I have been fishing for 67 years (fell in at age 2) and tournament fishing since 1967.

I have witnessed as many changes in fishing tackle, boats and boating accessories as you can imagine. I consider the changes to be as major as going from a Model T (that's a car for you young guys) to landing on the moon.

I have been in the Bloomington-Normal Bass Club since 1971and have served in many capacities, a lot of time as Tournament Director. Wives and girlfriends, you can blame me for the Tuesday Night Tournaments which we started many years ago.

As far as fishing goes, I have had a lot of success at various levels of competition, and none are more enjoyable than those with the BNBC which can rightfully claim to have more quality anglers than any other club in the country.

I have won tournaments at the Regional, State and Local levels to the tune of over $100,000, and only spent $400,000 getting there!

I have been Angler of the Year at the State Federation level and our own BNBC, but have never won our Classic.

I guess Roland Martin had that problem, too, with BASS.

I enjoy all of your friendships, and with the good Lord willing, I will be kicking your butts again.

Jerry