SAN MARCOS, Texas — Whether it's standing in a boat out on the lake or standing on the mound on a baseball diamond, Matthew Nicholas is always ready for the challenge of his two favorite sports. 

Nicholas is a relief pitcher for the Texas State baseball team, which is poised for its first NCAA regional berth since 2011. The redshirt junior has appeared in over 50 games during his Bobcats career. 

“Baseball, you're basically living off failure. Fishing is the same way. You make 1,000 casts per day you might catch 10 fish," Nicholas said. 

Fishing isn't just a hobby for Nicholas, either. He's been working as a fishing guide the last couple summers on the Choke Canyon Reservoir in South Texas. 

“It's some of the most fun I've ever had. You get to meet new people every day from everywhere across the world," Nicholas said. "There's nothing more fun than being able to not only teach them, but put them on some fish.”

The thrill of catching fish runs in the family. Nicholas grew up watching his dad fish saltwater tournaments on the Gulf. 

"Always made the trip to go watch him weigh in, even though I couldn't go watch him catch the fish. I wanted to see what he could catch that day," Nicholas said. 

He started fishing competitively in high school at New Braunfels Christian Academy. As a junior, he teamed with Chase Hux to win the 2015 Texas state title. 

"If it wasn't for baseball, I probably would still be fishing in college," Nicholas said.

The pitching career has turned out well, too. Nicholas has become a reliable arm in the Bobcats' bullpen after changing to a sidearm delivery.

“I was one of those guys that was on the chopping block. I wasn't sure whether I was gonna make the team my third year here," Nicholas said. "Making that adjustment and going to play summer ball, it really changed it for me.”

Now it's baseball that scratches his competitive itch. Fishing with his teammates provides a break from the daily grind. 

“Normally during the season we get about one off day a week," Nicholas said. "It is a little bit more stressful than baseball. You bring some buddies out there and if they're not biting, it's all on you. You gotta go find them.”

Tristan Stivors and Zeke Wood are his usual fishing buddies, although Nicholas said there's a wait list of guys who are ready to get a line in the water when a spot opens.

“It’s always a great stress relief whenever you get away from baseball," Stivors said. "The outdoors definitely brought us together. This past summer we went fishing a bunch down in Choke [Canyon] and then also during Christmas break. It's great to spend time with him.”

It's even better when the fish are biting. 

“I like to come out here and just create my own story," Nicholas said. "Every fish is a reward. And every second you're out here, it's hanging out with your friends trying to catch some fish.”