Clay Dyer Beats All Odds
I was watching Sportscenter last night when one of those “human interest” stories came on and really grabbed my attention. The story was about a Bass Fisherman named Clay Dyer. At first, they played it off as another guy trying to make the cut on the Bassmaster tour… until they showed a picture of him. No legs, and basically 1/3 of his right arm… and that’s ALL that the guy has.
It’s a touching story and absolutely amazing what this guy can do. Growing up, he learned to play baseball and basketball, but found that fishing was his true calling. And he does it all on his own. He tucks the reel under his chin and uses that and his stub arm to cast and reel in the fish. And obviously, if there is a story about his making the “cut” (think making the cut in golf), he’s got to be pretty darn good. He uses his teeth to help him unhook fish, he ties his own hooks/lures on with his mouth, and never really asks the help of anyone else. The guy even knows how to swim. I guess his body can’t produce enough sweat on its own, so he has to take a dip in the lake every few hours to keep cool. He dives in just like anyone else, then somehow treads water with his 1/2 arm, then, with a little help, pulls himself back up into the boat and goes on fishing.
The man has never looked for other people’s pity and has taken the world by the horns and made it his own. Makes a lot of the things we think are “problems” in our lives look pretty petty.
“I knew I had a heart, a soul and a mind, which is what really makes a human being,” Dyer says. “Anything else you have is a bonus.”
Here’s an article about his from a few years ago. Worth a read.
The article about Clay is awesome!!!!
Comment by johnny — 8/20/2005 @ 2:07 pm
I saw the ESPN piece on Clay Dyer as well. There is another side to Clay Dyer that is not the one he presents to the public, that gives a whole new
meaning to It could always be worse. It is and he is maybe he has split personality disorder.
Comment by Katie — 11/5/2005 @ 7:18 pm
My daughter, Cat, and I had the pleasure of meeting Clay at The
Classic in New Orleans several years ago. He was flippin a hookless
jig into the aisle as he sat up on the front of a boat. Cat was
amazed at what he could do - not the physical challenges he faces,
but the accuracy of his flippin! I told her that if she ever felt
as if she could not do something she should think of Clay. A wonderful
young man, and an inspiration to all.
Comment by Paul Mullins — 11/16/2005 @ 6:59 pm
I have had the pleasure of knowing Clay and spark a friendship like no other. He
brings charisma to this world, inspires kids and adults alike, and has a career just
as most adults do. His career just happens to be something he dearly loves. When Clay
speaks he does speak from his heart and means every word of it. So listen up folks,
take notes. If everyone had the same outlook as Clay, this world would be a much nicer
place to live. Keep up the great work Clay~you deserve everything you get and work for!
Comment by Jill — 12/13/2005 @ 1:30 pm
Clay Dyer is an awesome person and friend. I have gotten to
know Clay through M.U.D-Making you disciples. Clay and I really
became friends through the tour in 2003 in Panama City Beach!!
He is a more than wondrful guy and I think very highly of him.
Comment by Rachael Cordes — 1/7/2006 @ 1:29 pm
Clay is surely something to behold. He is a winner in every aspect of life. We love his contagious smile and faith in God.
You GO CLAY !!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Jack & Beckie Burke — 4/27/2006 @ 7:43 pm
Clay is a wonderful creation of God. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Bringham, Alabama @ the FLW Championship tournament, August 3rd-5th, 2006. His attitude and spirit was so uplifting. Seeing his ability to take on life to the fullest helps me apperciate every aspect of life. I have not had the chance to see his wonderful works on the water, but it would be a wonderful oppourtunity. Clay, you seem to be a wonderful man of God, keep on livin’ the good life!!! I have much love for ya!
Comment by Telah Watkins (Pro-angler Tee Watkins's daughter) — 8/11/2006 @ 9:02 am
I went to school with Clay in Hamilton, AL and he always had a smile on his face back then too, always confident.
Good Luck in all you do, Clay.
April
Comment by April Phillips Wood — 1/14/2007 @ 4:29 pm
I show the segment of him fishing to my students ( I teach Physical Education on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi). Sometimes kids says, “I can’t do that coach”. Clay makes them realize what they can do if they want to. I would love to meet Clay and tell him how much I admire him plus I love to fish !
Comment by kenny g — 1/24/2007 @ 10:14 am
I had the privilege and honor of being Clay’s kindergarten teacher. It was apparent then that he was destined to be involved in more than being an example of courage and perserverance but also to be a great moral leader. He is much loved by everyone who has contact with him. Still love you,Clay.
Comment by betty fowler — 3/5/2007 @ 1:02 pm
I heard he had spoken at Leavellwood to some handicapped children at a USSA event. His prime motivation there was “If I can, you can, too”. Many were in wheelchairs like him. There were B.A.S.S. pros there to help the kids fish from the bank, piers and a few selected boats. I was truly blessed when I saw the pictures Pam Montgomery from Leavellwood shared with me. Clay is a fine Christian man, she says.
Comment by Charles Travis — 8/6/2007 @ 7:39 pm
My husband is Clay’s pre-fishing partner on the FLW Tour, and Clay is an inspiration to everyone he meets… he is the most positive and encouraging person I have ever met! I am so thankful to be a part of his life. Thank you Clay for being YOU! And loving the Lord and not being ashamed of it!
Comment by Misty — 6/5/2008 @ 10:33 am