Hometown: Topeka, Kan.
Age: 40
Occupation: Chief Financial Officer, Kansas Department of Commerce
Education: Washburn University, Topeka, Kan. (BA — Speech Communications)
How Long Bass Fishing: 3 Years (But fishing most of my life!)
How Started Bass Fishing: It was a 100-degree day in July 2004 when my husband Richard and I took our sons, Levi and Jesse, to a local farm pond to fish for crappie and catfish. We were getting low on live bait and we knew that the boys would not want to fish after we ran out of bait.
Richard asked, "Would you like to learn how to use artificial baits and bass fish?"
I said, "Sure."
So, he tied on a black-backed chrome Rat-L-Trap and told me to toss it out and vary my retrieve. In less than ten minutes I had caught my first bass. I was so excited. It didn't take but one day, and I was hooked!
Career Dream: To be able to fish professionally full time
Career Highlights: Finished 26th at Bull Shoals as a co-angler and 36th at Lake Dardanelle as a pro
Favorite Bass Water: Kentucky Lake
Big Bass: 7-11 largemouth caught on a 3/16-ounce Strike King Bitsy Bug jig with a Paca chunk trailer
Favorite Fishing Technique or Style: Jigs
Sponsors: Olathe Kansas Pro Staff, Optima Batteries, Motorguide trolling motor, Fishing Tackle Forum