Craziest fish story?

After 11 seasons traveling from Alaska to Panama and 50+ species a year, I have filmed more than I can count. One of them would that tops the list was the first time I went to Prince Edward Island after Giant Bluefin Tuna in 2007 for Big Water Adventures’ first season.  Back then about the only person fighting them on stand-up gear was Dennis Braid and he was a legend at it.  I pretty much had no idea what I was doing.  We had to borrow gear for me to try it on Jamie Bruce’s boat—he thought I was nuts.  I ended up catching two of them back-to-back in one day that were pushing 900 pounds. 8ft bent butt rod on a 130 PENN International; I don’t think I walked right for two weeks after that.  I looked like somebody pushed me off the third floor of a building.  Now everybody does it, myself included, but on tackle far more conducive to the technique.

Who got you into fishing?

My dad, I think…I can’t remember not ever being into fishing.

Where do you wish you were right now?

In a deer stand.  I fish for a living and live to hunt.

Dream job if you weren't fishing?

Ranch owner of 1000+ acres.  I’m a country boy at heart and never more relaxed than when I’m out in the woods.

Least favorite part of your job?

Travel. Being away from my family 200 days a year.

What makes a good fisherman?

Versatility. Being able to go after anything that swims in salt or fresh is a lifelong learning experience. The longer you do it, the more you realize fish are driven by wanting to eat, not get eaten, and make babies…it’s just where and how they do it that separates them. Keep it simple.

Something nobody knows about you?

I had a music scholarship for vocals to Ball State University my freshman year in college. I flunked out, had to go before the university board and beg to get let back in. Graduated in 5 years with a degree in journalism and public relations. Never quit and never give up.