THE COURIER  Michael Christopher Alabama native Clay Dyer talks to Fox Sports FLW announcer Tim Porter about his Day 2 catch Thursday on Lake Dardanelle.

Against all odds

Alabama native defies handicaps, impacts fishing tour

By Michael Christopher
Assistant Sports Editor
A pro fishermen from Hamilton, Ala., has made a huge impact on this week’s FLW Wal-Mart tour. Clay Dyer is a 28-year-old professional angler competing for big money in Lake Dardanelle’s biggest payout tournament this year.
 
Dyer was born May 23, 1978, with no legs, and only his right arm that’s physically disfigured, but doctor’s could never tell him why.

“I was born like this, and we did tests to see what happened,” Dyer said. “It was just one of those freak things that happened. I’m honestly glad to be this way, to be honest with you.”

He starting fishing at the young age of five, started tournament fishing when he was 14 and continued to when he began fishing full-time at 18. Because of Dyer’s physical disability, he had to teach himself to fish. “I’ve always loved the outdoors and sports,” Dyer said. “The sport of fishing has given me a lot of happiness. I’m just a competitor at heart, so I love being out here and being a good example for people. “I had to basically teach myself. Nobody else in my family is really physically like me and none of them fish. I would watch fishing on TV, then I would go do it myself, so I had to figure out my own way of doing it.”

Does everything himself

You might wonder how Dyer fishes with just one arm. As an observer would find, Dyer does everything himself. He puts the rod on his left shoulder while snapping his neck back, allowing the fishing line to release. He then holds the rod with his right arm and moves the reel with his teeth. Dyer also uses his teeth to remove the hook from a fish’s mouth. He puts a pair of pliers in his mouth, bites on one end and uses the hand to hold the fish down, and removes the hook from the fish.  “I’m glad I’m able to do what I love to do,” Dyer said. “I try to give back to fishing. My philosophy [is] helping people overcome obstacles and letting them know they can do anything they want to do in life.”

Dyer spoke about the sport he loved so much and his life ambitions as a fierce competitor.

“I have the same goals as everyone out here on the tour,” Dyer said. “I want to solidify myself as a championship-caliber angler. I want to qualify for winning the FLW tournament, to qualify for a championship and of course win it. I’m doing what I love to do and that’s fish.”   Fishing is not the only important thing in Dyer’s life. He pointed out some keys to success include the value of working hard and being determined.
“No matter what their situation is, a person can do what they want to do if they are willing to work for it,” Dyer said. “I want to be the best witness for God that I can be and thank the Lord because he’s the reason I’m where I’m at.”

Dyer said he is very appreciative to the city of Russellville and the FLW Wal-Mart Tour. Fishing is a great family sport and is also a good way to get kids involved and off the streets away from the negative aspects to life.  “I love getting kids involved in it and to be able to get them off the streets and away from the negative stuff in life,” Dyer said. “I want to thank FLW Outdoors and their organization for putting on such a great event and for having such a great circuit tour for us guys to compete on. I also want to thank the fans for coming out and supporting us. It means a lot to us when we’re on the battle lines and trying to win.”

Dyer described his fishing career as “awesome,” but said fishing was a tough sport.
“Fishing is really tough. You have to get down and dirty to catch them, but when you start seeing those dollar signs and national championships on the line, you gotta do what you gotta do to win,” Dyer said.

Great fishing partner

Many anglers commented on Dyer and what a great person he is to have on the tour. His Day 2 co-angler, Charles Dubroc of Hessmer, La., talked about how much of impact Dyer has had on him personally.   “I’m wanting to be where he’s at. He’s a pro fishermen on the best tour in the world. I quit my job of 14 years in the state of Louisiana to have a shot at what he’s got,” Dubroc said.   Dubroc said he’s enjoyed the time spent with Dyer and was kind of envious of his determination and the success he’s enjoyed.  “It’s a learning experience for me, because I’ve seen Clay do a lot of fishing shows, and it’s very inspiring to fish with him. At the same token, he’s got something I want. He’s got a lot of determination and a lot of heart,” Dubroc said. “My dream is to work hard and to get where he’s at, and it’s pretty exciting for someone like me to fish with someone like that. Clay has been doing this for quite a good while.”

Both men agreed the outdoors was the place to be. They enjoyed being out on the water and whisking their cares away. The two even joked a little about college football. More importantly, they enjoyed each other’s company and getting to do what they love to do.  “I love the outdoors,” Dubroc said.  “When you’re out on the water, it’s a lot of alone time. Whatever bothers you, after fishing for a few minutes, you forget about it,” Dyer said. “I grew up fishing with my grandfather, and those were some of the best times of my life.”   Bass fishing can be good and bad at times. Dyer has given the fishermen of the FLW Wal-Mart series something to be appreciative of and the people of Russellville to watch.   “Bass fishing is very competitive, and that’s something I love to do, compete,” Dyer said. “It’s just a fun sport.”   “I think Clay is awesome. He’s definitely an inspiration, and the FLW is just a great organization,” Dubroc said.
Dyer said he has a saying he uses when times get tough on the water.  “When you get tired of losing all the time and getting beat, you’ll figure out a way to win,” Dyer said.