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Justin Willits - Co-Angler, Florida
Full Name: Justin “Nobel” Willits
Age: 33
Hometown: Altamonte Springs, FL
State Federation: Florida
Division: Southern
Occupation: Investigator, Florida Dept. of Transportation
Family: Wife - Tara, Children - Kenneth (3) Clayton (1) [9245]
When & why did you begin bass fishing? I had a pond in the back yard that I would fish almost every day when I was a kid. I loved the thrill of getting a bass to hit an artificial lure. Began tournament fishing in college and became addicted to the sport of bass fishing even more.
What has been your most memorable moment when it comes to fishing so far? Having the experience of fishing in 7 Southern Divisional tournaments, winning one of them on Eufaula, and making the National Championship twice.
Biggest catch; when, where & how: 24+ lbs, Harris Chain, Carolina rig and flipping a senko
Do you have a good luck charm or certain thing you do when it comes to fishing? If so, what is it? The last couple of years I have worn Evinrude E-Tec hats and been doing well so I guess that is kind of my good luck charm.
Name someone who is a hero to you & would like to meet someday? He’s not my hero, but I would love to spend a fishing weekend with Mark Zona. That guy makes me laugh.
What would it mean to you to win the 2010 TBFNC in Knoxville, TN? It would be a great accomplishment. I would love the opportunity to fish in the FLW Championship.
Ron Schneider - Angler, New Jersey
Full Name: Ron Schneider
Age: 41
Hometown: Oak Ridge, NJ
State Federation: New Jersey
Division: Mid Atlantic
Occupation: Graphic Designer
Family: Stacey (wife) Julia (6 year old daughter)
When & why did you begin bass fishing? Competitively 1993 for the thrill of competition. Always loved fishing all of my life.
What has been your most memorable moment when it comes to fishing so far? My most memorable fishing moment so far was the 2002 divisional tournament. I had come in first place for NJ and qualified for my first national tournament. Personally it was unexpected because I was still a “green horn” and was up against some very big names in NJ. I was more nervous about doing poorly for the team than I was winning. What was most special about the experience was that my parents had come to see the final day weigh-in and had brought my pregnant wife with them. I’ll never forget the feeling of joy, excitement and love that day.
Biggest catch; when, where & how: My biggest catch? I have broken sixteen pounds a couple of times in competition. That may not sound like a big stringer in most parts of the country but for the small bodies of water in New Jersey, that’s really good weight. One of the tournaments I had won I was using two topwater baits, which is my favorite way to fish. I was using both a buzzbait and frog. The other time that I had a little over sixteen pounds, I was dropshoting ledges in 25 feet of water.
Do you have a good luck charm or certain thing you do when it comes to fishing? If so, what is it? A good friend of the family’s had given me a small orange cone a couple of years ago that says “Born to fish forced to work”. It has become my good luck charm, I have to rub the cone before every tournament. No matter how small or large the tournament, the cone needs to be with me in the boat and I have to rub it before the start.
Name someone who is a hero to you & would like to meet someday? I guess my fishing hero would be KVD. I think that he is the best competitive fisherman today and probably will ever be. I admire his talents but also his “mental game” and preparation is the best in the world.
What would it mean to you to win the 2010 TBFNC in Knoxville, TN? First of all, it would be a great honor to represent the TBF and all of its members. I couldn’t imagine winning, it has been a long time personal goal of mine – to win the Nationals. If it happens, then I take it one day at time and I will try to be the best TBF representative I can be. If I have to win a couple of Pro Tournaments in order to do that, then so be it.
Darin Reed - Co-Angler, Illinois
Full Name: Darin Reed
Age: 44
Hometown: Pekin
State Federation: Illinois
Division: Northern
Occupation: Inspector, Cat Tractor co.
Family: Mike Reed (son)
When & why did you begin bass fishing? A buddy took me bass fishing in 1998…got hooked. Entered my first tournament on pool 13 Mississippi River (80 boats) and got 2nd on a hola popper. Then I was really hooked.
What has been your most memorable moment when it comes to fishing so far? Buddy tournaments with my son Mike. We won 2 this year with 6 fish 24lbs limits
Biggest catch; when, where & how: 7.5 lbs practicing on Rend lake in the spring on a crankbait. It had 1 barb in the top of his nose.
Do you have a good luck charm or certain thing you do when it comes to fishing? If so, what is it? Once I learned how to fish a jig, I have been hard to beat. I started doing the jiggy-dance when other club members would see me flip a toad in the boat.
Name someone who is a hero to you & would like to meet someday? Denny Brauer…And I have meet him, But I would love to be “schooled by Denny Brauer”
What would it mean to you to win the 2010 TBFNC in Knoxville, TN? My son Mike has been to the Junior bassmasters classic twice, then made it all the way to the TBF nationals in 08 on his first attempt as an adult. It would mean braggin rights for me. I have made the Illinois 12-man team in 03,06,09 and this will be my first attempt at a national.
Michael Wooley - Angler, Tennessee
Full Name: Michael Wooley
Age: 23
Hometown: Collierville, TN
State Federation: TN
Division: Southern
Occupation: Professional Fisherman
When & why did you begin bass fishing?
Began bass fishing with my dad when I was three. Then I started tournament
Fishing with my dad when I was eight and been doing ever since.
What has been your most memorable moment when it comes to fishing so far?
Last year on the FLW Stren Series I made three straight top tens in a row and that
Progressed me tremendously in my pursuit in a career of bass fishing.
Biggest catch; when, where & how: Last year in the Stren series at Kentucky lake, caught 22.5, Fishing grass on the edge of the river ledge.
Name someone who is a hero to you & would like to meet someday?
Kevin VanDam
What would it mean to you to win the 2010 TBFNC in Knoxville, TN?
It would be a dream come true and a huge accomplishment.
Next Week's Spotlights:
Gilbert Gagner - VT, Jim Boyle - AL, Sidney Ziegler - MT, Jay Keith - SC
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