Gerald Swindle is one of the famous anglers of the fishing world. He has been participating in bass tournaments since 1995. Moreover, the Bassmaster has earned himself much fame and wealth from his two decades of career. He is also an inspiration for many new anglers and fellow Bassmasters.
The fisherman has appeared in 292 total tournaments in his fishing career. He has also made eighteen classic appearances and finished the match in higher positions. In addition, the angler is still giving fantastic performances in the competition even after so many years. He scored the title of Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year in 2004 and 2016.
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Early Life And Family
The angler was born on December 17, 1969, in Guntersville, Alabama. His father, Tommy Swindle, used to take him fishing in his childhood. The father-son duo bonded over their love for fishing. But, on the other hand, Gerald Swindle's mother, Dell Swindle, didn't share the same enthusiasm and rarely accompanied them on their fishing trip.
Swindle's brother Tony Swindle was also his fishing companion. Sadly, he died on March 14, 2008, due to pancreatic cancer. The incident was a hard blow for both Gerald and Tony's family. Still, like his late brother's last wish, Swindle mentored his nephew Trey Swindle when he decided to compete in Bassmaster. However, his methods were challenging, so Trey had to learn on his own and earn every success.
Gerald Swindle has been passionate about fishing from a young age. Photo Source: Gerald Swindle's Instagram.
Likewise, the angler attended Locust Fork High, where he was a sports athlete. Besides fishing, football was his forte; as such, Swindle used to participate in many matches. After high school, he helped his family by working as a farmer. The baiter also managed to spare time to compete in fishing tournaments. His constant hardships eventually landed him a professional occupation in fishing.
Gerald Swindle Net Worth And Career
The sportsperson has been in the fishing world for nearly three decades. Swindle has appeared in all sorts of regional, national, and international competitions. Therefore, Gerald Swindle's net worth mainly comprises his prize money from his angling career. His total career earnings amount to $2,240,121.14. It includes his prize money and sponsorships.
Besides that, the athlete also earns money from his brand endorsements. He is sponsored by many fishing and non-fishing companies. Moreover, Gerald Swindle's income is also benefited by his YouTube channel. He is also active on all social media platforms, which also adds to his total worth.
Earnings As An Amateur
Aforementioned, Gerald Swindle started participating in fishing tournaments as an amateur. He began his journey in the 1995 New York Eastern Invitational. He caught a fish of 9lb-6oz weight on his first try. However, the angler couldn't cash any prize money. Moreover, he proved his fishing prowess in the 1995 George Eastern Invitational. Swindle completed the match in the eighth position and earned $4,500.
Gerald Swindle got recognition after being a runner-up in 1996 Virginia Eastern Invitational. Photo Source: Gerald Swindle's Instagram..
The fisherman continued his good scores in the 1996 Virginia Eastern Invitational. He earned $22,000 with a total weight of 35lb-8oz. Additionally, Gerald ranked second in the competition. However, his comeback on the 1996 George Eastern Invitational was met up with declination in rank. The fisherman secured the fifth position and earned $7000.
Gerald continued his fishing career in the year 1997. He participated in the 1997 Alabama Eastern Invitational, where he ranked 34th position. In addition, the sportsman received $1,700 with a total weight of 28lb-14oz.
Earnings as a Bassmaster Pro Elite
After gaining success in local tournaments, the angler finally debuted on the Bassmaster Pro Elite in the 1997 Maryland Bassmaster Top 100. His first match was a success, with him bringing the carp of 42lb-4oz. Moreover, the newbie in the Bassmaster championship finished the competition in ninth place and cashed $7000.
The pro angler continued his top rankings in the 1997 Virginia Bassmaster Top 100. He secured the ninth position and received $6,750. Furthermore, the Bassmaster also appeared in the 1998 Bassmaster Megabucks. He completed the match in twelfth place and brought home $5000.
Alongside the Bassmaster championship, Swindle also performed well in regional tournaments. He became runner-up in the 1998 Georgia Eastern Invitational and cashed $26,000 with a total weight of 42lb-7oz.
The professional fisherman went on the Bassmaster tour in 2003. His first time touring bore him good results. As such, Gerald ranked fourth with $20,000 earnings on the 2003 Bassmaster Tour #1. But, sadly, he couldn't score a victory for his second, third and fourth tour. Moreover, the angler was able to rank 46th and got $2,500 on the 2003 Bassmaster Tour #5. Still, his luck didn't continue in the upcoming tour.
Despite failures, the Bassmaster didn't give up and continued honing his fishing skills. As a result, he made a solid comeback in the 2003 Bassmaster Classic. The fisherman's total weight measured up to 26lb-130z. As a result, he ranked eleventh and earned $11,500. Afterward, he moved on to the 2004 Bassmaster Tour.
The tour was one of the most successful years of Gerald Swindle's career. Although he scored average on his first match, the pro angler turned the table in the second competition by ranking fifth. He received $15,000 for his performance.
Moreover, the competitor ranked third on 2004 Bassmaster Tour #4. He earned $25,000 with 55lb-6oz total weight. Additionally, Gerald Swindle won the 2004 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.
Since then, the Bassmaster has participated in numerous tournaments and cashed multiple cheques. Some of his achievements are listed below:
| Tournament | Location | Position | Total Weight | Cash Winnings |
| 2011 Elite Series - Dixie Duel | Decatur | 29 | 33lb-13oz | $45,000 |
| 2014 Bassmaster BASSfest | Dayton | 4 | 74lb-10oz | $32,000 |
| 2016 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship | Mille Lacs | 46 | 47lb-6oz | $100,000 |
| 2017 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship | Onamia | 29 | 57lb-10oz | $21,000 |
| 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods | Greenville | 10 | 42lb-2oz | $20,000 |
The sportsman became a champion after winning the 2011 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #1. He was also awarded the Toyota Angler of the Year award for the second time in 2016. The champion has become one of the most formidable competitors in fishing tournaments.
Gerald's career is also progressing smoothly in 2021. He ranked third in the 2021 Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Neely Henry Lake. In addition, the fisherman received $30,000 for his performance. Thus, with such wide fishing accolades, Gerald Swindle's net worth must be increasing throughout his professional career.
Income From Sponsorships
Just like other Bassmasters, Gerald Swindle faced financial struggles during the early stages of his career. However, he soon overcame his troubles with the help of sponsors. The pro fisherman has been sponsored by Zoom Bait Company, Lucky Craft, Sunline, Hummingbird, Minn Kota, T-H Marine, Millennium Marine, Mossy Oak Fishing, Aftco, Lure Lock, etc. Furthermore, his boat is designed by Phoenix Bass Boats.
Gerald Swindle is sponsored by many companies such as Rapala USA, Zoom, Lucky Craft, etc. Photo Source: Gerald Swindle's Instagram.
Furthermore, 13 Fishing provides fishing rods for the champion. Additionally, Swindle has signed a deal with Rapala USA to promote their fishing lures, knives, tools, and fishing accessories. Moreover, Gerald Swindle is also endorsed by non-fishing companies such as Toyota, Mountain Dew, ATX Wheels, GoPro, Dude Wipes, Costa, Battle Born Batteries, Black Rifle Coffee Company, etc.
Gerald Swindle's income is indeed benefitting from multiple brand endorsement deals.
Income From YouTube Channel
Aforementioned, Gerald Swindle also operates a YouTube channel under the name Gerald GMAN Swindle. It has 45.4K subscribers and more than two million total video views. Additionally, the fisher uploads the videos of his performances in the Bassmaster Elite Series. He also gives fishing tips and advices on how to use fishing tools. Moreover, the angler also shares his experiences on his channel.
Gerald's channel also keeps his fans up-to-date with his daily life affairs. It also gives insight into his matters outside of his professionalism. As a result, it is pretty popular among fishing enthusiasts. Furthermore, according to Social Blade, the veteran angler makes $28 - $450 monthly and $338 - $5.4K yearly.
So, Gerald Swindle's net fortune also comprises his income from his YouTube channel.
Also Read: Seth Feider Biography - 2016 Toyota Angler of the Year Tournament Champion
Gerald Swindle Wife And Children
Alongside enjoying his career as a professional Bassmaster elite, Gerald is also a family man. He married his long-term girlfriend, LeAnn "Lulu" Swindle, in 2004. Moreover, Lulu is also an owner of the rental house Reel Simple Airbnb. In extension to doing business, LeAnn accompanies her husband on his fishing trips. She also never misses out on any of his competitions.
Gerald Swindle's wife, LeAnn Swindle, is also an outdoor person. She loves going on hunting deers and fishing carps. In addition, Lulu is good at her hobbies and has caught many largemouth basses. She also joins her husband on his outdoor escapades and has practiced shooting and bowhunting with him.
Gerald Swindle's wife LeAnn Swindle is also interested in fishing and goes on fishing and hunting trips with her husband. Photo Source: LeAnn Swindle's Instagram.
The pair shares each other's pictures on their Instagram account. They also don't hesitate to show off PDAs to the public. Moreover, the duo is also proud parents of a baby girl.
Gerald Swindle's daughter Whitney Donaldson Cheatham is married to Wesley Mayfield. She is also a registered nurse. In addition, the Bassmaster is also blessed with two grandchildren named Kyler Ann and Bennett Reed.
The angler is living a comfortable life with his wife, LeAnn Swindle, in Guntersville, Alabama. The couple spends their time together by going on fishing and traveling. Their grandchildren also visit them on holidays. Furthermore, even after competing in numerous championships, Gerald Swindle is still as strong and competitive as ever. Let's hope to see him in the water for more in the future.
Trivia and Facts
- Gerald Swindle has 215K Instagram followers.
- He owns two dogs named Bama and Watson.
- He enjoys working out, hunting, and doing archery in his free time.
