Meet the Anglers: Michael Neal

Major League Fishing

Michael Neal

Dayton, Tennessee

Tennessee native Michael Neal became one of the youngest anglers in history to compete in the FLW Tour when he kicked off his pro career in 2012. Neal won Stage Seven of the Bass Pro Tour on Lake St. Clair in 2021, just a month after securing the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Angler of the Year title. In 2022, Neal claimed his second Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Angler of the Year title in back-to-back fashion, becoming the third pro to win AOY in consecutive years and the sixth pro to win multiple AOY titles. Neal’s second win on the Bass Pro Tour happened on the same waters as his 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Angler of the Year title – the St. Lawrence River during Stave Seven of the 2024 Bass Pro Tour.

FUN FACT

Neal owns a tackle store called Real Deal Tackle. He enjoys hunting and trap shooting as well as riding ATVs and crappie fishing during the off-season.

Related Stories

Rodeo Austin Livestock Show

Stock Show Spotlight: Atlee Homann Reaches Milestone at Rodeo Austin

Senior exhibitor reflects on years of work in the ring and the bond that led to his first sale

March 27, 2026 01:48 PM

 · 

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Stock Shows

Stock Show Spotlight: Student Exhibitor GG Gosda’s Final Year in the Ring

After years of showing livestock, Gosda reflects on the bond and responsibility of taking care of her cattle

March 27, 2026 01:35 PM

 · 

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Stock Shows

Stock Show Spotlight: Young Exhibitor Ainslea Hayes Carries on Family Tradition in Houston

Houston competitor Ainslea Hayes shares what it takes to compete in the ring and carry on a family legacy

March 26, 2026 03:44 PM

 · 

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Stock Shows

Stock Show Spotlight: Heidi O’Quinn Puts Dedication on Display in Houston

Young exhibitors balance school and months of preparation as they compete at one of Texas’s largest livestock events.

March 26, 2026 03:13 PM

 · 

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Load More