There are days when the wind blows a little harder than you’d like. Days when the forecast misses the mark. But I’ve learned something over a lifetime on the water—those things don’t really matter.
If I can step out of the office, hook up the boat, and get on the lake… it’s already a good day.
That’s the way I’ve always looked at fishing. It’s not about perfection. It’s about opportunity.
The Simple Joy of Going Fishing
Some mornings start simple. A couple cups of coffee. Maybe a quick stop for a sandwich—nothing fancy, just enough to keep you going. Because once you’re on the water, everything else fades away.
You start thinking about the day ahead. What baits to tie on. What pattern might develop. Maybe it’s a stick worm. Maybe a Ned rig. Maybe a jig craw. You don’t overcomplicate it—you just trust what you know and let the fish tell you the rest.
That’s fishing at its core.
And even after all these years, there’s still that moment… that thunk… when a fish bites and your heart jumps just a little.
It never gets old. Not once.
Why Brainerd, Minnesota Became Home
People have asked me over the years, “Why here? Why did you choose this place?”
The answer is simple.
Opportunity.
When my brother Ron and I first looked at this area—Brainerd—we saw something special. Lakes everywhere. Not just a handful—hundreds. Maybe more than a person could fish in a lifetime.
And not just lakes… but good lakes.
Smallmouth. Largemouth. Walleyes. Pike. Muskies. Crappies. Bluegills. Perch. Even catfish.
All within reach.
That’s a blessing. And it’s one I’ve never taken for granted.
A Life Built Around the Bite
I’ve been asked just about every question you can imagine.
“What’s your favorite fish?”
“What’s your favorite lake?”
“What’s your favorite bait?”
And my answer has always been the same.
I just love catching fish.
I’ve chased them all—bass in southern reservoirs, walleyes in northern waters, crappies, muskies, even the occasional carp just for the fun of it. Tournament fishing, guiding, television—it’s all been part of the journey.
And every step of the way, the fish have taught me something.
Patience. Observation. Respect.
Fishing has a way of humbling you, no matter how long you’ve been doing it.
The Two Pillars of My Life
If you really want to understand me, it comes down to two things.
Fishing… and faith.
That’s it.
Fishing has been part of my life every single day. I think about it, talk about it, study it—there’s no off switch. It’s not just something I do. It’s who I am.
And alongside that is my faith. For over 40 years, I’ve spent time in the Word, growing, learning, and leaning on something bigger than myself.
Those two things have shaped everything.
People might say that sounds simple—even boring. But I’ll tell you this:
If that’s boring, I’m one happy guy.
Watching the Sport Grow
Over the decades, I’ve seen fishing change in ways I never could have imagined.
One of the greatest things? Young anglers.
High school fishing has transformed this sport. Kids are getting involved earlier, learning faster, and bringing energy that’s incredible to see.
Then there’s the rise of competition—tournaments for every species you can think of. Bass, walleyes, crappies, muskies—you name it. People love the challenge, the camaraderie, the pursuit of getting better.
And of course… technology.
From the early days of sonar—watching that first line move across the screen—to where we are now, it’s been unbelievable. The way we understand fish and structure has changed forever.
But even with all that…
A bite is still a bite.
And it still makes your heart race the same way it always did.
It Never Gets Old
I’ve been at this for over 50 years. Closer to 80 years of life now than 70.
And people ask me, “When are you going to hang it up?”
Truth is… I’m not.
Not really.
Sure, I might slow down a little. Maybe do a little more “fun fishing” and a little less “work fishing.” But as long as I can put a boat in the water, feel that bite, and share what I’ve learned with others…
I’ll keep going.
Because what else would I do?
Fishing and faith—that’s my life.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.