Realtree Fishing's Mark Rose Leads FLW Pennzoil Marine AOY in Points

Realtree Fishing-sponsored professional bass-fishing angler Mark Rose is currently leading the FLW Pennzoil Marine AOY point race with 878 points. Rose climbed into the top spot in the standings last week at Alabama's Smith Lake with a 22nd-place finish. According to FLW.com, Rose has been one of the hottest bass fishing pros on the planet over the past 14 months and the expectation is he will close strong.

Anytime you find yourself at the top of the standings against the top fishermen in the world, it's humbling, Rose said. I am truly blessed.

The seasoned angler is known for his hard-working, quiet demeanor and says he believes his gray hair is paying off.

I believe that God shows us from time to time that if we work hard and do things right, he gives us our moments on top, Rose said. They may be brief, however as athletes, it gives us the confidence we need.

Rose said he's experienced a consistent season so far with only one hiccup.

Once again, my nemesis lake, Harris Chain, didn't treat me very well. I don't know what it is about that place, but when I show up, I feel like the bass are plotting against me. But, we learn from our success and mistakes. It's what makes us better.

The accomplished angler said he has two tournaments remaining. He'll compete on Kentucky Lake in late May, where his skill as a ledge master should work to his advantage, and his final tournament on St. Clair Lake, between Michigan and Ontario, will post a bigger challenge.

Kentucky Lake is one of my favorite lakes in the country, Rose said. I might not catch a single fish and finish dead last, however, I feel as confident there as anywhere in the country— not in winning, but just having a good event. I will have two weeks at home to prepare my boat and all of my equipment. I'll probably even go over to Pickwick one day to 'sharpen my pencil' a little. I love the Tennessee River!

Rose has been fishing professionally since 1999 and has earned over $2.5 million in winnings during the course of his career fishing FLW, B.A.S.S., MLF, UMF, TTBC and PAA tournaments. He has solidified his status as one of the top-tier professional anglers in the world with seven tour-level wins, 55 top 10's and a boatload of other accomplishments, including Sportsmanship awards, Cabela's First Team All-American, 2016 B.A.S.S. Southern Opens AOY and more. In early 2017, Rose became the first and only back-to-back FLW Tour winner in history with wins at Lake Guntersville in Alabama and Lake Travis in Texas.

Realtree Fishing is honored to partner with Rose, whose experience, excellent reputation and love for family and the outdoors are a great fit for the Realtree Fishing brand.

I feel honored to be one of the fishermen chosen to represent such a great brand in our industry, Rose said. We both share the same values and that's important to me. Plus, I get to wear Realtree camo to work every day! How cool is that?