on earth. It is a great sport but can be a financial nightmare. Best of luck to you Derek, you are a class act !!

Sport has changed need a large youtube following to get sponsor dollar's companies are not supporting anglers on performance alone

It's high stakes gambling

As someone who also had to bow out of a dream career,, I hate this for you. You have a lot to be proud of and this video is one of those things. Stepping away with dignity is a hard call to make , but it shows your integrity. I pray this choice will open up new opportunities and blessings.