
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 – Sonja and John Crews
I first met John Crews when I assisted at the PAA booth at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic back in 2008. At the time, I didn’t know that he was recently married. Almost 17 years later, it’s clear that his wife Sonja is an essential part of his long-running success.
Casa Vieja Lodge, A Family Affair
Casa Vieja is a “set it and forget it” experience. It doesn’t matter if the person is fish-obsessed like me, or a first-timer, or someone who just wants a perfect boat ride in gorgeous scenery. I can recommend this trip to them. It’s the one place that I’d take just about any family member and not worry about whether they’ll have a good time.
How’d You Meet Your Angler? - Bryan and Ashleigh Schmitt
Last summer Pete and I fished with Bryan Schmitt the Miss Ashleigh. Afterwards, I wanted to learn more about the woman for whom the boat was named. Bryan is a really accomplished angler but his relationship with his wife, Ashleigh, and their two kids, may be even more impressive.
The Finest Kind of Mates
When we heard prior to our most recent trip to Casa Vieja Lodge that Captain Nicho would no longer be on the The Finest Kind, we were concerned. Just as concerning, however, was the prospect of losing his mates.
Offshore With Russ Baccaglini, A Rodent of Unusual Size
Traveling to Panama with my longtime friend Russ Baccaglini reminded me of just how important those college days were to my life. I’m also really glad he and his family CRUSHED the fish.
How’d You Meet Your Angler? Pieces of Reeses
If you aren’t aware of the name Skeet Reese than you don’t know bass fishing. Now that Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam have retired from competition, the youthful Skeet has been promoted to Grandpa of Bass Fishing. His wife is even more youthful – here’s how they met.
Carl Vicars, Grand Slam Hitter
With his visit to Casa Vieja Lodge this past November, Carl Vicars became the first person to visit all four Half Past First Cast properties. Here’s what he had to say, fresh off catching 60+ sailfish over three days.
How’d You Meet Your Angler? The Cherries on Top
Jaclyn and Hank Cherry have been together for a long time and their relationship remains as strong as the fishing line that helped Hank win consecutive Bassmaster Classics. Whether Hank was bass fishing or involved in another professional sport, Jaclyn has always been his number one cheerleader.
My 2025 Goals for Hanna
Sometimes I forget how far Hanna has come as an angler. If her angling career were to plateau now, she’d have nothing to apologize for. Nevertheless, part of the purpose behind our partnership is to push each other. We’re typically each other’s biggest cheerleaders and we encourage each other to take uncomfortable risks.
Hanna’s 2025 Goals
Another year, many more chances to add to my bank of memories and my personal achievements. The fun part of this is not just the people we meet, but also the chance to build our personal skills. Here are some of the things that I hope to accomplish.
Hawgin’ With the Heisman
On Saturday night, with an entourage that included both Deion Sanders and Lil Wayne, Travis Hunter claimed the 2024 Heisman Trophy. As far as I know he became the first winner to mention fishing in his acceptance speech when he said: “Coach Prime, I’m going to whip you on that lake tomorrow.”
My Favorite Catches of 2024
I love hosting fishing trips to great places because it gives me a front row seat when anglers – experts and novices alike – make their catches of a lifetime. I was fortunate to see a bunch of them in 2024, and here are some of my favorites.
David Salazar, Gone Way Too Soon
On Tuesday evening we got the awful news that David Salazar – owner of Casa Vieja Lodge, world renowned captain, devoted husband to Kristen, and father of four young daughters – passed away unexpectedly.
How’d You Meet Your Angler? Taren and Lee Livesay
Pete initially wanted to work with Lee Livesay because of Lee’s incredible skill catching huge fish. I immediately liked his wife Taren because we both have red hair – but I knew there was more of a story than that, and I wanted to figure it out. Fortunately, Taren was ready to spill the beans about how they met and the details of their life together.
How’d You Meet Your Angler – Kolleen and Matt Robertson, the Details ON’EM
Officially, Jeff Gustafson won the 2023 Bassmaster Classic but if you ask Matt Robertson he won the best trophy – his wife Kolleen. He’s a distinct personality, so I figured I’d go right to the source to find out how they met, and to get her unique insights on what it’s like to fish with one of the characters of the Elite Series.
Greg Dawsey is the Reason We Travel to Fish
We've fished with exceptional guides across the country and around the world. The ones we like best are those who have a passion for their native soil -- like Louisiana's Greg Dawsey.
A 20 Year Wait to Fish With Dennis Tietje at Grosse Savanne
I met Dennis Tietje at his camp on Toledo Bend in either 2001 or 2003, when he hosted a crawfish boil. I was one of the few interlopers there amongst the Hall of Famers. Until a recent trip to Grosse Savanne we’d never fished together. It turned out to be just about a perfect outing.
Clint Hebert: Louisiana Alligator Artistry
Alligator hunting at Grosse Savanne exceeded all possible hopes. If anything it was over too quick. Fortunately, we’ll have some tangible memories of our trip down the road – we don’t know exactly what. Clint Hebert of Mark Staton LLC was there to explain the products that his family business produces and the process for getting them done.
How’d You Meet Your Angler? – Felicia and Hunter Shryock
Felicia Shryock has been supporting her high-energy partner Hunter, a former supercross rider who became a pro angler, since their first date which apparently never ended. Here’s the story of how they met and how their relationship progressed over the course of the last decade.
How’d You Meet Your Angler? – Life With Mercer
Dave Mercer is a lot to handle -- but his wife Sarah, who he's known since Grade 5, makes him a better person. Here's what goes into Life With Mercer.
