VIENNA - It probably wasn't the most lucrative deal he could have cut, but Travis Loyd, 36, of Vienna is thrilled to represent the Catch-A-Dream Foundation at BASS and FLW fishing events.

Earlier this spring, Loyd finalized a deal for the Catch-A-Dream Foundation's "wrap" boat and vehicle.

"I had other offers for the wrap deal," Loyd said. "None of them were as appealing to me. Fishing-wise, I think it's a good match. I'm looking forward to the rest of the year."

It's only fitting that Loyd represent the Catch-A-Dream Foundation, a spin-off of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was instrumental in having the organization named as the official charity of the Professional Angler's Association.

"John Bradley wrote the contract and helped negotiate the deal," Loyd said.

The PAA did more than give The Catch-A-Dream Foundation lip service; the anglers donated $10,000.

Loyd is the PAA's director of business affairs. The organization was formed to foster stronger communication and relationships with tournament organizations.

"It's (PAA) owned by the anglers," Loyd said. "I would encourage everyone to get into the PAA because it's only going to make our sport better and stronger."

In the meantime, Loyd is also trying to negotiate his way through the treacherous waters of professional fishing. It's his second attempt at making a mark in the sport.

"I crashed and burned as a youngster," he said.

This attempt has been a bit more successful. Loyd is sponsored by Skeeter, Yamaha, Shimano and Zoom.

"This is my third year fishing BASS," he said. "I've had three Top 10s in the opens. My best finish was ninth at Lake Norfork. In the FLW, I had a top ten with them. I have a fourth at Sam Rayburn."

Loyd also carved a niche for himself in fishing history three years ago.

"My first tournament was in September 2004," he said. "I fished at Lake Wheeler. I'm told I'm the first one ever to fish their first BASS event and lead it at the end of the first day."

As for the rest of that initial tournament?

"We won't talk about the second day," Loyd said.

Part of his success this time is being older and wiser. Loyd also has a steady source of income outside fishing. He and his family own 80 Jackson Hewitt franchises.

"Here's my advice," he said. "You need to have a line of revenue so that you can go out and fish with a clear mind. It takes a lot of money and time, I've very blessed.

"The education over the last 15 years of my life has been to learn how to make a living. Now, I don't feel undue pressure. I enjoy what I'm doing."

Because of the nuances of sponsorship deals, Loyd is spending most of his time fishing BASS events.

"BASS is really where I consider home this year because that is where Skeeter wants me," he said. "The ultimate goal is to make the Bassmaster Classic, like any angler."

That's a difficult proposition. BASS recently changed eligibility requirements and now accepts just three anglers a year from the open trail.

Loyd has set no time frames from himself, other than physical fitness.

"The body wears out," he said. "Carpal tunnel is a major problem with fishermen these days. When you're in 5-foot rollers and trying to throw a crank bait, it's tough.

"The tournament side of it, I'll go as long as they want me and as long as I'm competitive."

les.winkeler@thesouthern.com

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