Stopped at Bass Pro Shops to pick up some stuff for my trip to Flamingo tomorrow with my Dad. Roland Martin was there giving a clinic and I talked to him afterwards. Really great guy...talked about some lakes in Minnesota he fished, Okeechobee, and some salt water fishing. He's the youngest 71 year old I've ever met. A reminder to myself to keep fishing...

Billy Bob Crosno was there also. Talked to him for awhile...he fishes Loxahatchee a lot (like I do) and he had some interesting comments about the bass out there. He's a real character and a real good guy also

That's awesome. I've heard from several people that Roland is a very approachable person and all around nice guy.

Pretty cool, Mike.  I was planning on heading out there myself to pick up a few things today, just got sidetracked.  Wish I would have gone now.

The bass pros are fantastic guys.

They will stop and speak with you; share information; and autograph just about anything.

NASCAR has copied what B.A.S.S. pros have done and it works for NASCAR, too.

I spoke with Denny Brauer this past weekend; Hank Parker this summer; and Kevin VanDam last winter.

Ike is also a fantastic ambassador.

If you want to meet and speak with the pros I suggest attending a Classic. The pros walk around the exhibition hall and you will find them to be some of the nicest people on the planet. 

It's the truth, Sam. My group use to sponsor Tom Mann Jr and Bernie Schultz. Every March I would go up to Clewiston for the FLW event at Okeechobee and rub elbows with those guys. It was awesome how friendly and accessable those guys are.

Roland is looking fit and trim these days.

Can't wait to hear about Refuge insight, good luck in Flamingo!

Can't wait to hear about Refuge insight, good luck in Flamingo!

Who says I'm telling you?   

Just kidding...we need to get out there to the refuge, man! I've been there once since Christmas...it's killing me.

Flamingo was fun, yesterday. We got six redfish and a ton of sea trout, jack, ladyfish, etc...Rods bent all day long.