ABC 'Bachelor' goes fishing for romance

The show has been tougher than any fishing competition, Velvick said.
ORLANDO SENTINEL
Overnight, Byron Velvick has become the most famous pro bass fisherman in the country -- thanks to some roses.
On Sept. 22, 8.2 million viewers saw Velvick picked as the star of ABC's romance reality series "The Bachelor." In a twist for the show, 25 women looking for love chose this season's bachelor by giving their choice a rose. Velvick, who lives in Boulder City, Nev., won over a New York City real estate salesman.
By the end of "The Bachelor's" season in November, Velvick could be recognized by anywhere from 18 million to 25 million people.
The funny thing is that Velvick, 40, wanted no part of the show -- at first.
Even though he'd done some modeling, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound California native with dirty-blond hair and a surfer look, had camera jitters.
"I was fishing a tournament in South Carolina when a friend who knew some of the production people suggested I try out. I decided I didn't want to get involved in a love show where I could be embarrassed," Velvick said. "I'd done some TV fishing shows, but wasn't prepared for reality TV."
Took a chance
ABC didn't give up, and after four meetings, he'd changed his mind. His sister, Jamal, and some friends provided the final push.
"They convinced me this would be a great chance to meet a great woman, from a group who'd already had their backgrounds checked," he said.
Velvick's two-year marriage had been broken up by lifestyle differences, and his goal is finding "someone I can grow with and who sees the world as I do and ... hopefully end with her learning to like fishing and me like doing what she likes."
Velvick insists he has no intention of using his TV exposure to launch a new career.
"I'm going back to fishing -- I won't use this to become a model or an actor," he said.
Approach
His plan is to approach the task just as he would fish a bass tournament and decide whether to use this lure or another.
How do you find a dental hygienist, account executive or an insurance broker who wants to know the difference between when to use a crankbait, a spinnerbait or a drop-shot worm rig? Or who even knows that they are?
"Everything I learned as a pro fisherman has helped on the show: you've got a ton of information pouring in and you've got to filter out all but the best -- then rely on your intuition, your gut feelings," Velvick said.
But it's been tougher than any tournament he's ever fished.
"The worst part of it is knowing someone's emotions are involved and rejection can hurt. In a tournament, bass don't have feelings," Velvick said. "But making these choices is a necessity -- hopefully I can find a life partner."
His reputation
ABC may have a job on its hands in finding Velvick a life partner. Longtime friend Rick Clunn, a four-time BASS world champion bass angler, said Velvick has a reputation for dating beautiful women.
"This guy has been with so many '10s' -- more than his share," Clunn said.
During the series, which airs tonight at 9, Velvick will get to know the remaining women both on "exotic" four-women group dates and one-on-one encounters. Some will meet his family, and he'll visit their hometowns.
Velvick will have to eliminate women each week until ultimately deciding if one is his perfect match.
Clunn wonders if such a person exists.
"He obviously has tough standards when it comes to choosing women. Is it possible he'll meet the perfect lady on the show?" Clunn said.
All Velvick is saying is, "I found something very, very special."