With the flick of his wrist, pro bass fisherman Glenn Chappelear can land a cast anywhere in water or on land.

He recently demonstrated his skill with a rod and lure at McDonough Road Baptist Church where about 100 avid fishermen gathered to collect some tips and, more importantly, to hear Chappelear's inspirational message.

“I've always enjoyed the outdoors,” Chappelear admitted while setting up for his seminar. And it was his affinity for fishing and competition which led him to answer God's calling to reach out and bring the Gospel to outdoorsmen.

“Glenn, who's reaching these people? I heard him ask me,” Chappelear said. “Where is Bubba on Sunday?”

Hunting and fishing, of course, Chappelear realized. Two years ago, he founded Sportsmen's Outreach, Inc. and began crisscrossing the country, organizing fishing seminars and speaking at wild game banquets.

Visiting middle and high school was a natural extension of his ministry, as Chappelear served as a youth minister for six years at First Baptist Church of Powder Springs before hitting the Bass Master Trail. He is a graduate of Clemson University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Chappelear found an attentive audience at McDonough Road Baptist, as he cast and spoke from his gleaming Ranger boat, parked in front of the church. Novice fishermen were dully impressed when Chappelear cast a wiggly pink lure smack into the cap held nervously by a young participant. He dispensed handy tips to mature sportsmen who have yet to reel in the really “big one.”

Following the fried fish dinner, Chappelear moved on from the funny anecdotes and clever jokes and got serious with his audience. He often talks about his relationship with his father, who is now 72. Chappelear recalled the times when he was a youngster that his father would take him fishing in his boat or out hunting.

“Now the roles have changed,” he said, explaining how age causes a gradual role reversal. “Dad now fishes from my boat.” Chappelear is now 38.

The importance of family time is emphasized by example in Chappelear's life. He and his wife Donna have two young children and are expecting a third next month. She travels with her husband as much as possible. “We definitely try to attend all the tournaments; besides, we're Glenn's biggest fans!” Donna said.

Competition season is over for Chappelear until September when he starts fishing the northern lakes in places like New York. The tour travels south with competition in Florida in the cold months and more fishing moving into the Carolinas and Georgia in the spring.

Chappelear turned pro in 1997, after years of fishing in charity tournaments. His involvement in a bass club and a strong competitive streak, spurred him on to the next level of fishing and a spot on the Bass Master Trail and Forest L. Wood Tour. He is ranked among the top 100 Bass Master fishermen.

His sponsors include Ranger Boats, Jerry Brown Chevrolet, Mercury Motors, Motor Guide Trolling Motors, J and K Custom Rods, Gambler Worms, Gamakatsu Hooks, GNB Batteries, the North American Mission Board, Lowrance Electronics, US Food Service, Strike King Lures and Tom's Sporting Goods and Marine.

The money won in fishing is much less than in other sports like golf, for instance. Chappelear said top prize might be $40,000 in any one tourney. The winner is usually selected based on cumulative weight of fish caught over a three to four day period.

Conducting fishing seminars and sharing his faith is another day's work for Chappelear. He is also a Mission Service Corps Volunteer for the North American Mission Board. A just released video entitled “Awesome Bass” showcases Chappelear's easygoing style and professional skill on the water. It is available at Wal-Mart.

The Chappelears make their home in Dallas, GA. For more information about Sportsmen's Outreach, Inc. phone 770-443-3950.

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