Passing of another Walleye Great...:(

[Juls]

I got a call last night that delivered sad news....Ralph Diercks who used to operate the Four Seasons Sports in Red Wing, MN, and fished the MWC and other events, has passed on to the great fishing grounds beyond. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. He had a great sense of humor too. He will be greatly missed.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time.

Juls

This news bums me out. Ralph was a great fisherman and a friend to anyone he talked to. And....he gave me one of my all time favorite tournament memories.

Years ago the MWC had a tournament at Castle Rock Lake in Wisconsin in early April. There was a community hole above a train bridge that was holding number of small fish. At takeoff many of the teams headed there first thing to try and catch a few in an otherwise tough bite. Ralph and Bob Probst were fishing the event....out of Bob's pontoon...and needless to say they arrived a little late to the hole. Upon arriving they dropped the anchor, pitched four lines off the back of the toon and proceeded to fire up the grill and start making breakfast.

Every once in a while they would look up and have a fish on and a debate would start over who was going to catch and who was going to cook. The fish seemed secondary to the true goal.

A lot of what anglers know about fishing at Red Wing is due to Ralph whether they know it or not. Lots and lots of good anglers shared their info with Ralph and he did his best to help anyone he could. I will miss having him around.

Scott

Wow I am shocked and sad to hear this news. I just talked with him not to long ago. We have truely lost a great man who is a true icon to fishing in this area and beyond. Rest in peace my friend you will be missed! Brett King

[KHedquist]

Very sad to hear, talked to Ralph whenever I went down to Four Seasons Sports and chatted on river when we saw each other. Great guy, again sad to hear. Rest in peace.

[Chad]

Ralph will be missed by many!

Ralph is responsible for lighting my competitive walleye fishing fire.

In the early to mid 90's the MWC Championship was in Red Wing. Ralph signed Tommy Diercks and myself up to fish on the pro am day. I was teamed up to fish with John Koliski and his partner. I ended up catching my largest walleye to date that day and I was also introduced to bottom bouncers and planer boards for the first time. Thanks Ralph!

[HARSH]

Ralph was a fine gentlemen and a great angler and mentor who worked hard to advance the sport of fishing. He will be sorely missed by many.

R.I.P. my friend.

This link will provide you with more information.

http://www.republican-eagle.com/event/article/id/78608/

[skulskitom]

Ralph was a big part of a lot of our lives, lot of laughs and words of encouragement. Ralph gave me some lures that were really hot about 8 yrs ago haven't used them since. I think i will pull them around this yr. To the guys at west end it was honor to have your dad around May he rest in peace, God Bless your family. Tom

[fishim]

Theres no doubt Ralph will be sadly missed by many as he has influenced so many along the way. Thank you for all your advise and words of encouragment over the years. May the godfather of Pool 4 Rest in Peace.

Bill Shimota

[WAZ]

Rest in peace Ralph. He showed me the waters around Red Wing years ago, always smiling. God Bless.

[rebs]

I did not know Ralph, buy may he rest in peace
Prayers said for his family and friends to help get through this time of loss and grief.