Ten famous anglers I would like to fish with

I have been fortunate to fish in many premier locations around the world – but there are always more fish to chase. At this year’s Bassmaster Classic I caught up with many members of our fishing family. Even with those I finally met for the first time, we hugged liked family. Afterward, one of my first comments to Pete was that I have a running list of people I want to fish with.

Somehow, some way, I hope to make this happen.

As I wrote up my list, I realized that a lot of them intrigue me because not only are they great anglers, but they also have BIG personalities. For me fishing is sometimes as much about the company as it is about the fish and the scenery.

If you’re on this list, just know that I am targeting YOU! Let’s make this happen.

In no particular order, here they are, in most cases with the preferred location, technique or species:

Kent Brown of Ultimate Bass Radio California — **Kent Brown**

Clear Lake in California. He invited me after I was on his radio show, and I’ve never fished on the west coast (except in Mexico). Why not do it at the lake the continually pumps out giants?

Bass pro Ish Monroe fishing for giant California tuna — **Ish Monroe**

This may seem odd to you but if Ish isn’t bass fishing you will most likely find him on his saltwater boat chasing tuna. I love catching and eating tuna, so it’s a natural fit.

Arkansas female bass pro Melinda Mize of Bajio Sunglasses — **Melinda Mize**

She seems to know her shit – although she will tell you she doesn’t have her shit together.

Alabama Bass Pro Steve Kennedy — **Steve Kennedy**

I want to fish with Pete’s man crush but only with swimbaits. I then want to have time with the Kennedy family as they are some of my favorite people, not just in the fishing industry but in the world.

Bull Shad custom lure painter Jen Kravassi at the Swimbait Universe Gathering — **Jen Kravassi**

Jen is so creative and multi-talented. I want her to take me trout fishing with a fly rod.

Louisiana Bass Pro Clark Reehm with two large northern smallmouth bass — **Clark Reehm**

Clark is one of Pete’s longest friendships and while they’ve fished together a bunch, I have never been in the boat with him. He’s also a great teacher, especially with electronics.

Canadian television host Dave Mercer with a lake trout from Plummer's Lodge in NWT — **Dave Mercer**

I want to go to Plummers Lodge, and the BASS emcee would be the only one who could possibly get me to jump in the Arctic water after leading me to a giant Tree River char.

JP DeRose at the Shimano Booth at the 2023 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville — **JP DeRose**

JP is living our dream life -- I know that he will take me someplace out of the ordinary and we will have a fantastic time. GTs are high on my list, so perhaps the South Pacific?

Mike Iaconelli holding a big New Jersey largemouth bass in a kayak — **Mike Iaconelli**

I want him to teach me how to fish out of a kayak. He only lives a few hours from me, I am willing to travel, although I cannot breakdance.

Mark Zona with four giant smallmouth bass from Northern Michigan — **Mark Zona**

I have to admit, I have a fishing crush, Mark Zona. Now it’s out of the bag. Back in October at the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame auction, Pete gave me the OK to bid on a fishing trip with Mark. The starting bid was $5K and I quickly reached my limit ($5k). Hoping I can make this happen at a lower price tag.

Karin Zona with a big buck down — **Karin Zona**

Years ago I had a date with some hunters in the nearby area and it got cancelled due to poor conditions. I’ve seen Karin’s big buck pics from Michigan and Texas. Apparently she is the best shot in the family. Perhaps I could kill two birds (Mark and Karin) with one stone!

P.S. If you didn’t make the list, I’d probably still like to fish with you, especially if it’s in a cool place or for a new species. Reach out and let’s make it happen.