HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN FISHING?

My father and grandfather got me hooked on fishing when I was 4 years old. I fished off the dock from sun-up to sundown catching bullheads, perch and crappies. I fished almost everyday, except Sundays. Sundays were meant for rest, reflection and family.

CAN YOU TELL US THE LARGEST FISH YOU HAVE EVER CAUGHT?

13 lb walleye on Mississippi River, 24 lb Northern on Lake of the Woods.

WHAT IS THE BEST FISHING TIP THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Be flexible and develop confidence using different techniques. Take a kid fishing whenever possible.

IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE ANGLING COMMUNITY?

I work very closely with Confidence Learning Center, helping with fundraisers, and taking physically and mentally challenged young boys and girls fishing. I am also involved with "Fishing Has No Boundaries," "Let’s Go Fishing," and "Teen Challenge." I donate guided fishing trips to several different charities as well.

PICK 5 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF

Winner, Laid-back, Giving, Thoughtful, Family Guy.

WHAT WAS THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE?

When I married my wife, Patti (31 years ago) and the birth of my children.

WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN PEOPLE?

Honesty and integrity.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MODEL OF LUND TO FISH OUT OF AND WHY?

I’m very fortunate to work with Lund and sell their boats. My favorite is the 2075. This boat has great storage with the sliding drawers, rod storage, and large doors on the deck. The workmanship, dependability and fishability of this boat are second to none.

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU RUN A LUND?

I bought my first Lund in 1984, a Lund Pro-Angler with a 50hp Mariner. At the time, this was considered the best walleye boat out there. I won many tournaments out of this boat. I joined Fishing Pro-Mo’s (a promotions company owned by Gary Roach and Randy Amenrud) in 1987, and have been on Lund's Pro-Staff ever since.

WHO IS YOUR SPONSORING DEALER?

I work very closely with Rapid Marine group out of Ham Lake, MN. I’ve worked boat and sport shows with them for many years, helping sell Lund Boats.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR FISHING CAREER?

Working for Fishing Pro-Mo’s. Gary Roach and Randy Amenrud taught me how to promote and work with sponsors. They also taught me that teaching youngsters how to fish, and growing the sport of fishing, is what matters most. I’ve been fortunate to win some tournaments during my career, however, what matters most to me are the friends I’ve made and the lives I’ve influenced. Fishing has opened many doors for me, and has given me the opportunity to give back.

FAVORITE LAKE?

Mille Lacs Lake. I grew up fishing Mille Lacs. It has some of the finest walleye, smallmouth and muskie fishing anywhere.