Seventeen-year-old Dylan Quilatan is defying regional expectations and rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a competitive bass angler in America. Raised in the heart of New York City—a place more associated with concrete jungles and subways than boats and bass—Quilatan is now turning heads on the national stage of Major League Fishing. His journey, which began with casting lines in Central Park’s urban ponds, has led to victories in one of the most competitive freshwater circuits in the country.
From City Ponds to National Dreams
Dylan first discovered his passion for fishing not on a sprawling Southern reservoir, but in Central Park. As a kid growing up in Queens and then Brooklyn, he found peace and joy in the city’s modest bodies of water, including Prospect Park Lake. Armed with basic gear and endless curiosity, he spent countless hours teaching himself the fundamentals: working baits, reading water, and figuring out where the fish were biting.
It wasn’t long before his talent and drive became impossible to ignore. Recognizing that New York’s urban setting limited his opportunities to grow in the sport, his parents made a bold and life-changing decision. In 2019, they packed up and moved the entire family to Central Florida—one of the epicenters of American bass fishing. There, Dylan would finally have the chance to compete with and learn from the best.
Starting from the Bottom in Florida
The transition from city ponds to Florida’s bass-rich lakes wasn’t easy. Dylan faced a steep learning curve competing against local anglers who had been fishing the waters since they could walk. But he embraced the challenge. He studied fish behavior in warm, weedy lakes, experimented with new lure techniques, and learned how to navigate complex fishing environments.
Early setbacks didn’t deter him. Instead, they fueled his work ethic. Quilatan committed himself not only to improving his technical skills but also to studying the high-tech side of modern fishing. He mastered tools like forward-facing sonar—a technology that allows anglers to see fish and structure in real time—giving him an analytical edge during tournaments.
Family-Powered Success
Behind Dylan’s growing success is a dedicated family effort. His mother, Rachel, manages his travel, schooling, and tournament schedules, making sure Dylan can stay on the water without falling behind academically. She coordinates his remote schoolwork and keeps him focused between long days on the boat. His father, Carl, provides technical support and helps maintain the electronics and gear essential to tournament fishing.
Together, they form a tight-knit unit committed to Dylan’s long-term goals. Their investment—both emotional and financial—is starting to pay off in a big way.
Winning on the Big Stage
In March 2024, Dylan cemented his status as a rising star by winning his second Major League Fishing Toyota Series tournament of the season. Held in Florida, the tournament victory earned him a first-place prize of $39,055. The win marked a major milestone in his young career, not just for the paycheck, but for proving he could compete at the highest levels.
His performance earned respect across the sport, with competitors and fans alike impressed by his poise and professionalism. Winning multiple events in a single season is no small feat—and doing so as a teenager from NYC makes it all the more remarkable.
Defying Stereotypes in a Southern-Dominated Sport
Competitive bass fishing has long been a stronghold of Southern culture. The lakes, the lifestyle, and even the language of the sport have deep roots in places like Alabama, Texas, and Georgia. It’s rare to see an angler from an urban Northern background break through—and even rarer to see one rise this quickly.
But Dylan’s presence on the scene is more than a novelty. He represents a new generation of anglers: diverse, tech-savvy, and intensely driven. His success reflects a broader trend in fishing, fueled by pandemic-era interest and the growth of youth fishing leagues nationwide.
Organizations like Major League Fishing and local high school circuits are expanding access to young anglers from all walks of life. Dylan is proving that talent and tenacity can thrive regardless of zip code.
What’s Next for Dylan Quilatan
With multiple wins already under his belt and national attention growing, Quilatan’s future looks bright. He hopes to continue climbing the ranks of professional bass fishing, eventually qualifying for national-level pro circuits like the Bass Pro Tour or Bassmaster Elite Series.
For now, he remains focused on learning and improving with every outing. His social media following is growing, and sponsors are beginning to take notice. But Dylan and his family remain grounded, keeping their sights set on the long game rather than short-term fame.
As his star continues to rise, Dylan Quilatan serves as an inspiration to countless young anglers—especially those in cities—proving that with passion, support, and relentless effort, it’s possible to go from casting in a park pond to standing atop the winner’s podium.
Image/Source: WSJ
