Hometown: Prosperity, SC
Age: 41
Former Occupation: Army National Guard
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 190
Top 10 Finishes (Wins): 37 (8)
Best Finish in 2006: 1 - Clarks Hill Reservoir, 5/4/2006
Titles/Honors: BASS Angler of the Year (2002, 1997); Bassmaster Classic winner (1999); FLW Tour Championship winner (1998); BassFan Comeback of the Year (2002, 2004)
Angling Hero (and why): Father; Guido Hibdon ("he helped me when I was first starting out"); Denny Brauer ("he's such an all-around class act"); Larry Nixon (same reasons); Rick Clunn ("he's just a pure fisherman").
Favorite Lake (and why): Lake Murray (SC) - "It's the lake I live on."
Least Favorite Lake (and why): The ones I can't fish because they're posted and I know they have big bass in them."
Favorite Technique: Flipping shallow cover
Primary Fishing Strength: Power-fishing
Secondary Fishing Strength: Comebacks under pressure
Biggest Weakness: Finesse fishing
Fishing Sponsors: Pflueger reels, All-Star Graphite Rods, Berkley (Trilene and Powerbait), Owner hooks, Solar Bat sunglasses, Hooah! energy bars, Pro Tour Trailers
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Music: "Depends on my mood. I really like country sometimes, but when I'm in a dancing mood I like hip-hop and then other times I like classic rock."
Favorite Book/Movie: Winning Every Day (book by college football coach Lou Holtz)
Non-Angling Hero (and why): Lou Holtz – "I've read a few of his books and I like his philosophy on life."
Why He Fishes: "It's just something I've enjoyed my whole life. Years ago it was a release for me, a way to have peace, quiet and a relationship with Mother Nature. But I'm also competitive, and tournaments fulfill that competitive desire."
When Not Fishing: "I like spending time with my sons, and deer hunting."
Top 10 Finishes (Wins): 37 (8)