HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN FISHING?
Looking back at my youth, it's obvious I was bitten by the "fishing bug" very early on in life. I can remember when I was 5 I would refuse to go swimming in the lake with my brothers because I wanted to fish so badly. My addiction hasn’t improved much over the last 40 years, it may even be worse.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A LUND PRO-STAFF?
I have been infatuated with Lund Boats my entire life. Lund has ALWAYS been on the forefront of fishing boat innovation. When I had the resources to purchase my own boat it was a Lund, and each following boat has been also. When the opportunity to join the pro-staff presented itself, it was like a dream come true.
CAN YOU TELL US THE LARGEST FISH YOU HAVE EVER CAUGHT?
Largest fish ever for me has probably been a 30 lb Lake Sturgeon from the Rainy River. They put up quite the battle on walleye tackle. As far as walleyes go, I have been fortunate to catch 30 inch + walleyes in open water and on the ice, but a walleye in the "teens" has eluded me so far. We need to have goals, right?
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Born and raised in Western Minnesota (Moorhead,) where we get the best of Minnesota and North Dakota. The fishing and hunting opportunities are endless. Guess I haven’t had a reason to leave yet.
WHERE DO YOU MOSTLY FISH?
We spend much of our time fishing on western Minnesota’s natural inland lakes, with occasional outings to the traditional walleye factories of Devils Lake in ND, and Lake of the Woods, Leech, and Mille Lacs in MN. We fish in the Walleyes-R-Us Fishing League, the FM Walleyes Unlimited Classic Cup Series, a MWC team event, and one Canadian event annually.
WHAT IS THE BEST FISHING TIP THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
Great anglers are great because of their attention to the little details. It’s all about putting the small puzzle pieces together to create a winning pattern. There are no "Magic Lures" or quick answers that will make you a better fisherman.
IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE ANGLING COMMUNITY?
I have spent much of the last 20 years helping out with various fishing organizations in positions ranging from volunteer, board positions, and executive leadership. I continue to be active in numerous local, regional, and national clubs. Currently, much of my time goes into product promotions, guiding, seminars, writing and continuing my own angling education.
PICK 5 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF
I Am Addicted To Fishing.
WHAT WAS THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE?
There have been a lot of great years. The year I got married and the years that my kids were born. As far as the best, I would say it would be this year. As life continues on we get smarter and we do the things we enjoy. Each year should be better than the last.
WHAT IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE EVER BOUGHT?
Oh boy, probably a treadmill. It just turned into an expensive coat hanger.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Definitely would be from my Boy Scout days. Live life by the Boy Scout Law. A scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent. If you follow these throughout your everyday life you will succeed at everything you do. The second best piece of advice? Live life to the fullest. Live for today but be prepared for tomorrow. Life is short, enjoy it while you can.
WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN PEOPLE?
Besides the obvious traits of honesty, loyalty and dedication, probably one of the traits I really enjoy in people is a good sense of humor. These are the people you really want to hang out with.
WHAT’S YOUR WORST HABIT?
Ha, I don’t have any bad habits… at least not any I will admit to.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MODEL OF LUND TO FISH OUT OF AND WHY?
The 2010 Pro Guide is by far the best pure fishing boat on the market today. By that I mean, there may be other boats that will get you across the lake a little faster, but once you are on your spot and ready to start fishing, there IS NO OTHER boat, aluminum or fiberglass, that will outperform the 2010 Pro Guide. It truly is the "Ultimate Fishing Experience." From hull performance, storage, layout, roominess and comfort, it doesn’t get any better. The 1825 Pro Guide would be a close second choice but I have NEVER been on the water and said to myself, "Boy, I wish I had a smaller boat."
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO OUR ENTIRE STAFF AT LUND BOATS?
I am very proud to be a member of the Lund family. Proud because of the tradition of quality and the tradition of excellence Lund has created over the last 60+ years. Lund makes the best products in the industry, and each person in the Lund family is a part of that.