Best Local Anglers

Best local anglers

Spent part of the weekend board, in front of the TV (to cold to fish) and mentally review the year. My mind went to the post about the post about the best all-time and best local anglers and a lot of good guys came to mind. I believe Gills and Specks mentioned Jim Kowall and agree whole heatedly with him. Had a chance to fish with Jim Johnson (champman) this fall and agree he should be on the list. His win’s in the WI TOC, BASS Northern Divisional, and the trip to the Bassmasters Classic says it all. Another guy came to mind. Randy Weczorek out of Buffalo City WI. Randy is the only guy I know that has fished both the BASS National Federation Finals and the BFL All-American. That is an accomplishment worth mention. What Randy might be most famous or infamous for is his conduct in tournaments. Unfortunately, his intensity in tournaments has riffled his share of feathers, including mine.

If your talking angler as in ability to locate and catch fish John, I would have to say he is very good, but I agree as you stated his tournament tactics have more than a little to be desired. In order to become admired (by anglers) more, the simple approach is to treat people the way you would like to be treated. I don’t mean that people should come up to you and give you spots (wouldn’t that be convenient), but having the integrity to do the right thing. I envy a guy who has as much time and success as he does, but that doesn’t mean I’d like to walk a mile in his moccasins. His success as an angler is in the pudding, but I think he has a little on his face. Just my P.O. Fishnut

Well John,
I would have to say with qualifying 9 times in the federation you are too humble. Being one of the best means being consistent. To get to the classic it takes a little more than being a good hook. They only take number 1 and as we all know every dog has his day. On any given day someone can pull a couple pigs out of the grass and win. I doubt this same guy will do it 9 years in a row. I don’t mean to take anything from Champman (lord knows he is consistent) Consistently taking peoples money. I hope to have the opportunity to fish the TS circuit this year so I can lend a hand spending some of that lute he has been collecting. –big grin- This coming season will be another for the memory banks. Good luck all.
Jc

Mike Ottens is da man!!!!!!!!!!

JC,

Thanks, but my 9 trips to the regionals are spread over 20 some years which isn’t very consistent. I’ve had some good runs and some years that weren’t so good. Good or bad, it’s been a blast. I suspect you’ll get your share of the “lute”

John,
You are a threat even in your so called “bad years”, but you are right about one thing—— Good years or bad years, bass fishing is a blast. Competition gets the adrenalin pumping through the veins.
Think spring!!!!

Hey Jerry,
If you ever find yourself in MN slough on pool 9 again be careful of the clam beds. They are the ones straight north of that little pad field you fished in divisionals Practice…
jc

Hey, JC,
You seem to be everywhere. How in the world would you know where I was during the divisionals?
You are right of course. That Pad bed was holding big fish. Good bite when sun was out, no bite when sun was gone. That was the key. Long run from PDC. but worth every minute.

I am not sure you remember but when you went in there in practice there was a White Triton already there fishing…
Yep, that was me. I am sure you know Curt Murphy. He is my Uncle and the primary reason I got into fishing. I also saw quite a sight when a lovely gal was in her shivies trying to push a stratos off the clam beds.
jc

As for the bit you were getting. The bite was actually better when the sun was not out. You needed to move to the creek channed out about 15 yards from where you started fishing. You would have found some 4lbers. Not that I am complaining since there were still there when I went back.
jc

JC, i think you just nailed it right on the head. So many guys get nervous when “they’re” fish are gone. You know where the fish are, just have to expand the horizon abit- they do still have fins right?! Next time in a tournament situation, a person should just sit down and figure out where they would go>
Champman

JC, Don’t remember the white Triton but especially remember the shallow water north of the pad bed. In fact the wife remebers it well . She was surprised you mentioned it because she didn’t think anyone saw her except the people who helped us get off the bar.
Yep, I know your uncle, we have been an aquaintances for several years. Real good guy and obviously he has been a good teacher and mentor for you.