Pro Staff

Fishing Type: Freshwater

Primary Species Fished: Bass, Crappie, Blue Cat

Favorite Fishing Technique: Top Water

Favorite St. Croix Rod: 74Legend X

7 Time All-American qualifier
Regional Champion
9 Time divisional winner
53 Top 10 finishes.

Fishing Type: Conventional Fishing

Primary Species Fished: Bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Crankbaits, Drop Shot

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Glass 7'2" M M Casting Legend Extreme 6'10" ML XF Spinnning

2013 Bassmaster Junior World Champion
2106 Bassmaster High School National Champion
Current member on Dalls Baptist University Bass Fishing team

Fishing Type: Power Fishing

Primary Species Fished: Bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Sight Fishing, Topwater

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Xtreme Casting - LXC71MHXF

Coors Light Open Champion.

Fishing Type: Freshwater

Primary Species Fished: Stripped Bass, Sea Trout, Small Mouth Bass, Shad, Large Mouth Bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Surface plugs, Whatever it takes

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legand Surf LGSS106MM2, 9’ PANFISH ROD,

In 1996 Rich won the BASS federation divisional tournament on Raystown Lake in Pa. 1997
Fished the BASS Wrangler National Tournament on the Red River in Louisiana.
In 2007 Rich guided a client to the current “all tackle” World Record Weakfish (19pounds 12 ounces).
Helped St Croix design the Legend and Mojo Surf line of rods.
Rich coached his daughter and her High school fishing team on surf fishing tournaments, in which she has ultimately helped them win 2 of the last three years.

Fishing Type: Bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Swimming Kalin’s Lunker Grubs on Mushroom Head Jigs and twitching Z-Man Finesse TRD and TRD TubeZ on ShroomZ jigs.

Favorite St. Croix Rod: 69MLXF, 610MLXF, 7MLF, 76MLXF and 76MLF in any of the series.

Bill is, above all, an ardent angler, eager to take on smallmouth bass wherever they might lurk in Wisconsin's many lakes and rivers. Whether fishing from a powered boat, one of his kayaks, walking the shore or wading, he finds fulfillment in the serenity and excitement of beautiful scenery and savage hooksets. A popular seminar speaker, Bill has become a regular at Wisconsin and Northern Illinois sports shows. And, you can find his writing and writing on him in various outdoor magazines. Having known him for 20 years, it wouldn't surprise us to learn that Bill has figured out a way to determine which of a bass' eyes is the master eye. And then he'll cast to that side of the fish, we're sure. Bill has caught and released over 21,500 smallies since catching his first in 1994.

Successful angling is rooted in confidence..confidence in our knowledge, confidence in our abilities, and confidence in our tools. And while fishing may involve many tools, the rod itself is at the top of the list. That’s why every single episode of Fishful Thinker TV - all 221 of them over 17 seasons- have been filmed with a familiar St Croix Rod in hand. It’s why the Fishful Thinker guides and clients all fish St Croix’s, and why we fish them on all adventures, bass to bonefish, tuna to trout, fly, cast, or spin. St Croix handcrafts rods in a way reminiscent of angling itself where steely-eyed woodsmanship meets NASA-like technology; where feel, fit, and finish come together to create a rod far more lively and enjoyable than its makings would suggest, while remaining supremely strong yet sensitive. That St Croix Rod is a family-owned company building rods in the good ol’ USA only strengthens our our appreciation for fishing with the best rods on earth.

Chad LaChance Host and executive producer, Fishful Thinker TV

Pro Staff Member Since: 4 years old

Fishing Since: Professional since 2010

Fishing Type: Inshore

Primary Species Fished: Red fish, speckled trout

Favorite Fishing Technique: Sight fishing to tailing reds

Favorite St. Croix Rod: 7' Avid Inshore Med. Moderate

2011 IEA kayak tour national champion & angler of the year
3 time USA kayak fishing team member
2014 USA kayak fishing team captain
3 time IFA Atlantic Divison angler of the year.

Successful angling is rooted in confidence..confidence in our knowledge, confidence in our abilities, and confidence in our tools. And while fishing may involve many tools, the rod itself is at the top of the list. That’s why every single episode of Fishful Thinker TV - all 221 of them over 17 seasons- have been filmed with a familiar St Croix Rod in hand. It’s why the Fishful Thinker guides and clients all fish St Croix’s, and why we fish them on all adventures, bass to bonefish, tuna to trout, fly, cast, or spin. St Croix handcrafts rods in a way reminiscent of angling itself where steely-eyed woodsmanship meets NASA-like technology; where feel, fit, and finish come together to create a rod far more lively and enjoyable than its makings would suggest, while remaining supremely strong yet sensitive. That St Croix Rod is a family-owned company building rods in the good ol’ USA only strengthens our our appreciation for fishing with the best rods on earth.

Chad LaChance Host and executive producer, Fishful Thinker TV

Joe Bucher is a National Freshwater-Fish Hall Of Fame Legendary Angler, book author, magazine writer, fishing tackle designer and host of the popular TV series Fishing With Joe Bucher which will be celebrating its 30th season on-the-air in 2018. His relationship with St. Croix Rods spans over two decades and includes input on industry trends, rod designs and extensive field testing.

While Joe is most well known today as a musky guru, he was originally known as teenage bass fishing wiz in the 1960s, and eventually became one of the most sought after multi-species fishing guides in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s equally adept at catching walleyes, bass, lake trout, panfish, pike and muskies.

Since the beginning of my career, 19 years ago, there has only been one fishing rod that I have trusted to get the job done. St. Croix is that rod! Simply put, the amount of time that goes into R&D to create the best rods on earth is mind boggling. If it can be caught on a rod and reel in my world then you can bet your money that St. Croix has a rod for that! What an blessing it is to represent the very best in fishing rods and people.

Jarrett Edwards Host "Jarrett Edwards Outdoors TV"

In my line of work, I have to depend on my equipment as a mechanic relies on his tools, there is no room for compromise, excuses or failure. Fishing is not my hobby. Fishing is not my pastime. Fishing is my livelihood. Fishing is my career. Fishing is my life period. I have to catch fish. I have to maximize every strike. I have to feel every bite...fishing with St.Croix Rods, I know the job will be done right, the first time. Take it from me, the Xtreme Angler, these truly are the Best Rods on Earth"!

Karl Kalonka - Executive Producer & Host Xtreme Bass Angler TV

Pro Staff Member Since: 2017

Fishing Since: Professional since 2005

Fishing Type: Walleye, Smallmouth bass, Ice

Primary Species Fished: Multi-species

Favorite Fishing Technique: Power fishing

Favorite St. Croix Rod: 6’8” Avid Spinning X-Fast

Tony Roach is a well-respected fishing guide, tournament angler, and outdoor communicator, spending close to 300 days on the open water and ice annually. He operates Roach’s Guide Service on Mille Lacs Lake and has become known as the hardest working, most successful guide on the big lake. Tony’s friendly grin and relaxed personality make him approachable during tradeshow appearances, seminars, and out on the lake. He enjoys teaching everything from fishing basics to subtle adjustments that catch more fish. Tony has been involved in the development of many new fishing products, hard water and soft. Tony’s knowledge of the hottest fisheries and angling techniques are featured in regional and national print and broadcast, including In-Fisherman, Angling Buzz, Midwest Outdoors, Game and Fish, Great Lakes Angler and many more. Tony also distributes video fishing information via YouTube and his own websites

Pro Staff Member Since: 1994

Fishing Since: 1961

Fishing Type: Musky, Amazon

Primary Species Fished: Muskies

Favorite Fishing Technique: Leadcore controlled

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Tournament Musky Big Dawg

I have fished many Tournaments over the years,including PWT & PMTT.Have been a Seminar_Speaker  throught out the Northeast for over 40 years.IGFA World Record Guide_with Clients with many IGFA World Records of freshwater Guyana Rainforest Fish.Inbolved with NY State Musky Stocking Program  for many years..Presently I'm the President of Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, on Erie County Fishery Advisory Board.I have been guidining for Muskies since 1993 on Niagara River ,Buffalo Harbor and Chautauqua Lake. Many Muskies over 50" to 55" a few over 50 lbs.My favoite time is guiding kids!

Pro Staff Member Since: 2003

Fishing Since: 1987

Fishing Type: Freshwater, Ice

Primary Species Fished: Bass, Walleye, Crappie

Favorite Fishing Technique: Flipping, Pitching, Frogging, Topwater, Jerbaits

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Xtreme Casting (XC76MHMF)

Josh graduated from Lake Superior State University, taking a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries Management and a diploma in Fish & Wildlife Management with him. Something else Josh took are prominent listings in tournaments boasting numerous Top 5 and Top 10 finishes. Highlights include: 2nd Place and Big Bass honours at Falcon Lake, MB in 2014. 4th, 6th, and 9th Place finishes at the Bronzeback Classic. 2nd, 5th, and 8th Place Finishes and a Big Bass Award at Bassin’ for Bucks. Two Big Bass Awards and making the nationally televised 2011 Shaw Kenora Bass International Boat parade as one of the top ten. 2nd Overall and Three Big Bass Awards at the Whitefish Bay Falls Bass Classic. Josh has flexed his creative writing muscles contributing to Fin + Bone Magazine, Hooked Magazine, and the Fishing Headquarters Online Magazine. The Fishing along with all of the above provides an understanding to Josh's Facebook profile in the "Religion" category: "Mother Nature, The Fish Gods and St. Croix Fishing Rods." Amen.
Josh can be seen annually on episodes of Extreme Angler TV with Karl Kalonka, and was recently featured in the You Tube Series “Monsters of Minnesota” with TylersReel Fishing.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2005

Fishing Since: 1961

Fishing Type: Fly, Freshwater, Ice

Primary Species Fished: Salmon, Trout, Carp, Northern pike, Panfish

Favorite Fishing Technique: Ice, Fly

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Ice

Pro Staff Member Since: 2017

Fishing Since: Professionally since 2005

Fishing Type: Catfish

Primary Species Fished: Flatheads

Favorite Fishing Technique: Night fishing

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Mojo Cat Rod

Capt. Glenn Flowers, is a licensed and insured USCG Captain who has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s leading Flathead experts. He runs Glenn Flowers Trophy Catfishing Guide Service with over a decade of professional catfishing experience. He runs one of the largest catfish organizations in the world, often reaching over 2 million anglers a week through his networks of websites and social media pages. He’s the owner of Flathead Catfish Hunters, ( www.flatheads.us) Americans largest Flathead organization and is the founder and President of C.A.T.S. ( Cathunters Association Of The South) A catfish club that’s sweeping the south like a wild fire. He’s been called a social media guru, his fan pages are by far the largest reaching in the catfish empire. Touching the lives of anglers on a global scale, nothing escapes his reach; from Florida to China his social Media enterprise is worldwide. He’s been featured in countless magazines, TV shows, and radio programs. He runs his guide service in the northern panhandle of Florida for catfish specifically trophy flathead and large quantities of them. On some trips anglers have landed over 400 pounds of flatheads in a single night, earning him a reputation as one of the top flathead guides to fish with.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2008

Fishing Since: 1985

Fishing Type: Bass, Crappie

Primary Species Fished: Largemouth bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Flipping, Deep structure

Favorite St. Croix Rod: 74MHFLX

6 time all American qualifier, 2 time reginal winner, Over a half a million dollars in winnings. 4 time angler of the year in BFL circuit. Numerous top ten in an array of tournaments. Lews angler of the year in 2016.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2000

Fishing Since: 1970

Fishing Type: Saltwater

Primary Species Fished: Inshore stripped bass, Bluefish, Bonito, False albacore

Favorite Fishing Technique: Inshore light tackle spinning, Offshore bait and switch trolling

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend extreme inshore spinning medium heavy

During the past 2 Decades Captain Chris has competed in numerous inshore and offshore fishing tournaments with many top finishes. You can usually find Chris operating one of the many sport fishing yachts he is entrusted to. Having been instrumental in creating and participating in many youth tournaments and events over the years has brought many young anglers into the future of the sport.

Captain Godino’s passion for fishing and equipment technology has always been ahead of the competition. He prides himself in outfitting both in shore and offshore sport fish vessels. He has been an invaluable asset to many tournament winning teams. His entrepreneurial background in precision machining held him to close tolerance measurements translating into only using the finest precision rods in the world.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2000

Fishing Since: 1990

Fishing Type: Fly

Primary Species Fished: Panfish, Small mouth bass, Northern, Muskie, Steelhead, Carp, Anything that will take a fly

Favorite Fishing Technique: LONG distance casts with BIG flies for BIG smallmouth

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Elite Fly ESW906.4 , ESW907.4, ESW908.4

Working with his grandfather, Bobby started helping at sport and fly shows when he was but nine years of age. He wisely built on those experiences and now does fly casting demonstrations for sport shows, The Fly Fishing Federation and Trout Unlimited. Bobby also gives private and group lessons. In addition, he has guided for trout on GWN Flint Trail and steelhead in the Great Lakes. Furthermore, he builds rods, ties flies, and studied art in college. Seems to us this 'art thing' has spilled over into everything Bobby does.

Pro Staff Member Since: 1989

Fishing Since: 1944

Fishing Type: Fly

Primary Species Fished: Steelhead, Smallmouth bass, Northern, Muskie, Walleye

Favorite Fishing Technique: Spey technology with both single and couble handed fly rods

Favorite St. Croix Rod: I1107.4 & I1108.4 Imperial Switch Rods, Legend Elite Saltwater Fly Rods in 6wt - 10wt

Dennis Anderson, respected Outdoors columnist for the Minneapolis-St. Paul StarTribune, wrote the following: "Bob Nasby is one of the nation's best and most experienced fly anglers - particularly for big fish. Additionally, he is an innovative and imaginative fly tier, and a valuable asset to Minnesota and its long tradition of angling excellence. Perhaps most important, Bob is a fly-casting instructor who possesses a skill common to all gifted teachers: He makes people better. He understands the mechanics of fly casting, both for distance and accuracy, and can convey them to students, ensuring they incorporate them in their casts. As a friend and fisherman, Bob is, simply, the best." Bob "Nas" Nasby is worthy of those remarks because he has been a professional rod builder for 41 years and counting. He is a frequent speaker at sports shows, fishing and conservation clubs as well as a guest on ESPN's Fly Fish America. He has also been featured on television and talk radio, plus numerous publications: Outdoor Life, Fly Fishing the North Country, various Boundary Waters publications and many more. Hs pioneered fly fishing on the Great Lakes, guided in the Florida Keys and teaches flycasting (including spey techniques) for all skill levels. "Nas" is fussy about what rod is in his hand, not about what he is fishing. He has been known to go after tarpon, bonefish, shark, barracuda, steelhead, Great Lakes brown trout, lake trout, Great Lakes carp, smallmouth bass, musky and anything else that will eat a fly. A fly fishing guide for both fresh and saltwater, his favorite waters are equally varied: Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes and their tributaries, boundary waters of Minnesota St. Croix River. With his grandfather in the Freshwater Hall of Fame it clearly runs in the family.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2010

Fishing Since: 1977

Fishing Type: Freshwater, Saltwater

Primary Species Fished: Striped bass, Bull red drum, Snook, Tarpon

Favorite Fishing Technique: Surfcasting, Landbase, Boat, Tactical hunting

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Too many to mention because I target multiple species on various methods (Surfcasting / Landbase / Boat / Fly Fresh and Saltwater – Inshore to Offshore)

Founder / President - Tactical Anglers, Inc. / Outdoor Photographer / Writer / Publish - Written Regional and National on Trophy fishing articles for various publications and books. Saltwater Sportsman National Seminar Tour faculty, NE Coast: Popular Trophy Fishing Seminar Speaker, Consultant & Field Tester for various high profile manufacturers / Featured on ESPN, WFN, SportsNetwork. / IGFA - World Record holder (Line Class - Striped Bass), Creator of Alberto knot, Travelled various fishing destination : countries – Canada, Brazil, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mazatlan & Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Conservation Affiliation and Member: Recreational Fishing Alliance / IGFA / New York Sportfishing Federation .

Pro Staff Member Since: 1995

Fishing Since: 1955

Fishing Type: Fly

Primary Species Fished: Trout

Favorite Fishing Technique: Down stream fishing with the dry fly

Favorite St. Croix Rod: E586.4

I have been a professional fly fishing guide and fly casting in instructor since 1969. I have spent almost ten years with the Fenwick Fly fishing schools and on the Fenwick pro staff in the 1970’s In the 1980’s and 90’s_with the Sage Company on the prostaff and now I am very much enjoying working on the St. Croix Pro staff and working with Mr. Rich Belanger on fly rod’s and promoting the St. Croix Rod’s.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2007

Fishing Since: Age 5

Fishing Type: Ice, Open water

Primary Species Fished: Walleyes, Crappies, Sunfish

Favorite Fishing Technique: Jigging

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Black, Mojo

National Freshwater Hall of Fame inductee
Minnesota Hall of Fame inductee
GS Media Events Award - Making ice fishing today through pioneering efforts.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2006

Fishing Since: 1999

Fishing Type: Walleye, Ice

Primary Species Fished: Walleye, Muskie

Favorite Fishing Technique: Jigging

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Xtreme LXS610MXF

A Fishing Hall of Fame Legendary Angler, Ted is one of the top competitors on the National Walleye Tour. Ted won the prestigious Professional Walleye Trail (PWT) Classic Championship in 1998 and the 1995 PWT Top Gun Angler Award. In 2002, he smashed the all time, one day PWT tournament record with limit of 5 walleyes that weighed 53.2 pounds!

From 1999 to 2008, Ted was the President of Lindy Fishing Tackle, one of the nation’s largest freshwater fishing tackle manufacturers. During that time, the company doubled revenue and quadrupled profit under his leadership.

He was also a part of the Master’s Walleye Circuit (MWC) Team of the Year in 1991. His credentials include qualifying for the MWC Championship 5 times, the PWT Classic 11 times, and have made it to FLW Walleye Tour Classic 7 times, with several top tens to his credit.

In addition, Ted was a part of the team that won the coveted 1993 Mercury National Tournament held on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin.

He has been featured in many national outdoor magazines, has conducted hundreds of walleye seminars across the Midwest, hosted numerous TV shows, and is considered one of America’s leading walleye and multi-species experts.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2000

Fishing Since: 1995

Fishing Type: Tournament Bass

Primary Species Fished: Bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Chatterbaiting in the grass

Favorite St. Croix Rod: LBC 710HM

10 time Bassmaster Classic qualifier
3 time Bassmaster Champion
1996 RedMan/BFL Champion
20 year fulltime bass touring professional.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2002

Fishing Since: 1978

Fishing Type: Bass, Fly

Primary Species Fished: Bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Jig, Worm

Favorite St. Croix Rod: EC70MF Jigs 3/8 to ½, EC68MXF Texas Rig Worm

2017 Eric Elshire Memorial Cup Champion _RTF WON Tournament of Champions Winner __ 7 Wins several 2nd and 3rds and an “ Angler of the Year “ in the last 2 years with the A.B.A and WON Bass circuit’s. 7 TV shows in 2017 with Stoked On.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2005

Fishing Since: 1993

Fishing Type: Surf

Primary Species Fished: Stripped bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Artificials (lures, plugs, ect)

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Surf 10'6" MH, 11' MH Spinning Rods

Author of Saltwater Fisher Shore Catch Guide
Articles in On The Water Magazine
2012: TV show for On The Water Magazine
2017: St Croix Rod and Shell E. Carris on Youtube
2018: TV show to air on - On The Water TV.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2014

Fishing Since: I could walk

Fishing Type: Shallow

Primary Species Fished: Bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Frog fishing

Favorite St. Croix Rod: 7'6 MHMF Legend Tournament

2010 Bassmaster Classic 2016, FLWTour Beaver Lake Beaver Lake 2015 Major League Summit select Cup Qualifier, 2016 Major League Challenge select Cup Qualifier.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2012

Fishing Type: Freshwater

Primary Species Fished: Walleye

Favorite Fishing Technique: Casting glide baits, Jigging

Favorite St. Croix Rod: ES 610 MXF

Back to back tournament victories
Winning team of the year in 2014 AIM events with my 8 year old son.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2008

Fishing Since: 1985

Fishing Type: Freshwater

Primary Species Fished: Smallmouth bass, Walleye

Favorite Fishing Technique: Rigging, Jigging, Trolling

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Elite 6'10" MLXF

One of the top money winners in professional walleye fishing, inducted into the national freshwater fishing hall of fame in 2016. Inducted into the Minnesota fishing hall of fame in 2017.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2013

Fishing Since: 1980

Fishing Type: Conventional

Primary Species Fished: Bass, Walleye

Favorite Fishing Technique: Heavy rods, Flipping to heavy cover

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Xtreme 7'4" Heavy

FLW National Championship 2015, 2016, 2017
Rocky Mountain Team Series Champions 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Rocky Mountain Team Series 18 wins 6 top tens
Colorado State Bass Federation Champion 2009, 2013
Bass Federation Nation Championship 11th place 2009.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2007

Fishing Since: 1957

Fishing Type: River, Saltwater

Primary Species Fished: Salmon, Steelhead, Halibut

Favorite Fishing Technique: Trolling, Side drifting, Jigging

Favorite St. Croix Rod: All Legend, Avid and Wild River Salmon and Steelhead models

Over 70 TV shows, many magazine feature stories over my 47 years of guiding anglers here on the beautiful Oregon Coast. Guided Govenors, senators, presidentional cabinet members, and plenty of professional baseball players.

Pro Staff Member Since: 1989

Fishing Since: 1971

Fishing Type: Bass

Primary Species Fished: Bass, Crappie, Walleye

Favorite Fishing Technique: Jigging

Favorite St. Croix Rod: EC70MHF Legend Elite 7'0"

Winner of 21 bass boats and a cabin on Truman Lake.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2016

Fishing Since: 2007

Fishing Type: Finesse

Primary Species Fished: Largemouth bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Drop shotting

Favorite St. Croix Rod: BXS610MLXT

Won the 2016 Bassmaster Junior National Championship

Pro Staff Member Since: 2008

Fishing Since: 1975

Fishing Type: Tournament

Primary Species Fished: Largemouth bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Flipping, Frog

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Tournament

Numerous wins at the local, state and regional levels, Fisher’s Of Men National Champion, top 10 finishes in ABA Weekend Series and BFL but the true highlight of my fishing career is working with young people to develop knowledgeable new anglers and promoting the sport.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2000

Fishing Since: 1967

Fishing Type: Tournament Bass

Primary Species Fished: Bass, Crappie

Favorite Fishing Technique: Pitching, Flipping

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Elite 74H

Bassmaster Elite Series Pro, Nine Time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier, Bassmaster Elite Series winner, fished Bassmaster Tournaments for 19 years.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2001

Fishing Since: 1961

Fishing Type: River

Primary Species Fished: Bass, Walleye

Favorite Fishing Technique: Flipping, Punching

Favorite St. Croix Rod: LXC74HF

8 time BFL All-American  qualifier.
2000 Bfl regional _Champion.

Pro Staff Member Since: 1993

Fishing Since: 1975

Fishing Type: Saltwater

Primary Species Fished: Blue/Yellowfin tuna, Stipped bass, False Albacore

Favorite Fishing Technique: Casting topwater, Jigging bluefin tuna

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Mojo Jig-MJJC58HMF 5'8"

Recognized as one of the top, New Jersey, saltwater fishing, U.S.C.G.-licensed captains, Jim has been working his part of the world for more than thirty-five years. Jim is also highly respected as an author, seminar speaker, and photographer as well. Always willing to share information, Capt. Jim has authored "Fishing the New Jersey Coast," a compilation of what he has learned that is a best-seller and has earned the "New Jersey Center for the Book Award" as one of the most notable New Jersey books. He has also co-authored "Saltwater Fishing: A Tactical Approach," with his Shore Catch partners. As a seminar speaker Jim has been featured as one of the celebrities on the Saltwater Sportsman National Seminar Series, one of the “Stars of the Show” at the Fly Fishing Show, and The Saltwater Expo. An accomplished writer, Jim has had featured articles in Saltwater Sportsman, Fly Fisherman, Eastern Fly Fishing, Big Game Journal, On The Water Magazine, and the Fisherman magazine. Jim also writes a weekly fishing column for New Jersey newspapers The Bergen Record and the Coast Star. Jim’s favorite fish to target is bluefin tuna getting them up on top by casting to them jigging them. His loves being on the water with his 17 year old son Tommy who is his Shore Catch mate.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2017

Fishing Since: 1989

Fishing Type: Bass

Primary Species Fished: Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: However I caught the last one

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Elite

3 BASSMASTER SOUTHERN OPEN WINS.
FISHING THE BASSMASTER ELITE SERIES.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2009

Fishing Since: Pro since 2006

Fishing Type: Casting, Pitching

Primary Species Fished: Bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Flipping

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Xtreme LXC711HMF

3 time-Bassmaster Classic Qualifier, 2-time B.A.S.S. OPEN tournament winner, 2-time B.A.S.S. OPEN Angler of the Year, B.A.S.S. Weekend Series Regional Winnger, FLW BFL American Qualifier, FLW BFL Regional winner.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2005

Fishing Since: 1978

Fishing Type: Open water

Primary Species Fished: Bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Wacky rigging

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Elite 7 M

Several Top finishes in WABTA STATE Classic, I started a bass tournament at Northbrook Church that raises money for mission work. Syndicated Outdoors Column that helps promote fishing and hunting and conservation group. One of the owners of the Wisconsin Fishing Expo that allows non-profit fishing clubs in at no charge to promotes fishing. Part of the proceeds of the expo fund fishing projects around Wisconsin. Over $10,000 donated per year.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2003

Fishing Since: 1965

Fishing Type: Saltwater, Inshore, Sight Fishing

Primary Species Fished: Stripped bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Fly, Light Tackle

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Fly Rods: Bank Robber, Legend Elite Spinning Rods: Avid Inshore and who doesn’t love the good ol’ TideMaster

Published chapter on Cape Cod Bay in 50 Best Places | Fly Fishing the Northeast
President of Non-Profit “Friends of Barnstable Harbor”
Each passing season, not only do I enjoy more and more my clients, but I see that my client base overall has become not only more experienced fly fishermen, but also, they seem to be more conscientious about the well-being of the harbor environment and the striped bass fishery.

Pro Staff Member Since: 1997

Fishing Since: 1970

Fishing Type: Open Water, Ice

Primary Species Fished: Jig, Minnow

Favorite Fishing Technique: Jig trolling

Favorite St. Croix Rod: 6’ 3 St. Croix Legend Elite Med.

Namesake Products:
Designed The Bro Bug ice fishing tackle for Northland Fishing Tackle in 1997.
In 1999 helped design Bro Bug Collection lead and plastics for Northland Fishing Tackle.
2009 helped design The Bro reel by Frabill. ( spinning reel )
In 2013 helped design the Bro Series 371 Straightline ( center pin reel for icefishing) In 2014 /2015 helped design Bro Hub Pop-Up style Ice fishing house by Frabill.
In 2016-Present helped design Bro Side Step ( flip style) Ice fishing house by Frabill.
( Fishing techniques) 1998 Bro Dropper debut in In-Fisherman Magazine Micro drop line for ice fishing.
Slip Dragging Technique 1999 Fishing rig design to carry jigs and rigs over rocks & brush as well as suspended walleyes.

Tournaments:
FLW/NWT/MWC: 2011-Present
12 top 10’s
12 top 20’s
Angler of the Year FLW League MN

Media:
1994-Present: Fishing Radio guest
TV Show guest,
In fisherman Lindners Angling Edge,WCCO,
Ice Fishing Magazine, Fish & Game, Outdoor News,
Outdoor weekly, Out of Michigan, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life.
And many other publications for over 20 yrs.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2015

Fishing Since: 1985

Fishing Type: Freshwater

Primary Species Fished: Walleye, Panfish

Favorite Fishing Technique: Jig trolling

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Extreme 6’10” ML X-Fast

Joel is a well-known TV/Media personality in the fishing and hunting industry.  A self-admitted “fish nerd,” Nelson holds advanced degrees in the natural sciences, including fisheries and digital mapping, allowing him opportunities to work both personally and professionally in the outdoors industry.  Annually, he participates in numerous TV, Radio, speaking, and writing engagements, highlighting relevant stories on his website - Joel Nelson Outdoors – www.joelnelsonoutdoors.  Joel works with some of the largest brands in ice-fishing, open-water, and hunting; all while focusing on genuine experiences and the how-to’s he shares on a variety of media-fronts.  In addition to the media he creates, Joel is the Pro-staff and Social Media Director for Otter Outdoors.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2009

Fishing Since: 1970

Fishing Type: Freshwater

Primary Species Fished: Carp

Favorite Fishing Technique: Finesse Carp Fishing Techniques (Zig, Float, Surface, and Fly Fishing methods)

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Avid Carp Series ACS120MHMF2, the best all-round rod for US Carp Fishing!

I am proud and honored to have been asked by the United States Angling Confederation (USAC), to Captain the US Team at 5 World Fishing Championships (Italy 2011, Italy 2014, Spain 2015, France 2016, and Hungary 2017). However, my professional highlight has been training a New Captain to take over from me in Hungary; the biggest test of a Leader is to train, mentor, and inspire New Leaders. I’m also very thankful and proud to have been asked by St. Croix to help in the design of the Avid Carp Series of Rods.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2003

Fishing Since: 1978

Fishing Type: Tournament Angling

Primary Species Fished: Walleye

Favorite Fishing Technique: All jigging techniques

Favorite St. Croix Rod: 6’10”MXF Legend Elite

2014 National Walleye Tour Angler of the Year
2006 Professional Walleye Trail Champion

Pro Staff Member Since: 2007

Fishing Since: Age 3

Fishing Type: Freshwater

Primary Species Fished: Walleye

Favorite Fishing Technique: Pulling 3-way rigs on rivers, casting crankbaits, spinners in weeds.

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Elite ES610MLXF

Graduate of Northwestern University and a corn Options Trader in Chicago. Fished first Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) team event in 1993, winning Central Division Team of the Year title in 2008. FLW Outdoors 2009 Walleye League Angler of the Year- Heartland Division. Fished RCL Walleye, PWT, and National Walleye Tour. Qualified for Eight Championships. Appeared on Midwest Outdoors Television, ESPN Outdoors, NWT Television on NBC Sports.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2012

Fishing Since: Diapers

Fishing Type: Lake, River

Primary Species Fished: Any that fight or bite

Favorite Fishing Technique: Jigging, Bass, Walleye

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Avid X Spinning 6’8” Medium Extra Fast - AXS68MXF

Jimmy Bell is a Multi-Species family based fisherman, with vast experience in the promotional field, as well as the professional angler arena.  He has National Angler of the Year and Professional Rookie titles, along with three Tournament wins at the National level.  With over 30 years in the fishing industry Jimmy has seen it all and loves to share his experiences with those around him.  As president of the National Professional Anglers Association his passion is helping others succeed as Professional Anglers, growing Student Angling across the country, educating others on new techniques, and advancing the sport that we all love.

Pro Staff Member Since: 1996

Fishing Since: 1975

Fishing Type: Striped Bass, Tuna, Mahi

Primary Species Fished: Bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Topwater casting, Fly fishing, Jigging

Favorite St. Croix Rod: VIS76HF Avid Inshore, ESW9012.4.FG Legend Elite Saltwater Fly

Capt. Gene is the co-owner of Shore Catch Guide Service, one of the Northeast’s largest fly and light tackle guide service. A native of the New Jersey shore, Gene specializes in fishing for Bluefin Tuna and Trophy Striped Bass. Equally at home from the boat or in the surf, Capt. Gene is passionate about teaching people how to fish and has put hundreds of  anglers on their first trophy Striped Bass and Bluefin; and is one of a handful of anglers worldwide who have consistently landed Bluefin tuna over 100 lbs. on fly tackle.

In 2013 Capt. Gene was voted one of the Top 50 Charter Captains by Saltwater Sportsman Magazine and in 2010 was voted as one of the Top 100 Fishing Guides in North America by Field & Stream Magazine.

In addition to guiding, Gene is also a noted outdoor writer, photographer, and seminar speaker. He contributes regularly to Saltwater Sportsman, Sport Fishing, Fly Fisherman, The Fisherman and On the Water Magazine.

Pro Staff Member Since: 1992-1998 2006-present

Fishing Since: 1975

Fishing Type: Bass

Primary Species Fished: Bass

Favorite Fishing Technique: Flipping

Favorite St. Croix Rod: 7' Legend Elite

2012 PAA Angler of the Year , 10 top 20’s in Bassmaster Opens, Major League Fishing Angler CEO and President of Phoenix Boats

Pro Staff Member Since: 2011

Fishing Since: 1982

Fishing Type: All types, Guiding, Tournament

Primary Species Fished: Muskie

Favorite Fishing Technique: Casting

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Tournament

Numerous Top 10 finishes in the PMTT, 2011 1st place Cave Run PMTT, 2012 World Muskie Tour Champion, 2014 1st Place Mille Lacs PMTT, numerous TV and radio appearances, Guiding for 17 years

Pro Staff Member Since: 2012

Fishing Since: 3 years old

Fishing Type: Freshwater

Primary Species Fished: Walleye

Favorite Fishing Technique: Casting Crankbaits.

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Extreme 6’10” Medium Light extra fast tip LXS610MLXF

To date, Chris has racked up 6 victories and 47 top 10 finishes in major Walleye tournaments. He won an FLW Walleye Championship and a National Walleye trail champion along with two angler of the year titles.

Pro Staff Member Since: 1988

Fishing Since: 1965

Fishing Type: Freshwater

Primary Species Fished: Muskies

Favorite Fishing Technique: Whatever makes them bite.

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Elite 9-0 Musky (LEM90HF)

Steve is managing editor of Musky Hunter magazine, a position he has held since 1994. He has written, edited, or contributed to 24 books about musky fishing, has produced five musky fishing DVDs, and is a regular guest on “The Musky Hunter” TV show. A popular seminar speaker, he serves each year as the master of ceremonies of the National Championship Musky Open, the largest musky tournament in the world.

Pro Staff Member Since: 2008

Fishing Since: 3 years old - 1969

Fishing Type: Freshwater

Primary Species Fished: Walleye and crappie

Favorite Fishing Technique: Jigging

Favorite St. Croix Rod: LXS70MF, Legend Xtreme 7’0” Medium

Professional highlights

• 2017 World Walleye Champions - Masters Walleye Circuit
• 2017 Winner – WAT Mississippi River – Genoa, WI
• 2015 Walleye Anglers Trail (WAT) Team of the Year
• 2015 Winner – WAT Mississippi River – Genoa, WI
• 2014 Winner – AIM WWS Leech Lake Event – Walker, MN
• 2014 Winner – MWC Berkley Artificial Only Event – Hastings, MN
• 2013 Crappie Masters Champion
• 2012 Winner - FLW Mississippi River – Red Wing, MN
• 2011 Outdoor Life’s Top Ten Anglers on the Planet
• 2010 Full Throttle Team of the year – Big Water Division
• 2010 Winner and Tournament Weight Total Record– Full Throttle Outdoors – Red Wing Event – 5 fish weighing 41.63 pounds
• 2009 Winner - AIM Pro Walleye Series – Saginaw Bay, Michigan
• 2008 FLW Walleye Tour Champion – Bismarck, North Dakota
• 2007 Walleyes First Ironman Champion
• 2004 and 2005 Ranger Cup Champion
• 2004 Angler of the Year - In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail
• 2004 Winner – PWT Winnebago Chain – Winneconne, Wisconsin
• 2003 Winner - PWT Lake Erie – Dunkirk, New York
• 2002 Winner - PWT Lake Erie – Port Clinton, Ohio
• *World Record Holder - Largest Professional Walleye Tournament Total Weight. 3-Day Total of 15 walleyes weighing 138.28 lbs – a 9.22 lb average
• 2001 Winner - PWT Detroit River – Trenton, Michigan
• 1997 Masters Walleye Circuit Team of the Year
• 1996 Masters Walleye Circuit Big Stone Champion

Pro Staff Member Since: 2011

Fishing Since: 1990

Fishing Type: Tournament Angling, Guided Trips

Primary Species Fished: Redfish, snook, trout, cobia, and tarpon

Favorite Fishing Technique: Live bair and artificial

Favorite St. Croix Rod: Legend Tournament

Youtube and social media influencer, Owner and operator of Salty Scales Performance Fishing Apparel