Backwards Hat, Forward Focus: On the Road with Evan Poroznik

There is no shortcut to the Bassmaster Elite Series. You do not stumble into it. You earn every inch with worn hands, late nights, and countless hours on the water. Just ask TeamHKRS Bassmaster Opens angler Evan Poroznik.

When the workday ends, the real work begins. Evan heads straight to the garage, a HKRS Meshback turned backwards, music low, tools scattered. Rods get re-rigged, tackle trays meticulously organized, electronics updated and checked. Every detail matters because when The Opens roll around there is no room for mistakes.

The Bassmaster Opens are a proving ground, fishing against some of the country's best. Thousands of kilometres southbound, followed by 3 days of practice from first light until dark, picking apart creek arms, ledges, rock points and grass lines. The long days end with evenings spent with competitors - the boys, in small-town diners or roadhouse bars, sharing suds and stories, only to get a little rest before the next day and do it all over again.

Come tournament morning, the switch flips. A HKRS Classy Cork is turned forward. A subtle signal that the mindset has shifted. It is all business now.

The idle chatter fades. The plan is locked in. Every decision, every cast carries weight because this is what all the preparation and hard work was for - all that's left is to fish the way he knows he can.

Today, Evan begins his final Open of the season at Leech Lake, Minnesota and HKRS has been proud to be part of that journey from the garage to the water, quietly supporting every mile and every cast.

If you are chasing your own journey on the water, find gear that can go the distance with you at HKRSfishing.com.

And follow Evan's journey on Instagram @evprozz