B.A.S.S. pro fishing phenom Brian Latimer knows fishing. And, having grown up in his family’s landscape contracting business, Latimer also knows landscaping. So much so, that Latimer used his hands-on know-how to customize his own backyard.
Brian Latimer: (BLat) My wife, three children and I live in Belton, SC. As a professional bass angler who grew up in a family landscape business, we’re obsessed with the outdoor lifestyle. Any spare time we have is spent riding motorcycles, fishing and doing yard/property beautification projects.
BLat: Our one-acre, rural South Carolina residential property, includes both a custom backyard motocross track, as well as a boat house where I prepare for all of my fishing competitions and film and video productions for both my social channels and the leading industry brands I represent.
BLat: Our backyard motorcross track is an absolute playground! It’s filled with jumps, whoops, and, of course, tractors and other machinery needed to maintain and improve it.
BLat: Living in a rural setting is important for us, since it provides the necessary space to accommodate all of our toys!
BLat: The hardest thing about maintaining a nice property is the work that’s involved in keeping it looking neat and clean, while, at the same time, serving a specific purpose.
BLat: My family’s landscape business taught me how to fix things, how to be my own man and how to be a leader. Without the experiences I had working at an early age, I would be at an extreme disadvantage in my career as a professional bass angler.
BLat: Honestly, I think my need to escape from the professional world has influenced my yard more than anything. I’d much rather have a property with purpose than one that’s only for looks. I always made it my mission when designing spaces as a landscaper to consider a customer’s real needs, hobbies and lifestyle.
BLat: Every homeowner needs to be realistic, as often times they’re too busy to set landscaping expectations that are truly thought-out or attainable. For a particular landscape to be successful, it must function as a time asset, not a time liability. The truth is, very few of us enjoy trimming shrubs and mowing lawns. However, we love to enjoy the fruits of a well-maintained property. The only way to fix this issue is through simplicity and function. Where today’s landscapes are concerned, less is more.
BLat: My most treasured addition is our boat house. With no background in construction, I built it myself. This project took 18 months to complete. So, needless to say, I haven’t started another one since!
BLat: Unfortunately, we can’t. But, my kids and I do have ready access to fishing opportunities that are close enough to take a hike or short drive to.
BLat: Working on tackle in the boat house while my son and his friends rip up the backyard motocross track on their dirt bikes. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
BLat Without a doubt, fresh sea trout and redfish, accompanied by broccoli and rice.
