Who is, or was the best Walleye Tournament Angler?

[Dean M]

Just for fun, kist who you think is or was the best Tournament Angler out there, Be nice,

[Scott Hausauer]

I would have to say Gary Gray, If I only could know half of what he has forgotten in his life I could maybe some day be a great fisherman to. Gary thanks for all the help and everything you have done for me.

[Fish_on]

I do not think there is one best. Some guys are the best on some types of water, some guys are the best at certain presentations or styles of fishing. Some are more versatile than others, but I don't think you can really say that one person is the best overall.

[Tom Gatzke]

Impossible question to answer, although nobody has won more PWT events than Seelhoff. There are a few guys with 2 AOY titles, I don't think any with 3. That might be the best measure.

Another interview with Gary Gray is up, we got into detail on fish LOCATION. Like Scott said - I wish I knew half of what he's forgotten.

[oahe walleyes]

that is a tough one, bob probst,one if the best fish finding machines ever to get a boat wet. would have to get my vote, his son jr is not too far away.:grd:

[mason propst]

my vote would be Bob Propst SR. there is still no one that can find fish like him.

[southdakotaoutdoors]

Sr. Propst has my vote!! He pioneered alot of the techniques that we all use today. Jr. is also pretty darn good,look for him to have another great year!! Mason,what do ya think,third generation pro?

[ya know it]

Tommy Skarlis is a threat to win on any body of water.

[sdfishing]

Ditto on Sr. and Jr. Propst!! I have been out on the absolute toughest days to find and catch fish, and he comes through...unbelievable. Back in the day Sr. won more tourneys than anyone. He told me over 40 something tourneys.

[Whom]

Gofron and Seelhoff. These two guys own every record in the world of the PWT. Hands down it is between these two when it comes to tournament anglers.
All around anglers, Al Lindner and Dan Craven. Those two guys can catch any species of fish on any body of water.

My views.

[Stacker1]

Ok, I will weigh in now. I will stand with P/K, Kieth and Gary. Gary has 2 angler of the year titles and kieth has 3 top gun awards. If that doesn't spell consistency then nothing does. They basically taught the world how to troll and have won tournament doing so. Todays anglers would not be anywhere near as effective in many fishing situations if not for the work of P/K. They could have won more tourneys and cashed more checks than anybody if they would have just kept there mouths shut about how to do these types of fishing, but choose educating the public over there own selfish needs. I think this makes them the best tournament anglers of all times.

[Winnebago Fan]

Stacker,

I beg to differ with you, go back to the early days of the MWC, and Gray and Klotzbuecher(if I spelled it right), won most all their titles Trolling suspended fish, and taught the world about trolling, and suspended fish, as well as Storm lures. Not to take anything away from P&K, because they sure deserve a lot of credit, but lets remember the guys who started the crankbait trolling with Storm. And this was all done prior to the start of the PWT.

Klotzbuecher only fished a few PWT's, and hung it up do to work or Family, and Gray continued to fish the PWT, and won every tiltle out there on the PWT, except the Championship, So, just think if Klotzbuecher would have continued on, there would have been 2 heavy hitting Duo's out there.

Just My 2 cents
WF

[wallyslayer]

Bar none its Gofron the man can tell what species of fish he has on before he even gets it to the boat. He has the most top ten finishes that what consistency is all about.

[TRENT]

Have to go with Gofron and Seelhoff as well. Between these two Seelhoff has the upper hand. Six PWT wins, I do not know if any other angler has ever accomplished what he has done in the fishing world.

My 2 cents.

Trent

[Stacker1]

Thanks Winnebago fan, I appreciate you correcting me. Of course, I did not hear that they, gray and klotzbuecher, were on videos and stages across america telling everybody EXACTLY how to catch these suspended fish. Musta' had my head in a bucket. Instead, if you really are from the Bago area you will know this, this is about the same time when these two guys were unduly called out as cheaters. DO NOT GET ME WRONG< THEY ARE NOT, however, they would not discuss what they were doing to catch so many fish. P/K did. The fact remains now that there were several locals claiming to have found that bite on the mud as well. The bottom line here is we were using big boards and hot-n-tots on saginaw in 1986. suspended fish. P/K just taught the world how to effectively get baits in a strike zone.

And besides having to explain my self, its my opinion, I can have it any way I want.

[all time]

The guy who has won the most events and has won the most money would have to be the best, right? I mean no one remembers 2nd place! So who has the most wins in "pro" events? Ron S, right. Also look at Mr Harsh he has like 4 wins and Tommy S has 3-4 also right? Everything seems to run in cycles, some of the guys at the top of the game right now have a great chance at being "The best" of all time. Nick Johnson has a pretty good Resume going the last 3 years. Taking credit for something and winning events are two totally different things would'nt most of you guys agree? Lots of people have made "break throughs" few have won a multiple pro events;-)

[rsquare]

My Dad...

[Raybob]

Al Linder ~ he had the complete I-package wrapped up in his head and the ability to apply it on any body of water -not just in the upper midwest. Also he was the greatest to ever put to print & on TV the real fishin' facts that got many into the sport ...Heck he wasn't scared to even mix-it-up & compete w/the mighty Big Boyz w/skills ("NO" live-bait guyz) on the BASS circuits either ...heheh -a lil' razz for the upnorth I-groupies!!! :)


da old fart,
Bebob da I-Bobray

[Winnebago Fan]

Stacker

I guess both Duo's were smart, G&K made their money winning first, then talked about it, P&K talked about to make money.

WF

[IntroC]

>Gofron and Seelhoff. These two guys own every record in the
>world of the PWT. Hands down it is between these two when it
>comes to tournament anglers.
> All around anglers, Al Lindner and Dan Craven. Those two
>guys can catch any species of fish on any body of water.
>
>My views.


Dan Craven???????

[K Gonefishin]

Harsh and Skarlis do come to mind, but so does Ron S, Nick J, GP and KK, both always usually finish very good and have had much success on both circus in titles won and top 5 finishes, It would be very tough to find out who is the best, look at what they did for Bass fishing who's the greatest. I think if you take personality and just them being a pro overall, some guys would jump higher some would slump, just another thing to take into consideration.

[all time]

>Harsh and Skarlis do come to mind, but so does Ron S, Nick J,
>GP and KK, both always usually finish very good and have had
>much success on both circus in titles won and top 5 finishes,
>It would be very tough to find out who is the best, look at
>what they did for Bass fishing who's the greatest. I think if
>you take personality and just them being a pro overall, some
>guys would jump higher some would slump, just another thing to
>take into consideration.



Since Tournament fishing has nothing to with anything other than how you place, it's not that hard. Now I know that some people want to call themselfs "pro" but in the tournament world that word means nothing. It's how you finish and thats it. In the sponsorship world it might mean something but once you hit the water the stickers on your truck mean nothing!

[G Gray]

Bob Probst Sr
Gary Roach
Pete Harsh
Gary Parson
Keith K.
Tommy Skarlis
Marty Glorvigen
Scott Glorvigen
Ron S.
Bill Ortiz
Bill St Peter

That is about as close as I can come to the top ten, but that's only my opinion. They are all good, just that some have been around a lot longer.

Wish I was fishing,
Gary Gray

[hgmeyer]

Mr. Gray,

In there, your list, all modesty aside, you missed yourself... I could not try to cut the top "X", but wherever the "top" is you are definitely included...

And, as I have "threatened", I will be "pestering" you for more information about Winnebago... I would gladly "pay" with time on the water anytime you desire (I'll make it fit my schedule...)

P.S. I have a nice bimini on the boat...

[Erieeyes]

I am not sure when those guys started trolling and taught the rest of you. Most of us around the shores of Erie have been trolling for Walleyes since the 1970's!

[southdakotaoutdoors]

I've asked many pros this very question and most all of them said sr. propst without hesitation! Sr. and Mike McClellend pretty march started the seminar thing in the 70's. Bob Propst, Sr., was inducted into the Fishing Hall of Fame in 1993 under the category of Legendary Angler. He has won more walleye tournaments than any other angler and he has been quoted by Fishing Facts, Outdoor Life, and the Chicago Tribune as the "Greatest Walleye Fisherman who has ever lived".Bob Sr. pioneered many of the fishing techniques used today. That pretty much sums it up!!!

[Yaba]

Ya, if there were any in 1970 in Erie, as it was so polluted, ice wouldn't form on it in the winter.


Besides, you can't call casting erie derie's, Trolling!!!!


Yaba Daba Do!!!

[L Conn]

After giving this some thought, maybe... he who has qualified for and won the most CHAMPIONSHIPS should have this title... When fishing in a Championship you are fishing against the best of the best. And some members of the "crews" don't qualify and its more of an every man for him-self format. So... having said all this I would like to nominate Dave Hanson from Bemidji, MN.
He has won FOUR (4) Championships: The 1991 P.W.T., and The Mariner Outboards Spring Classic also in 1991, He won The 1995 Cabela's N.A.W.A., and won the Cabela's N.A.W.A. again in 1999. Not a bad record... not to mention a few tournament wins as well along the way.
I know there are some guys out there with some pretty impressive records but...I would like to know who, if anyone has won more Championships?

[sdfishing]

By they way, Sr. is fishing Chamberlain in a couple weeks! Go Sr!

[Dan Craven]

Craven is not a known angler in the walleye world. He ran Camp Fish for about 8 years. If you have ever read an In-Fisherman or an Esox Angler, you will see him alot. Not a famous guy, just a great all around angler. He was taught by AL Lindner for many years. Just a great all around species angler.

Just my answer.

[HARSH]

Picking the best in any sport would be difficult to quantify or qualify. Hard to make a top ten list without offending someone. Based on accomplishments, teaching skills, fishing ability and personality, Bob Probst Sr. would get my vote for #1. Bob Sr. is truly a living legend. Bob Probst SR.'s grandson, (Jr., Jr.) may also be one to watch in coming years. With Sr. and Jr.s guidance, the apple should not fall far from the tree.

Here is my top ten list, flawed as it may be;

1. Bob Probst Sr.
2. Gary Gray
3. Ron Seehloff
4. Dave Hanson (Bemidji)
5. Gary Roach
6. Mike Gofron
7. Gary Parsons
8. Mike McClelland
9. Bruce(Doc)Samson
10. Tommy Skarlis or Keith K., (Tie)

50 spots would not begin to cover all the excellent tournament anglers that have fished or are currently active.

Pete Harsh/MR.TILLER

[HARSH]

Picking the best in any sport would be difficult to quantify or qualify. Hard to make a top ten list without offending someone. Based on accomplishments, teaching skills, fishing ability and personality, Bob Probst Sr. would get my vote for #1. Bob Sr. is truly a living legend. Bob Probst SR.'s grandson, (Jr., Jr.) may also be one to watch in coming years. With Sr. and Jr.s guidance, the apple should not fall far from the tree.

Here is my top ten list, flawed as it may be;

1. Bob Probst Sr.
2. Gary Gray
3. Ron Seehloff
4. Dave Hanson (Bemidji)
5. Gary Roach
6. Mike Gofron
7. Gary Parsons
8. Mike McClelland
9. Bruce(Doc)Samson
10. Tommy Skarlis or Keith K., (Tie)

50 spots would not begin to cover all the excellent tournament anglers that have fished or are currently active.

Pete Harsh/MR.TILLER

[History guy]

I have heard many stories along the way regarding Probst Sr. and it sounds like he was a true legend in launching walleye fishing into what it is today. I have always wondered though, when he was really getting after it and leaving his mark on the tourney scene, how wide spread were his accomplishments. I guess what I mean is, did these folks who we all look up to and use as a gauge of who's who in tourney prowess fish all over the states and have to utilize all types of presentations on all sizes and shapes of water? Or was most of their resume established within a smaller more regionalized area where their pet presentations could always be counted on to put fish in the boat? This is by no means meant to cast any doubt on their history and/or accomplishments as tournament anglers, I just am curious if todays top anglers have to be more (or maybe they're less) well rounded and versitile than those top anglers from 20-30 years ago?? Is being an all around angler at the top of the food chain more of a challenging today than it was in yesteryear?? Again, not questioning any past hero's abilities nor am I assuming todays anglers are better or worse than the legends, just curious if todays top pro's and past era's top guns can be measured with the same stick??

[History guy]

I have heard many stories along the way regarding Probst Sr. and it sounds like he was a true legend in launching walleye fishing into what it is today. I have always wondered though, when he was really getting after it and leaving his mark on the tourney scene, how wide spread were his accomplishments. I guess what I mean is, did these folks who we all look up to and use as a gauge of who's who in tourney prowess fish all over the states and have to utilize all types of presentations on all sizes and shapes of water? Or was most of their resume established within a smaller more regionalized area where their pet presentations could always be counted on to put fish in the boat? This is by no means meant to cast any doubt on their history and/or accomplishments as tournament anglers, I just am curious if todays top anglers have to be more (or maybe they're less) well rounded and versitile than those top anglers from 20-30 years ago?? Is being an all around angler at the top of the food chain more of a challenging today than it was in yesteryear?? Again, not questioning any past hero's abilities nor am I assuming todays anglers are better or worse than the legends, just curious if todays top pro's and past era's top guns can be measured with the same stick??

[GP]

> I have heard many stories along the way regarding Probst
>Sr. and it sounds like he was a true legend in launching
>walleye fishing into what it is today. I have always wondered
>though, when he was really getting after it and leaving his
>mark on the tourney scene, how wide spread were his
>accomplishments. I guess what I mean is, did these folks who
>we all look up to and use as a gauge of who's who in tourney
>prowess fish all over the states and have to utilize all types
>of presentations on all sizes and shapes of water? Or was most
>of their resume established within a smaller more regionalized
>area where their pet presentations could always be counted on
>to put fish in the boat? This is by no means meant to cast any
>doubt on their history and/or accomplishments as tournament
>anglers, I just am curious if todays top anglers have to be
>more (or maybe they're less) well rounded and versitile than
>those top anglers from 20-30 years ago?? Is being an all
>around angler at the top of the food chain more of a
>challenging today than it was in yesteryear?? Again, not
>questioning any past hero's abilities nor am I assuming todays
>anglers are better or worse than the legends, just curious if
>todays top pro's and past era's top guns can be measured with
>the same stick??


Considering the most important factors these anglers learned and later showed everyone, is where they shine. 1st they found fish with very primative equipment and they patterned fish.
Think about just the electronics they had to find and stay on fish from day to day.
2nd they found areas that held fish and learned to fish stucture. Todays anglers on tour go to very limited events that are not just trolling bites. Working an area rather than a spot on the spot. In the early years guys went out and re-found these spots, they did'nt have GPS units.
3rd the early events were on places like Mille Lacs,Lake of the Woods, Oahe, Fort Peck. Places that were won by guys that were spot on the spot bites.
The best anglers in the game are good at every aspect of fishing, they find fish and catch fish. They seem to do well no matter the style of bite, whether it's Great Lakes trolling or rig fishing some point or casting jigs in weeds. So of the greats were not "peoples people" they never considered what they were doing to be all that speical. They were very good at what they did and never considered it to be more than teaching people how to do something they loved doing.

By the way Mr. Harsh~ PLEASE pencil yourself in that top 10, you have EARNED that right!:bowdown:

[Stacker1]

So of the
>greats were not "peoples people" they never considered what
>they were doing to be all that speical. They were very good at
>what they did and never considered it to be more than teaching
>people how to do something they loved doing.

I would not be so sure these guys did not think they were "special". Most had egos back then as well.
>

[Fish_on]

Bob Probst taught a lot of the top anglers of today a lot about walleye fishing. He simply welcomed them in his boat and many of the pros of that time took advantage of spending a free day with him. That says a lot about him right there.

Bob was never a polished seminar speaker and really never made the money he could have in walleye fishing because he never really fit the mold of a pro fisherman with the marketing and all. He could just flat out fish and is one of the best of all time at what he did, which was catch walleyes. He is in a class by himself IMHO.

[sdfishing]

Well said....fish on.

And, if I may add....Propst was one of the first guys in the early days searching for walleyes in waters unkown for their walleyes, or at least not recognized yet. I knew when he and others were taking "scout" trips for the PWT, and or In-Fish...i beieve to Lakes in TN, TX, AR, MO, not to mention all the various waters in MN, WI, MI, IA, NE, and OH. That man has fished more water in tourneys and guiding than I will ever get to in my lifetime. And, I might say, he's one of the most giving and humble people you will ever meet. Just ask all the stray animals in Pierre, SD :)

[Curt]

Bob Probst Sr. and don't foget Mike McClelland! Watch out for Mac in the future!

Pa karp

[Dominant]

This is just food for thought. I went and looked up KVD record in BASS. (Bass only) This guy has dominated that sport since he started.

He has won 2 classics.
He has won 2 angler of the year titles
He has qualified for the classic every year he has fished (17)
He has 161 top 50's.
He has 113 top 20's.
He has 68 top 10's.
He has 17 wins.
He has fished 185 events in his career.
He has not been out of the top 50 since (get this) 1999.

Will we ever have someone that dominate in the walleye world? Two Young names come to mind as just maybes. Tommy Kemos. I think he has only missed checks in four events so far in his career. Or, maybe Chase Parsons. He is what only 22, I think he has only missed checks a couple of times in two year career.

This is just something to chew on.

[Hawk Eye]

My choices not necessarily in order

1. Al Lindner
2. Gary Roach
3. Parsons
4. Keith K
5. Ron Seelhoff
6. Gary Gray
7. Tommy Skarlis
8. Mike Gofron
9. Bob Probst Sr
10.Leon Houle