This week’s Walmart FLW Tour bass tournament on Lake Chickamauga brings together the two major aspects of Michael Neal’s professional life. He’s one of the regulars on the tour, and this stop happens to be based out of Dayton Boat Dock, where he’s been the operator for three years.
He’s got to worry about fishing — he needs good showings in this one and the series finale two weeks from now on the Potomac River to make the championship field, after finishing seventh in the points standings last year — yet he can’t help but concern himself with store details, even though he has a very capable staff in place.
At the same time, he gets to sleep in his own house this week, and he gets to show off a quality venue.
“Any time you get to stay at home while you’re competing, it’s a lot more comfortable lifestyle and a lot less expensive,” Neal said Saturday after the Tennessee high school state tournament weigh-ins at Dayton Boat Dock. “It’s very, very nice to be able to have one of these tournaments in your back yard.
“Anybody who comes and visits one of the tournaments here talks about how nice it is. Every one is completely appreciative of the tons of volunteers we have, and they say it’s some of the best hospitality they’ve ever received, so there’s definitely a sense of pride to host this. And when a national organization like this comes to your town, it’s not just a one-time effect. Through the Internet and the television (October, in this case) coverage, there’s so much more exposure for you.”