New Member Intro

[holleybob]

I've been frequenting this site off and on for a number of years now and thought it was time to join.

I've been fishing since I could walk and have always taken to it naturally.

In the late 90's with the support of my wonderful wife, I jumped neck deep into tournament bass fishing with high hope and dreams. I was living in Chicago suburbs at the time and fished mainly Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Missouri. After fishing an invitational at Bull Shoals in 1996 We decided to move to the area. In August of 97 We moved to Springfield and have been here since.

I sold the boat and gave up competitive fishing in 99 when my first Son was born with no regrets. I was burned out anyway.

I've spent the last 14 years raising, guiding and coaching two great boys. My 10 year old has a love for being outdoors that is simply rare. He is perfectly content to sit at waters edge or in the woods for an entire day. My 14 year old is the competitor and sports addict. After 2 broken arms and 2 concussions he's done but discovering that a day on the lake trying to out fish his Dad is pretty cool too.

I bought a 17 ft aluminum boat with a 50 horse 2 weeks ago and we have already had it on the Little Red, TableRock and Tanneycomo. The next 10 years with my kids will be gone before you know it. I want to expose them to as much in the outdoor world as I can and teach them all that I have learned over the years. This forum and It's generous contributors will allow me to now teach them things that others have learned as well. Phil a personal thanks for creating this forum. It's been a magnet for so many willing to give and receive nothing in return.

Maybe I'll even have some insight that will help others.

Regards,

Jeff

[duckydoty]

Welcome to the forum. Sound like your doing a great job with them kids. Looking forward to reading about your adventures!

[ness]

Welcome Jeff. Sounds like you've got your priorities right! Show and tell time!

[Nighthawk]

Jeff, it's good to have guys like you on the forum!

[Phil Lilley]

Thanks Jeff.

[Clay Goforth]

Welcome to the Ozark Anglers family, Jeff.

[holleybob]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the warm welcome!

[Old plug]

Sounds like a lot of us you got your family first. That is a very honorable thing and what were created for. It is easy to burn out on the competitive stuff. Especially this day in age where being the best might not mean your going to wind up in the pro levels. Myself I did not even consider it till I was in my late 50' took me about 4 or 5 tournaments to decide that was not the fishing I grew up with and have never been in one since.

[rps]

Jeff, you are in the right place and your boys will remember everythig. Welcome to our family.