Born A Swede Die A Viking

                                       A Swedish Warrior's Philosophy to Bass Fishing

                                      By David Giudice

It's no secret that Swedes and Norsemen were the Vikings in the days of old. History tells us so. The Viking philosophy was taught to young children to prepare them for the hardships of life. We knew life was cold and often times a cruel world. We stood tall no matter what the odds. We valued strength not just in our bodies but our minds as well. We laughed at our enemies, and pain only served to remind us that we're alive and our job was not yet done. I know at this point your wondering what this has to with fishing.
Well I'm going to tell you and maybe then you'll understand a little bit more about me and who I am.

                                   The Love of the Water

Many of us loved the sea, or any kind of water we could sail upon. There's just something about the wind in our face and the sun upon our back, and the rolling of the waves that told us we're alive. It strengthened us. We stood taller, and we meant business once we set foot upon a boat. We were prepared for war. At this day and age I've traded my sword for a fishing rod, but make no mistake I have indeed come to do battle among the elements, against the fish and other competitors. To me a bass tournament is just another battle ground. Once I set foot upon a boat I mean business my mindset completely changes it's me against the fish. I am the eternal hunter. I do not worry 1 iota about the other competitors. I will battle the wind, the rain, the heat or cold nothing will stop me. The men in my bass club and those who fish against me know this. No matter how hurt, tired or hungry I become I do not quit, nor do I complain or whine. Those who tell me it's too hot or cold to catch fish I laugh at them and to spite them I will catch fish!


                                    Reaching the Gates of Valhalla

You can call me crazy, but the reason I laugh is because when others get sick or are in pain they stay home in bed snuggled under their covers. They demand to be taken care of by their wives or families. FORGET THAT!!!!! This is where my motto Born a Swede Die a Viking comes into play. This is part of my competitive edge that makes me a force to be reckoned with upon any tournament trail I fish.  Those who know me personally know this and they know I am not going to quit. I'm a firm believer in to be the man you have to beat the man. I strive to become a tough competitor to gain the respect of my fellow fishermen.
In 2009 I was hit by a woman who accidently jumped her car over the curb. That following Saturday I still showed up at the launch ramp with torn tendons in my knee. Yet I still showed up with my rods and tackle and I took 3rd place in that very tournament. Was rough water that day to while my boater tore off down the lake at full speed with me screaming in pain along the way. My boater that day was my best friend Greg Maxwell of the Bass Masters Weekend Series. Sure you can laugh I do when I look back at that day.
Now it's 2010 and it's been no secret that I've been suffering from a work related injury to my back. when I worked at Wal-mart. I've had this injury for over the last 4 months now. During this time I have won a tournament plus taken big bass at the same tournament, and just this month took big bass in a wild cat tournament. Yes you're reading this right I took big bass 2 tournaments in a row.
I do not believe this makes me bad to the bone. I'm just doing what I do and I don't know any other way other then to be myself. I refuse to sit on the side lines and watch others play and let life pass me by. That doesn't make me special or any different from other serious bass fishermen unless you count the fact that I'm more stubborn and ornery then a couple of mules, and possiabily a few cards shy of a full deck. Some say I'm down right crazy. I'll reply that they may indeed be right.  In any event I do it because I can. When it's all said and done I just want to catch fish. I do not believe I have anything to prove except to myself. The gates of Valhalla do not just open for anyone it's not a right to enter the hall of kings it's an honor that is earned through blood, sweat, and tears.


                                                        My Hero's

Historically one of my hero's is Eric the Red known as Leif Ericson I have traced my family tree back to the days of old and I hail from a long line of Pearson's out of Oslo Sweden. I have had family way back when that was actual Vikings that raided up and down the English coast.
One of my hero's in this day and age is Clay Dyer who is sponsored by Strike King. I don't know if he is Swedish but in my eyes that man is a straight up Viking. That is 1 tough boy. He has no hands, or legs and he is hell on wheels in a bass boat. He also coaches high school football. As a matter of fact he coaches the kickers!
I'm impressed not just with his abilities but his mindset, as well as his attitude as well as how he approaches live in general. Now that's a guy who is bad to the bone in my eyes.

                                             Catching the Fish

One of the things I strive to set myself apart in is the fact that I do a lot of research about bass. I study bass biology, habitat, and techniques. You name it. If it has to do with bass I want to know about it. I want to be as effective and to give myself every advantage I can because no one else will do it for me.

                                                    Staying Humble

One of the greatest things about bass fishing as a sport is its ability to humble you. If your not on top of your game you may find yourself taking that walk of shame at the weight in with no fish. It's happened to me on several occasions just as it has to others. It happens to all of us. That's why the sport is called fishing and not catching. The trick is what can you learn from those times?