|
Windsor, Ontario, Canada – Jon Bondy had a difficult sophomore season on the Bassmaster Elite Series; he only managed to cash two paychecks. But, as Bondy would often say while on the water, “I can guarantee you this; I’ll be the highest finishing Canadian in this derby.” Being the only Canadian didn’t hurt, of course, but as of today, Bondy will get a shot at redeeming himself in 2008.
After a quiet year on the 2007 Elite Series, Canadian pro, Jon Bondy, made his mark in the final event of the season on Toho by locking up a 6th place finish. With ten events behind him, Bondy was determined to end his season on a high note and garner some TV time for his sponsors Moose Tracks ice cream, Champion, Mercury, and All Star rods.
“I knew that I needed to finish off the year strong and made it my goal to make the top 12 in the last tournament. I had one spot that was a little deeper in front of some Kissimmee grass and that’s where I caught the majority of my fish.” said Bondy. “On the last day, I ended up catching a 6-5 on camera.” Bondy’s go-to bait was a Gambler Cricket which he flipped on 65 pound braid.
“Overall, my season was a disaster and I never dreamed I would finish as low as I did.” admitted Bondy. “I struggled with the tidal water in California, fell out of the top 12 cut the third day on Clarks Hill, and didn’t cash a check on Eire. After that, it just snowballed. I didn’t have any mechanical problems this year but I lost important fish and made some bad mistakes. These guys are so good that they will squash you like a grape if you slip up.”
During Bondy’s 2006 rookie campaign, the affable pro cashed a check in five events. Compare that with two cuts made during the 2007 season, and it’s understandable why Bondy was disappointed with his overall performance. “I don’t think that I got lazy but maybe I did.” Bondy told The BZ. “Last year, I slept in my truck most of the year and I had a fire in my belly. I knew if I didn’t win money I was going home early. I think I’m going to go back to sleeping in my truck because it makes me want it more.”
Bondy finished a disappointing 94th place in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Points in 2007, but due to double qualifiers and anglers not returning, Bondy was invited to return in 2008. “I made my first deposit as soon as they told me,” Bondy told The BASS ZONE. “I am really happy to be going back, I love fishing the Elite Series.” |
|
|
Bondy, like many others will be searching for sponsorship backing, as his sponsor from last season, Moose Tracks Ice Cream will not be back as his title sponsor. “I am so grateful for Moose Tracks’ involvement in my career,” Bondy said. “They just purchased a new manufacturing plant and will be working to modernize it, so they need all available resources.”
All of Bondy’s other sponsors are back, including Champion Boats who will be putting his new 210 in the mold on December 9. “I do some guiding on the Great Lakes, and that boat is the best I’ve run in big water,” Bondy said. “It will have a Mercury Pro XS 250, and I can’t wait to get it.”
Bondy will spend the rest of the off-season communicating with potential sponsors and building his lures for sale. Bondy makes a lure called a “Bondy Bait” that is designed for large gamefish. “It was originally for Muskie, but guys are catching big saltwater and freshwater fish of all species on it as well.”
“I owe Charlie Hartley, Terry Scroggins and Dave Wolak a steak dinner,” Bondy quipped. “I don’t yet know how I’m going to pay for it, but I definitely owe them a dinner for them double qualifying to get me back in.”
For more on Bondy and his lures, visit: www.jonbondy.net
|
