Ted Brown: From Rodeo Arenas to Bass Fishing Tournaments
Ted Brown of Ontario, Oregon, has spent decades thriving in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), where grit and determination were second nature. But after years of traveling the rodeo circuit, Brown sought a new challenge to reignite his competitive drive. That challenge came in the form of tournament bass fishing with Major League Fishing (MLF), where he is now making waves as a co-angler.
A Journey Rekindled by a Steelhead
After a long hiatus from fishing, Brown’s journey back to the water started unexpectedly.
“A buddy called me up to see if I wanted to go fishing, and although I hadn’t fished for over 30 years, when I hooked that steelhead, it was like an adrenaline rush I hadn’t felt in a long time,” Brown recalled.
From that moment, Brown was hooked—both on fishing and the thrill of competition. He spent months chasing bass and crappie with friends, reigniting childhood memories of fishing with his father in Missouri.
A chance discovery of an MLF video on social media introduced Brown to the world of tournament bass fishing. With encouragement from his wife, he signed up as a co-angler for his first Phoenix Bass Fishing League event, driving nearly 4,000 miles from Oregon to Texas to compete at Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
Overcoming Nerves and Embracing a New Role
Walking into his first tournament, Brown described himself as “greener than a March hare.” But the support from MLF staff and anglers like Wesley Baxley, who finished second in the event, helped him settle in quickly.
“The best part was getting to learn from seasoned anglers,” Brown said. “Wesley was incredibly professional and shared so much advice. He pointed out little things, like which colors might work better, and walked me through the weigh-in process.”
Brown’s hard work and old-school techniques paid off. With a three-fish limit, including a 3-pounder caught on a ChatterBait, he finished 22nd overall and took home a check in his very first tournament.
“It hit me that I was really doing this – competing in a tournament and holding my own against many anglers that have spent their life fishing,” Brown said, reflecting on the emotional moment at the weigh-in station.
A Sport Open to Everyone
Brown emphasizes how accessible competitive bass fishing can be for newcomers.
“I want people to know that anyone can get out there and do this,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re new to tournament fishing or don’t have all the fancy gear. All you need is the desire to learn something new and the willingness to take that first step.”
Brown also shared the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone:
“I think the only way we fail, as people, is if we don’t take that step. Sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone to try something new. I did, and boy – I love it so much.”
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter
Now, at nearly 54 years old, Brown is preparing for four more MLF tournaments in 2025, including a Toyota Series event and three Phoenix Bass Fishing League events across Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
In preparation for local tournaments back home, Brown even purchased a new boat during his trip to Texas.
“This is a whole new chapter for me and a whole new love for a sport that I’ve unlocked,” Brown said. “If this story encourages even one person to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, then it’s all worth it.”
From Rodeo to Reservoirs
While Brown’s rodeo days may be behind him, his competitive spirit is alive and well on the water.
“This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see what’s below the surface,” he said.
Brown’s journey is a testament to embracing change, pursuing new passions, and inspiring others to do the same. Whether in the rodeo arena or out on the water, Ted Brown continues to embody resilience and determination.
For complete details and updated information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 13 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Major League Fishing – WE ARE Bass Fishing™
See more bass tournament news here
Discover the ultimate resource for bass fishing enthusiasts with Bass Angler Magazine! Packed with expert tips, the latest cutting-edge techniques, and in-depth articles, our magazine is your go-to guide for mastering the art of bass fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Bass Angler Magazine delivers the insights and inspiration you need to reel in the big ones. Subscribe today and elevate your angling game!
.aioseo-author-bio-compact{display:flex;gap:40px;padding:12px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #000;border-radius:5px;color:#111;background-color:#fff}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-left{flex:0 0 120px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right{flex:1 1 auto}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-left .aioseo-author-bio-compact-image{width:120px;height:120px;border-radius:5px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header{display:flex;align-items:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header .author-name{font-size:22px;font-weight:600}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header .author-job-title{margin-left:12px;padding-left:12px;font-size:18px;border-left:1px solid gray}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main{margin:12px 0;font-size:18px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main>p:last-of-type{display:inline}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main .author-bio-link{display:inline-flex}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main .author-bio-link a{display:flex;align-items:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main .author-bio-link a svg{fill:#000}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-expertises{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-expertises .author-expertise{padding:4px 8px;font-size:14px;border-radius:4px;background-color:#dcdde1;color:inherit}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-socials{margin-top:12px;display:flex;gap:6px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-socials .aioseo-social-icon-tumblrUrl{margin-left:-2px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-site-editor-disclaimer{color:#000;margin-bottom:12px;font-style:italic}@media screen and (max-width:430px){.aioseo-author-bio-compact{flex-direction:column;gap:20px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-left .aioseo-author-bio-compact-image{display:block;margin:0 auto;width:160px;height:160px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right{text-align:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header{justify-content:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-socials{justify-content:center}}
$post[‘post_content’] .= ‘Source‘;
