Something is going on with Jay Yelas. Something happened to him last year, and it's still happening. And that something turned him from a good angler into a great one, maybe one of the best this sport will ever see.

For proof of that, just look at the fact that he's the first angler ever to simultaneously hold three of the Big 4 titles in tour-level bass fishing. In his case, it was the 2002 FLW Angler of the Year (AOY), the 2002 Bassmaster Classic winner and the 2002 BASS AOY. Think about who he's fishing against, and the quality and depth of the fields now, and you can see what an accomplishment that is.

That right there should be enough reason for you to read his new autobiography: "Jay Yelas, A Champion's Journey of Faith, Family and Fishing." In other words, we've all been privileged to watch Yelas' achievements over the last year or two, and as long-time BassFans we know that this is a different Jay Yelas, one that seems "new and improved." So how did that happen? Why did it happen? Or more generally, how does a guy who's over a decade into his career suddenly step up his game that much?

You'll get the answers to those questions in his book, and you'll no doubt learn a few things about fishing – and maybe some other parts of life – that you can use to become a better angler. How do we know that? Getting that insight, beyond just how-to and where-to, is why you come to BassFan.

Quick Overview

Since it's an autobiography, it's obvious the book isn't your typical fishing book. So instead of getting only how-to info – though there is a bunch of that – you instead get a peek into what goes into the growing of a successful bass pro.

In Yelas' case, it seems to be a competitive spirit, a love for sports and a diehard passion for fishing. He also grew up in Hawaii, Connecticut and California, so it seems like he got a "fish can be caught anywhere, any time" education.

He actually didn't stick with bass until after college, during which he guided for salmon. In fact, it seemed like he was made to be a tournament pro: he moved all over the country as a child, he fished like crazy, he was (and still is) very competitive, and he earned money from fishing at the earliest opportunity.

Other highlights:

> He missed his senior prom because of an "unbelievable topwater bite" at California's Lake Cachuma.

> He seems mellow now, but you don't get to the top of any sport by being laid back. The only place you can get some insight into his true competitive nature – aside from talking with people he used to fish against in California and Oregon – is in this book.

Spiritual Side

All BassFans know that Jay Yelas is a devout Christian. If you're afraid that the book has "too much of that" for your tastes, it might, but remember that you're reading a book about Yelas. That's who he is, and whether you agree that God is behind his amazing success over the last two years doesn't matter. He thinks so, and presents a good (and pretty eerie) case that it's so.

Asked what he'd say to people who aren't as religious as he is about reading his book, he said: "I've had a lot of people who weren't Christians read the book and say they really got a lot out of it. You don't have to be a Christian or of Christian faith to enjoy the book. The story is entertaining and is also very motivational. I think anybody interested in getting to the top of their profession, or especially the top of their sport, could benefit from reading the book.

"Some people appreciate the spiritual part of it too. The spiritual world is part of everybody's life whether they recognize it or not. We all have that part of us, and it's real. I'm just trying to tell my story – how it happened to me – and be totally transparent. You can tell that I'm not being phony or making anything up.

"There's a lot of truth in my story, and everyone will get something different from it," he said. "Some will want to spend more time with their wife and kids. Fishermen will get something out of the chapter, The Art of Fishing. Some might like the chapter on mentoring. There's a lot in there about growing up and maturing. There are a lot of nuggets of knowledge. You can draw things from it – take what you want and throw the rest away."

Why He Wrote It

Why does a bass pro write an autobiography? "I wrote it because I had an opportunity to write it," he said. "Writing a book was the last thing on my mind. I was so busy last fall after winning the Classic, I don't consider myself to be an author and I never even entertained the thought of writing an autobiography.

"But I got a call out of the blue on Nov. 20, and (the publisher, Cool Springs Press) asked if I'd be interested in writing an autobiography. The more I thought about it, the more I thought it would be great if I could write a book that has a lasting positive influence on people.

"The only challenge was that I had to have a manuscript done by Christmas, so I had about 5 weeks. But it was easy to write. I didn't have to make anything up. I just had to recall my life's story. I'd write a chapter and email it to the editor, then she'd clean it up and recommend things. She helped me out a good bit.

"I think it's a book people can learn from," he said. "If that book can help someone have a positive influence on someone's life in some way shape or form, then it was worth it."

Notable

> The book is well-written and easy to read in one sitting or several small sittings.

> Apparently some books are still left in the Yelas-funded giveaway. Call 1-866- JAY-LURE to get your free copy.

> With Yelas, what you see (or read) is what you get. There are no hidden agendas or double-talk. He presents it how he feels it, and you can take it or leave it.

> After reading it, we wish all top pros would write a similar book.