Father and son, professional bass anglers
Stephen and Beau Browning hail from Hot Springs, but the pair can more often be found on competitive fishing tours around the country. Since turning pro in 1996, Stephen has competed in more than 250 professional level events and qualified for 10 Bassmaster Classics. At just 22 years old, Beau competes at the semi pro level and is well on his way to joining the elite ranks alongside his father — a relative rarity in the world of pro fishing. While the duo cannot swap too many specifics during their respective competitions, they continue to be each other’s biggest supporters. Through good days, bad days, breakthroughs and breakdowns, they agreed, one of the most important aspects of their sport —and life in general — is to take it one day at a time.
How did you get into this sport?
Stephen: I grew up in an environment where we used fishing as a way to get out of the house. Beau was born into that and raised on the lake. I remember distinctly, when he was probably 3, I was on the water testing out some lines. I looked over on the bank, and Beau was holding a stick with moss attached to it and had it in the water, just kind of emulating what I was doing.
How do your working styles complement each other?
Beau: My dad is impulsive in some ways. My mom is the one that says, “Wait, we’re not going to do it. Let me research it first.” I think I’m a good mixture between both.
What lessons have you learned from working in the same sport?
Stephen: In fishing, everything’s out of our control. The biggest lesson I tried to teach Beau was to look ahead and know that just like in any job, there are going to be good days and bad days. It doesn’t change just because we fish for a living. One thing that I’ve learned from him is to get more involved and embrace the technology.
What is the secret to collaboration and compromise in sports and in life?
Beau: Love. We are all a tight family, and we are all in this together. My dad and my mom have not only been my parents, but my coaches and my biggest cheerleaders.
What is your strategy for keeping business and personal relationships separate?
Stephen: Without Tammy, my wife, we couldn’t do what we do. She does all the prep work, getting our clothes ready, getting our food ready, making sure we have everything to get out on the road. We don’t necessarily have a big difference in family life versus fishing because we raised Beau on the water. We love the water, we love fishing, and it really takes a team effort.
What is the best thing about being part of Team Browning?
Beau: In real life, it’s tough and ugly, but at the end of the day, you have your sponsors and your fans. My dad has shown me that it’s possible, and if it’s possible for him, I know it’s possible for me. At any time, if I need my mom or my dad, they’re 100 percent there, and I try to be there for them, as well.
See the full list of Dynamic Duos 2024 here.
