Scott Martin: A Family Legacy Forged in Professional Tournament Angling
On this weeks episode of Fish Tales Scott Martin joins Byron Velvick for a heartfelt and hilarious trip down memory lane. From their early days on the tournament circuit to breaking records and embracing new technology, this episode is packed with nostalgia, laughter, and inspiration. Here’s a dive into the highlights of their conversation.
Byron Velvick kicks off the episode with enthusiasm, thrilled to have his “good old friend” Scott Martin on the show. The two have known each other for over 25 years, first meeting as young anglers on the Redman (later Everstart and FLW) tournament circuit. Their shared history is evident in their easy banter, reminiscing about their youthful days bumping into each other at tournaments and forming a lasting bond.
One of the standout stories is about the “hyzer”—a cut-up hat that became a signature look for both anglers. Byron recounts how Scott noticed his modified hat, inspired by volleyball players at Hermosa Beach, and decided to adopt the style himself. “It’s not a hat, it’s not a visor, it’s a hyzer,” Byron jokes, recalling how Scott started cutting his own hats to create the perfect fishing visor. This quirky anecdote sets the tone for a conversation filled with lighthearted memories.
Roland Martin: The Legend and His Black Comb
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Scott’s father, Roland Martin, a legendary figure in bass fishing. At 86, Roland is still as passionate about fishing as ever, traveling across the country to film TV shows and fish tournaments. Scott shares a hilarious story about Roland’s iconic black comb, a symbol of his confidence on the water. “When Roland pulled out the black comb and started combing his hair at the dock, everybody knew he had a bag,” Scott says, referencing a moment when even Kevin Van Dam acknowledged Roland’s swagger.
One unforgettable tale involves Roland at an FLW tournament at Lake Okeechobee. On day two, Scott saw his father, soaking wet, pulling up to the dock with no trolling motor or depth finder. Roland explained that his trolling motor cable broke, and with no time to spare, he decided to plane to the weigh-in, ripping off his trolling motor and electronics in the process. Despite the chaos, Roland combed his hair with his signature black comb, revealing he had a 24-pound bag. “He asked if Minn Kota would warranty that,” Scott laughs, highlighting Roland’s unwavering charisma.
From Oklahoma to Florida: Scott’s Roots
Byron is surprised to learn that Scott was born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, not Florida, as he had assumed. Scott explains that his family moved to Florida when he was four, drawn by his father’s love for fishing Lake Okeechobee. Scott’s grandfather, an engineer who designed the Tom Bigbee Waterway, influenced Roland’s early adoption of hydrographic maps in the 1960s, giving him an edge in tournaments. This legacy of innovation runs in the family, as Scott later became an early adopter of forward-facing sonar and social media in fishing.
Scott shares a poignant memory of visiting his childhood home in Oklahoma, only to find it in disrepair—a far cry from the nostalgic moment he had hoped for. “There’s a dog chained to a tree, a car on bricks with a tarp over it, foil in the windows,” he says, laughing at the stark contrast to his expectations.
The Holy Grail: Winning at Okeechobee
The emotional peak of the episode comes when Scott recounts his 2024 Bassmaster Open victory at Lake Okeechobee, a tournament that held deep personal significance. As a 14-year-old, Scott watched his father win a Bassmaster Invitational in the same Clewiston parking lot. Fast forward to 2024, Scott stood on the same stage, holding the trophy in front of his family, including his parents. “It was full circle,” he says, calling it the “holy grail” of his career. The win was even sweeter as he broke Byron’s 23-year-old record for the heaviest three-day weight (83 pounds, 5 ounces) with a staggering performance, catching 33 pounds on day one alone.
Scott describes the tournament with vivid detail, explaining how he found an “invisible cattail clump” where fish were spawning. Using forward-facing sonar and a Bandito Bug, he targeted big fish in a crowded community hole, all while disguised in an unmarked boat and rain gear. “I looked like a ninja,” he laughs, recounting how he caught a 33-pound bag without anyone realizing it was him. The victory was a testament to his skill, strategy, and a touch of divine luck.
Byron, with good-natured humor, admits to shedding tears when he heard Scott was breaking his record. “My last claim to fame was that record,” he jokes, but he’s genuinely proud of his friend’s achievement. Byron shares his own story of catching a 10-pound, 10-ounce bass at Clear Lake exactly 10 years after setting the record Scott broke, a moment so meaningful he wants his ashes spread in “Byron’s Corner” when he passes.
The Next Generation: Hillary Martin
Scott’s daughter, Hillary, is a rising star in the fishing world, and her passion for the sport is a highlight of the episode. From catching snapper off a dock at age five to pursuing a career in fishing, Hillary is determined to show that women can excel in the male-dominated sport. “Her drive is to show the world that fishing is cool for women,” Scott says proudly. Hillary is a junior in college, taking a step back from classes to focus on hosting a fishing show and creating content. Her competitive spirit and social media presence are inspiring a new generation, including potentially Byron’s daughter, Camber, who once dreamed of fishing tournaments but stepped away in high school.
Forward-Facing Sonar and the Evolution of Fishing
The conversation turns to forward-facing sonar, a game-changer in modern bass fishing. Scott, an early adopter of Garmin’s Panoptix (now LiveScope), credits the technology for his Okeechobee win, where he used it to pinpoint spawning fish. However, he emphasizes that it’s not just about the technology—it’s about how anglers use it. Younger anglers, who grew up with smartphones and tablets, have a natural affinity for interpreting sonar data, much like learning a language at a young age. “They learned it when their brains were developing,” Scott explains, comparing it to his father’s use of hydrographic maps in the 1960s.
Byron and Scott reflect on how high school and college fishing programs have transformed the sport, producing young anglers with extensive tournament experience. “These kids have fished 60 or 70 tournaments by the time they’re 21,” Scott notes, contrasting that with their own early careers. The result is a new generation of “fishing machines” who combine technological savvy with competitive instincts.
Going Global: Team USA and International Bass Fishing
Scott shares his experience as a captain of Team USA at an international bass fishing tournament in South Africa, where they won gold against 15 other countries. The event featured top anglers like Jacob Wheeler, Kyle Welcher, Drew Gill, and Ott Defoe, competing in 20- and 21-foot bass boats with cutting-edge technology. “It looks exactly like it does here,” Scott marvels, noting the global growth of bass fishing. Countries like Portugal, Italy, and South Africa have thriving tackle shops and competitive scenes, signaling a bright future for the sport. Byron, who competed in the 2006 Eurobass Cup in Spain, is amazed at how far international fishing has come since then.
Scott Martin: The Social Media Pioneer
Scott’s early adoption of social media sets him apart as a trailblazer in the fishing world. From Periscope to YouTube, he embraced platforms to connect with fans and sponsors, building a massive following. “I wanted to be different,” he says, explaining how he used social media to showcase his personality beyond tournament results. Despite his success, Scott remains hands-on, writing his own posts (complete with occasional typos) to maintain authenticity. He also helps manage his father’s social media, ensuring Roland’s legacy continues to inspire.
Check out this and more on this weeks Fish Tales Podcast.