Riding with the pros

For Johnny Martin, serving as a marshal during the Advance Auto Parts Blue Ridge Brawl Elite series tournament last week was an experience he’ll never forget.

Tom Wilmoth

Johnny Martin in his boat on Smith Mountan Lake.

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    “It’s like an on the water classroom experience,” Martin said. “It’s the best $100 I’ve ever spent.”

    The Marshal Program is new for the tour this year — replacing the co-angler format used before. The Elite anglers have touted the change; it gives them a chance to share their skills with a local angler without having to worry about fishing with another angler on board. Martin was won over by the  program.

    “I’m just trying to let people know that they should not hesitate one bit,” Martin said of those considering on signing up as a marshal when the Elite series returns in 2010. “It’s an experience that they will never forget.”

    Martin spent three days out on Smith Mountain Lake with the anglers, going out as a marshal on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. On Thursday he was paired with Marty Robinson of Lyman, S.C., who weighed in a first-day limit of 15 pounds, 6 ounces.  He  would go on to