Professional fishing increasingly becoming family affair

? Professional angler Mark Davis left his home in Mount Ida, Ark., on May 4 en route to the CITGO Bassmaster Tour event on Lake Eufaula.

During the next eight hours, he would travel more than 500 miles non-stop to Lakepoint State Park with his wife, Tilly, and their recently adopted 6 12-month-old twin sons, Fisher and Hunter, in tow.

While Mark fished at least nine hours each of the next six days, Tilly spent her time tending to the boys and preparing to serve as her husband’s cheering section at the afternoon weigh-ins.

When the tournament was done, the Davises loaded back into their sport utility vehicle and made the final leg of their 1,000-mile round-trip journey back to Arkansas.

It was a rigorous trek but one that Tilly has readily made more than a dozen times each year since 1988.

“Mark and I honeymooned at the Bassmasters Classic,” Tilly said. “That was my very first tournament ever and it just about tore me up. I was a nervous wreck. But now, I just can’t imagine not going to the tournaments. They’re a big part of our family’s life.”

Though once a rarity in the pro ranks, as the payouts increase, more anglers are beginning to travel with their families.

Denny Brauer, winner of last week’s tournament on Lake Eufaula, travels to all of the events with his wife, Shirley. Davy Hite, this season’s Angler of the Year, comes to most tournaments with his wife Natalie and their children, Parker and Peyton.

Alton Jones travels to every tournament with his wife, Jimmye Sue, and their children, Alton, Kristen and Jamie.

“People say having your family on tour with you can be a burden,” Alton Jones said. “But to me, it’s very reassuring to know they’re going to be there when I get off the water.”