Christian Fishing Pro Conquers Physical Challenges, Inspiring Many
by Randall Murphree
February 28, 2006
(AgapePress) - - Standing 3'4" tall and weighing 85 pounds, Clay Dyer has made a big splash in the world of professional bass fishing. The 28-year-old Hamilton, Alabama man grew up in a family that loved sports. And from the beginning, Clay had a deep desire to be in the game, but he had a little disadvantage.Born with no legs, no left arm and a right arm that reaches only to the elbow, Clay learned early to adapt to the circumstances. He credits his grandfather with sacrificing the time to take him hunting and fishing and helping him learn to overcome his physical obstacles. Subsequently, at age 18, just out of high school, Clay set his sails for the pro fishing ranks. In ten years, he's been in about 350 tournaments and won 30 of them.
Growing up, Clay found a natural friendship among boys who were into competition. "We were all a bunch of sports," he said. "All of us hated to lose." It has rarely been easy for Clay, but his life has always embodied the qualities of perseverance, humility and faith.
In school, he would tackle almost any physical challenge with zeal. With desire and determination, he learned to use his chin, shoulder, half-an-arm and teeth to do most anything he wanted to do. He would watch other kids, analyze their performance, get the equipment and find a way to use it himself, practicing until he knew he was at his best. He was so successful that he played junior high baseball. His positions? Catcher or first base because they didn't require so much movement. At bat? He had a designated runner.
"I knew early that competition was something I would love to be able to do for the rest of my life," Clay said. "That's when I started getting into fishing. I realized it was something I could do, no matter if I was 6'5" and weighed 250 pounds or if I was 40 inches tall and weighed 85 pounds. And I thought it was a sport I could take up on a national level, versus trying to play in the NBA or NFL!"
Clay was right. He can do it - in fact, is doing it - on the national level.
"He's a giant among fisherman," said John E. Phillips, sportsman and outdoors writer (www.nighthawkpublications.com). "In my opinion, Clay Dyer is the greatest bass fisherman with whom I have ever fished.'
Jay Yelas, 2003 Bass Master Angler of the Year, said, "Clay drives his boat, runs his trolling motor, casts with precision, unhooks his own fish, even ties knots. Yelas lists Clay among his short list of heroes. "Few things move me as much as hearing Clay quote Philippians 4:13: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,'" he said.
It's no surprise that that verse is Clay's favorite Scripture. "I've got a heart, a soul and a mind,' he said, "and that's what makes a human being. Anything else you have is a bonus."
His small stature and success on the water have brought a certain degree of fame his way. He certainly doesn't seek fame, but he takes the attention and adulation all in stride, seeing himself as just an average athlete who loves his career. He's also generous with praise for other pro fisherman who, he says, have accepted him without reservation.
Clay came to Christ as a high school senior. Nowadays, he often finds himself with a platform to talk about his Christian faith. One would expect the "normal" venues - Fellowship of Christian Athletes, churches, youth retreats and other Christian groups.
However, his reach is much broader than that. He works frequently with national charities which serve children with special challenges. Furthermore, he also hits the "big time" speaking circuit from time to time. For example, he was a keynote speaker for Executive Experience, an event co-produced by the Disney Institute and the Professional Convention Management Association. Clay addressed the 2005 Disney World audience not on overcoming life's obstacles but on the qualities of leadership.
"I always bring a faith aspect [into my speeches]," Clay said, "to show people why I haven't given up and why I've succeeded, why I am where I am."
Randall Murphree, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is editor of AFA Journal, a monthly publication of the American Family Association.
