The People Who Inspire our Adventures
Through fishing we have met some unforgettable characters, and we want you to know them, too.
How’d You Meet Your Angler – Alicia and Jacob Wheeler
Jacob Wheeler is establishing a Hall of Fame career, but the hidden force behind his success is an incredibly strong relationship and partnership with his wife Alicia. Here’s their story in her words.
Gettys Brannon: Our Advocate in the Palmetto State
Gettys Brannon is a major influencer and power in the boating industry, advocating for South Carolina’s anglers, boaters and members of the industry.
Captain Riley Ngy – Much More Than a Pretty Face
Captain Riley Ngy, is not just one of my favorite lady anglers – she’s one of the most amazing people in the fishing industry. Riley and her husband Oliver Ngy own Big Bass Dreams, Defiant Fishing and Biwaa USA and they are passionate about helping people learn the why behind the bite.
Scenes from the Chicagoland Fishing Show
Half Past First Cast manned a booth at the 2026 Chicagoland Fishing Expo. We sold trips, watched seminars and connected with old and new friends from around the country.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Two-Time AOY Chris Johnston (and a few things you didn’t)
Bassmaster Elite Series champion Chris Johnston has the chance to make history this year. We caught up with him before the season to ask the hard-hitting questions.
How’d You Meet Your Angler – Caroline Gozigian & Kyle Patrick
Here’s the first-person story of how attorney Caroline Gozigian and pro angler Kyle Patrick built a seven-year love story across careers and lakes.
My Year of Yes
After 30 consecutive years of practicing law, I am either unemployed or underemployed. No office to go to. No need for a suit except for weddings, funerals and coronations. No lunch break, either – now, if I want, it’s all lunch break. Now comes some fun and risk-taking.
Andy Crawford – Anything but Automatic
If you want to take an amazing trip that’ll also improve your photography skills exponentially, let us sign you up for a swamp photography workshop in South Louisiana with Bassmaster photographer Andy Crawford.
How’d You Meet Your Angler? Amy and Brandon Cobb
Elite Series pro Brandon Cobb and his wife Amy mix the fishing lifestyle with the world of equestrian activities. Here’s the story of how they met and how their relationship evolved.
Special Memories from the 2025 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
The 2025 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction banquet read like a road map of my fishing writing career. Here are just a few of the people who made it special and brought me full circle.
Canterbury Tales: How’d You Meet Your Angler?
Dixie Canterbury tells the story of how she and her husband — 2019 Elite Series AOY Scott — first met, along with never-before-heard details of their life together at home and on the road.
My First Turkey Hunt
My first turkey hunt involved training, learning, patience and physical effort. Luckily I had Outdoor Life editor Scott Einsmann as my mentor — and I WILL get that bird in the future.
Bryant Smith Brings West Coast Heat to the Elites
Bryant Smith qualified for the Bassmaster Classic in his rookie year on tour. He made six cuts that year, including two top tens. Perhaps his most impressive accomplishment came at the St. Lawrence, when he set a B.A.S.S. 5-fish smallmouth record with 29 pounds 5 ounces.
Kasper Parformak is Sixteen, Rocketing Toward Master Angler Status
Kasper Parfomak is a 16-year-old extreme angler from Arlington, Virginia. He targets everything from huge crappie to trophy stripers and everything in between. Kasper spends almost every weekend on the water chasing fish or plotting for the next trip.
Dave Mercer Almost Died Before Completing This Interview
Dave Mercer talks on a lot of different platforms. When I saw an opportunity to speak with him, I asked him to talk some more. “I live and breathe this,” he said, but unfortunately he also had a various coughing fits throughout our chat that almost ended that breathing.
Kickin’ It at a Pumpkin Plum Party with the Fruit Bat
Last year Kyle Patrick not only qualified for a second straight Classic, but turned out epic social media content and won tons of followers. I caught up with him at Lake Hartwell to try to find out what makes the poster boy for Sour Patch Kids and Ritalin tick.
Colorways, Captain America and Crab Bisque with Jen Kravassi
Since meeting her at the Swimbait Universe Gathering, we’ve consistently gravitated to Jen Kravassi of Jekyll Bait Company anytime we see her. She’s relentlessly positive, insanely talented, and always willing to give up time to share her skills and wisdom.
World Record Holder Lea Anne Powell
Lea Anne Powell’s 12 pounds, 3 ounce record-setting bass was practically as big as Lea Anne herself. But she’s more than just an angler — we were amazed by how many different things she’s tackled.
Mandy Pascal: Behind the Scenes Bass Influencer
You may not know Mandy Pascal, but you know her work. She’s omnipresent in BASS-world, working on the company’s magazines, coordinating tournament coverage, and making sure that all of the details are perfect.
Melinda Mize Has a Schedule That Tires US Out
We’ve watched Melinda Mize grow up in the fishing industry and now she’s making her own impression. It’s no surprise that she’s raising her daughters to be fiercely independent and dedicated, with a subtle unnecessary nudge toward fishing.

