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Fish Massena Staff

Chasing the Dream: How Ethan Carr Turned His Love for Fishing into a Professional Journey

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Ethan Carr at Major League Fishing Tournament

Who is Ethan Carr, and what does he have to do with pro fishing? Well, he’s a homegrown local from Massena who is taking his angling dreams to a national level. Ethan developed a passion for bass fishing as a kid, fishing from his home on the Raquette River. What started as a simple pastime has grown into a full-fledged pursuit of a professional career in the sport. His story isn’t just about catching fish, it’s about chasing a dream with relentless dedication, a small-town work ethic, and a deep love for the water.


Ethan is 21 years old, a full-time guide on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, and already has multiple years of tournament experience under his belt. He’s competed in the MLF Toyota Series, MLF Bass Fishing League, ABA Top 150, and ABA Pro Series and is now qualified for the 2026 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit. While attending SUNY Potsdam for a degree in business marketing, Ethan has been building both his skills as an angler and his personal brand, laying the groundwork for a professional career.


Raised on northern waters, Ethan learned the rhythm of currents, the seasonal movements of smallmouth bass, and the value of time spent on the water. He grew up fishing with family, friends, and mentors who helped him early on. As his experience grew, so did his results a 5th-place AOY finish in the Toyota Series, wins in the ABA Top 150 and Pro Series, and a 2024 MLF BFL victory on his home waters. Those early accomplishments are just the beginning of where he wants to go.


Much like young anglers these days, Ethan represents the next wave of bass fishing talent young, hungry, and driven. But what makes his story special is his connection to his roots. He guides full-time, spending countless hours on the St. Lawrence helping others experience what made him fall in love with the sport in the first place, striving to make each client feel that same passion and excitement he did when he first picked up a fishing rod.


Competing nationally comes with serious commitment. The cost to chase this dream exceeds $60,000 per year, covering tournament entry fees, fuel, travel, lodging, tackle, and equipment maintenance. But for Ethan, this isn’t a burden, it’s an investment in something bigger. With support from sponsors and partners, he can focus on performance, represent his community and partners on a national stage, and grow both his personal brand and theirs. His boat and truck travel over 25,000 miles a year, carrying not just his name, but the names of those who believe in him.

But beyond numbers and accolades, there’s something more powerful behind Ethan’s story, a burning desire to prove himself on the biggest stages in bass fishing. His long-term goals are ambitious to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series, win Angler of the Year, and eventually hoist a championship trophy. His short-term path is already mapped out through a stacked 2025 tournament schedule on some of the best fisheries in the country, including Lake Champlain, the St. Lawrence, Potomac River, and a Toyota Series Championship in November on Grand Lake in Oklahoma.

“My ultimate goal,” Ethan says, “is to make it to the top level of this sport. But just as important, I want to inspire the next kid standing on a riverbank with a rod in hand.”


With talent, a proven track record, strong values, and a relentless work ethic, Ethan Carr isn’t just another name in the tournament field. He’s a rising angler, with a clear vision, a small-town heart, and a national dream. And for those who choose to stand behind him, they won’t just be backing a fisherman, they’ll be part of a journey that’s only just beginning.

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