The Pro-Am Series is not only built in order to showcase the boater side of the Pro-Am Series but also recognize the co-anglers and their talents. The top 4 in points from last year are coming back for 2022 except maybe one that is coming back in a different style. We caught up with the co-anglers from last year and here is what we got!

1. Austin McKeown

This is Austin’s second year on the Pro-Am Series and clinching the points title last year he received free entry into this years Pro-Am Series! Going into the last event at Stonewall, he found himself 6 points behind Tina Legg who was holding the points lead at the time. A 4th place finish in the final stop at Stonewall and a little bit of luck that Tina stumbled on Stonewall he claimed the points title.

Austin has signed back up to compete this year, but isn’t sure if he will be able to make it to each event. He is currently pursuing to “find a life long career that will let me fish and be able to enjoy life.” 

“My goals for this season would be just to fish as much as possible, try my hardest and have a great time. I’d really like to even break my personal best of 5 pounds for both largemouth and smallmouth, but we’ll just see what happens”

If somehow the young gun figures a way to be at every event I would keep my eye on him as one to watch over on the Co-Angler side. As always we joke around with him on the trail about him being able to “talk someones leg off”. We sure hope he is there for another season so everyone gets a full dose of what we are talking about!

2. Tina Legg

She’s back for her 2nd year on the Pro-Am Series after such a close finish last year. Tina is also known as the “Secretary” of The Trail of Dreams and she is charge of most of the paperwork and organizing necessary to put these awesome events on! Back to the story line of the final event on Stonewall she filled us in on her thoughts!

“I did have a heartbreaking moment during that last tournament, unfortunately I had a moment where I lost the biggest fish that day. As soon as I set the hook that big boy immediately turned and wrapped me up,” she said. “we watched that fish jump out of the water trying to shake the hook that I broke off in him. He was as big as he felt on the end of my line.”

Although she didn’t clinch the points victory that day, she is optimistic for the new season and what is in store for 2022.

“By the end of the season last year I had so many anglers cheering for me, standing at the ramp having ramp talk with me, offering up advice and tips and showing me equal encouragement and respect as an angler,” Tina explained. “This year I hope to continue to learn from the Pro-Am anglers, these guys are the best anglers in our state and I’m honored to learn from them.”

A lot of work goes in behind the scenes at Trail of Dreams to prepare for these types of events. Thankfully, Tina has stepped up to the plate and took care of all the busy paperwork and organization for Trail of Dreams.

“I wanted to make paperwork as easy as possible. I wanted all the entries to be in PDF format so they can just be printed, filled out and dropped in the mail or sent back to us via email. This year I also wanted to setup a way to be able to call and secure a spot with a debit or credit card, people are busy and a lot of entries tend be right at the deadlines so I wanted the anglers to have several different options,” she finally said. “My goal this year is to take care of all business points well before tournament season so these anglers can do what they’re here to do and just fish. So when I’m emailing, messaging, calling, etc. just know that it’s so everyone can enjoy.”

3. Austin McCartney

A guy you won’t see on the co-angler list this year will unfortunately be Austin McCartney. After a solid 2021 season where finished up 3rd in points, Austin is choosing another venture on the Pro-Am Series. Austin will now join me and help produce content for the Trail of Dreams Pro-Am Series. 

Not too long along I received a message from Austin wanting to know if he could jump in and assist doing some photography. After a quick look at his website (ontheflyproductions.squarespace.com) I knew he could bring his photography talents to the series. Be on the lookout after the first event for some awesome photos.

Also, if you’re not following Austin go give him a follow over @ontheflyprod on Instagram and a friend request on Facebook (Austin McCartney)!

4. Lee Hess

Back for his 3rd year on the Pro-Am Series, Lee Hess is ready to give the season a crack after just coming up short last year. With 2 impressive finishes late in the season after a blank in the season opener last year he found himself sitting in 4th in points.

“That was one of the worst (Sutton Season Opener) lake fishing days I have ever had. I didn’t have a bite plus I had a surgery a couple days before as well. I could blame it on things like that, but instead I’ll just take it as a learning experience.”

Lee is no stranger to success in bass tournaments around WV. In 2019 he became the first annual Marshall Bass Trail Cup Champion. Fast forward 2 years, had he not blanked at Sutton he might’ve found himself as Trail of Dream’s Pro-Am Co-Angler Champion.

“I look forward to the 2022 season, but I most look forward to the Summersville event. I fish it the most,” Lee said. “I have to say, I am worried about this fishing season on Summersville after having gone through the heavy draw down as to how it will affect the fishing for this season.”

We all can hope that Summersville will produce as it does each and every season. It’s been a home for all of us tournament fisherman around the state and I hope to see it produce again this season.

“I truly enjoy fishing the Pro-Am Series. There are a lot of great anglers, both male and female in this series. It’s always beneficial learning from each other with switching boaters around and it’s great getting to know each other.”