Aaron Martens, one of the most successful pro bass anglers of all time, underwent surgery Monday after being diagnosed as having two brain tumors.
Martens, 47, who lives in Leeds, Alabama, with his wife Lesley and their children, Jordan and Spencer, was hospitalized after suffering apparent seizures Saturday while fishing with friends.
Carol Martens, Aaron’s mother, told For The Win Outdoors that surgeons removed one tumor and collected biopsy samples of the other on Monday. Doctors will treat the other tumor at a future date.
The surgery was performed at Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham.
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Carol Martens said that Aaron was feeling “miserable” after the surgery, in large part because his family has not been able to visit because of hospital restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Carol Martens said her son could be allowed to return home as early as Wednesday.
Martens, who is originally from Southern California, is a four-time runner-up in the prestigious Bassmaster Classic tournament. He was named Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year in 2005, 2013 and 2015.
He has posted more than 70 top-10 finishes on the Bassmaster circuit, with career earnings topping $3 million.
Martens had more recently been competing on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour.
–Top image showing Aaron Martens and his family is courtesy of Seigo Saito/BASS Communications; second image is courtesy of Phoenix Moore; third image is courtesy of Josh Gassmann