Featured Speakers
Gary Parsons
Gary Parsons, of Glidden, WI, is a professional walleye fisherman, specializing in tournament fishing and walleye fishing promotions. Gary is a “Legendary Angler” inductee into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and one of the co-hosts of the popular The Next Bite TV show, airing on VERSUS network. Following are a few of his impressive tournament accomplishments:
- 2007 PWT Angler of the Year — Only Angler to have won this award 3 Times
- 2007 PWT Regional Series Angler of the Year
- 1st Place 2007 In-Fisherman PWT Winneconne, WI Pro-Am
- 1st Place 2003 In-Fisherman PWT Mobridge, SD Pro-Am
- 1st Place 1998 NAWA “Quest” Pro-Am, Green Bay, Wisconsin
- 1st Place 1998 In-Fisherman PWT Pierre, SD Pro-Am
- 1st Place 1994 In-Fisherman PWT Mobridge, SD Pro-Am
- The only person to have won “Angler of the Year” titles in all three professional walleye circuits, NAWA-1995, PWT-1994 & 1993 (unprecedented back-to-back titles) and 2007, and MWC-1988
- Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) “World Champion” in 1988
- Sixteen time In-Fisherman PWT Championship Qualifier
- Three time NAWA Championship Qualifier
- Eight-time Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) Championship Qualifier
Parsons has been featured in publications including In-Fisherman, North American Fisherman, Walleye Insider, Fishing Facts, Outdoor Life, Field and Stream, Sports Afield, and Bass & Walleye Boats to name a few. He is a book author and is featured on several walleye videos. Gary is a top ranked pro and product consultant for Tracker Boats, Mercury Outboards, MotorGuide Electric Motors, Berkley Fishing Lines, Berkley Frenzy Crankbaits, Berkley Gulp!, Bass Pro Shops, Lowrance Electronics, Berkley Power Baits, Off Shore Tackle, Mustad Hooks, Frabill, Smooth Move Seat Mounts, Fin-Tech Tackle and Coot's Lures.
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Keith Kavajecz 
- -2003 In-Fisherman PWT Top Gun Award Winner
- -2002 In-Fisherman PWT CHAMPION!
- -2002 In-Fisherman PWT Top Gun Award Winner
- -1998 North American Walleye Anglers Angler Of the Year
- -1998 North American Walleye Anglers Team Of the Year with his son Tommy.
- -1st Place 1998 NAWA “Quest” Pro-Am, Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota
- -1994 North American Walleye Anglers Angler Of the Year
- -1st Place 1994 In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail (PWT) Mideast Pro-Am
- -1st Place 1994 NAWA Lake Sharpe Pro-Am
- -1994 In-Fisherman PWT Top Gun
- -Eighteen time In-Fisherman PWT Championship Qualifier (1 of 3 PWT anglers to qualify for 18 of 19 Championships)
- -Two time NAWA Championship Qualifier
- -1988 Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) Team of the Year
- -1988 Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) World Champion
- -Seven time MWC Championship Qualifier
Greg Bohn
Greg Bohn has more than three decades of professional walleye guiding service in Wisconsin. Known also as Mr. Slip Bobber, Bohn is considered one of the best guides to ever cut a path through the North woods. Join this book author and renowned guide as he shares his secrets for catching walleye.
Ted Takasaki
Pete Maina
Pete Maina is North America's number one authority in Muskie and Pike fishing. He has earned the reputation of an angler at the top in his species, he is an entrepreneur, an accomplished author, a professional photographer, TV show host, and professional speaker.
Pete's specialty is Muskie fishing. He is internationally known for his prowess with toothy critters.
Pete founded Musky Mania Tackle, which eventually became the largest muskie/pike lure company in the world, prior to its selling in 2004. Pete continues to work on development of large-predator tackle and associated products. He's a writer/photographer and member OWAA (Outdoor Writers Association of America).
Pete also one of the hosts of The Next Bite TV on Versus. The show is now airing its 5th season. Pete currently has two BOOKS published on musky fishing.
Pete also produces educational VIDEOS and DVDS on Muskie fishing and has lectured at sport shows throughout North America. He has appeared as an expert on numerous TV shows, appearing regularly on "John Gillespie's Waters and Woods", as well as on Muskie segments for Bass Pro Shop's "Outdoor World" on Versus, and also appears on Mark Zona's World's Greatest Fishing Show on ESPN2.
Pete is a pro-staffer and product consultant for: Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Bert's Custom Tackle, Down-East Rod Holders, Frabill, The Inhibitor Rust Preventative, Lakewood Tackle Boxes, Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, Motorguide Trolling Motors, Mustad Hooks, Oakley Sunglasses, Smooth Toe Socks, Sebile Lures and Tracker Boats
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Steve Nelson
Steve Nelson has been a canoeing enthusiast since his first trip into the BWCA/Quetico parks. A onetime high school teacher and pharmaceutical market manager, Nelson co-owns Spirit of the Wilderness Canoe Outfitters in Ely, MN with his wife, Kathy. A longtime traveler in the boundary waters, he can offer expert wilderness fishing, camping, and canoeing tips for novices and veterans alike.
- For more information visit www.elycanoetrips.com
Brian "Bro" Brosdahl
Brian Brosdahl- better known as “Bro”- is a multi-species pro fishing expert, and a leader in fishing promotion and production.
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Bob Mehsikomer
Bob was introduced to the world of fishing many years ago as a child and was drawn to the sport like metal to a magnet. He began fishing seriously as a competitor in bass tournaments over 20 years ago. His curiosity, quest for knowledge, attention to detail, and determination to be successful earned him many first place wins. Always thinking, Bob developed fishing methods to match the fish behavior patterns he recognized. Bob continually ranked among the leaders and in turn was offered speaking engagements among clubs and sport groups in the area.
Being a sportsman in the truest sense of the word, Bob was willing to share his fishing knowledge to help others gain more success in the sport of fishing. Even today his seminars are always packed with honest, quality information that one can really put to use on the water. His seminars carry the sportsman's message of good conservation practices. Let's catch fish, but also use catch and release principles so that the fishing resources are protected for other generations to enjoy.
Ron Schara
As a journalist, Ron Schara has been sharing the great outdoor experience with his readers for nearly three decades. Seeing through the eyes and lives of others, his material has captured the attention of tens of thousands of fresh air enthusiasts by putting them as close to the subject's setting as a reader or viewer can be. Over the years, as his newspaper and television popularity has grown, Ron's personality has become more a part of the fabric of the Midwest's outdoor community.
Ron's soft spoken but direct delivery and appealing on-camera image, have made him a popular resource as an all-purpose, outdoor/naturalist commentator for many Minnesota radio and television stations. This includes his own program, Minnesota Bound, which is seen on Saturdays at 6:30pm & and Sunday nights at 10:30pm on KARE 11 TV/NBC. Ron's national program, "Backroads with Ron & Raven", airs on The Outdoor Life Network and has consistently been one of the highest rated shows on the outdoor block. He also hosts The Outdoor Beat on ESPN2. Minnesota Bound is also seen on KTTC-TV/NBC in Rochester, MN & on KVLY-TV/NBC in Fargo, ND and on KBJR-TV/NBC in Duluth. His Minnesota Outdoors radio program can be heard on WCCO-AM radio on Saturday mornings. Ron¹s television programs have won a total of six Emmys to date.
His ever-rising popularity hasn't been achieved by having his personality dominate the story. Rather, Ron prides himself in letting the story happen through those who live it and simply allow himself to be the guide to discovery. He's there to share a story or to inform on a cause or controversy. Deep in the wilderness on the shore of an ancient glacial trout lake or wading the waters of an environmentally threatened inner city wildlife pond, Ron's knowledge and understanding of our natural surroundings is more than just a journalist's assignment. He grew up loving the outdoors in northeast Iowa's rugged bluff country. He graduated with degrees in journalism and fish/wildlife biology and he has never veered from his ambition. Whether writing a newspaper story, talking with his radio and television audience, or appearing before a live audience, Ron Schara likes to use colorful storytelling to create a story for his audience.
www.mnbound.com or www.backroadswithron.com
e-mail - ron@mnbound.com
Discover Fly Fishing Seminar Speakers
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Bob Nasby
With more than 35 years of fly fishing experience in both fresh and salt water fly fishing, Bob Nasby offers courses for students of all ages and experience levels. A fly fishing pioneer of the Great Lakes Salmon and Steelhead, a professional rod builder and fly casting instructor for more than 20 years, Bob remains in demand as host speaker of numerous seminars presented at fishing clubs, sports conventions, conservation clubs and many other professional organizations nation-wide. He has been featured in numerous publications, TV and radio programs including, ESPN's "Fly Fishing America". Bob has been noted as "one of the best teachers of fly casting in the Midwest" - Jim Kenyon, Scientific Anglers/3M. Bob's objective in teaching is to "give a serious student of fly casting the skill and precision needed to fly fish any water in the nation; from a small brook in Montana to the saltwater flats of the Florida Keys." Bob is a loyal friend and supporter of the Northwest Sportshow and he is committed to creating an exciting fish fishing experience in the "Discover Fly Fishing" room.
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Vic Mason
Vic Mason is on the Pro Staff at St. Croix Rod Company and fly casting instructor for all levels of experience. A fly fishing guide for both fresh and salt water expeditions, Vic has fished all around the country and in Canada. While hes not teaching new fly fishing enthusiasts how to cast, build their own rod and tie flies, Vic is traveling the upper Midwest working sport shows on behalf of St. Croix and Scientific Angler.
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Lee Oschwald
Lee Oschwald began fly fishing eight years ago and has since combined her love for the sport and her teaching skills to help others learn to fly cast. Her enthusiasm for the sport prompted her to become a member of the Board of Directors for Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota and to work with the Becoming an Outdoors Woman organization. Lee brings a fresh "womans perspective" to the "Discover Fly Fishing" room.
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Dennis Anderson
Dennis and his wife, Jan, have imported British Labradors for about 20 years, and are recognized as experts in the field. In addition to breeding puppies from dogs they import, the Andersons sell fully trained British Labradors, and through their two web sites — www.BritishLabradors.com and www.BritishRetrieverTraining.com — offer clients around the world online lessons in training Labradors the British way.
Brad Leifermann
Brad has had nearly 20 years of fishing career highlights including many first place finishes in local and regional bass fishing tournaments, including three in the BASSMASTER Weekend Series, and in the 2009 Ron Schara Minnesota Bound Tournament. He has been profiled and made appearances on Midwest Outdoors, Capra's Outdoors, North American Fisherman, KFAN AM Fan Outdoors, and KSTP AM 1500 Bear Facts and Fish Tales. He is a member of FLW Outdoors and B.A.S.S. and has participated in many children's fishing programs as well as charity tournaments benefiting St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Family Hope Services and the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Jon Thelen
Jon Thelen is a full time Professional Angler who specializes in both open water and ice fishing for various species. Jon has been a host or guest on over 65 fishing related television shows including appearances on; In Fisherman's Ice Guide TV, Midwest Outdoors, Keith Warrens Fishing Adventures, O'Neill Outside, Outdoorsmen Adventures, People Who fish and In-Fisherman PWT television.
At the same time, Jon has written or been the subject of over 60 articles appearing in various publications including; In-Fisherman, Walleye Insider, North American Fisherman, Game and Fish Publications, Fishing Facts and Midwest Outdoors to name a few. Many of these same articles have been distributed worldwide through countless internet sites.
Jon's tournament statistics include numerous top ten finishes in regional events as well as 2 top 10 and 7 top 25 finishes on the prestigious Professional Walleye Trail. Thelen is also a 2 time PWT Championship Qualifier, a Coleman Cool Under Pressure award winner and finished 5th in the 2008 PWT Angler of the Year standings.
Scott Petersen
Scott was introduced to the outdoors at a very young age by his father Tom Petersen. As a kid when Scott was not playing baseball at the local park you could find him at the lake either hunting or fishing. He started fishing bass tournaments at the age of 18.
Scott currently is a writer for Outdoor News, MidWest Outdoors, Heartland Outdoors and Iowa Sportsman. He also writes for his own webpage fishinginsider.com, Up North Outdoors, Pro Bass, Bass Resource and Fishing World. In his 32 years as a tournament fisherman he has compiled an impressive record of 20- 1st place finishes, 29- 2nd place finishes and 38 top 10 finishes.
Gary Hoffman
Gary Hoffman has been guiding canoe trips for over forty years. From being a Boy Scout executive, Boundary Water's guide, Minnesota Outward Bound instructor, English teacher, and play director, Gary brings a rich history to the telling of Mighty Miss. In 1988, he began fulltime church ministry as a director for deacon formation. In 2007, he took an early retirement to pursue a writing career.
MIGHTY MISS, a memoir of unimaginable danger and delight, written by author and veteran Minnesota canoe instructor and guide Gary Hoffman. The book captures the details of a true Mississippi River adventure, a canoe expedition with Gary and his Army Ranger-trained son on a 45-day 2,328-mile trip from northern Minnesota to New Orleans. It is a memoir about the author's pursuit of his passion of outdoor adventure and the courage to challenge boundaries of the routine of everyday life, his risk-taking that allows him to embrace the freedom that life is meant to offer.
John Stieben
Captain John Stieben is entering his 23rd year of fishing salmon and trout on the Great Lakes and has fished salmon from Washington to British Columbia to Alaska.. John currently operates Elite Fishing Charters out of Kewaunee, WI. And formerly was the owner and co-founder of Opti Tackle Company. John does seminars all over the Midwest in regards to trolling for trout and salmon in the Great Lakes and provides product development and marketing services for several fishing tackle companies.
Chris Meyer
Chris Meyer has been fishing since, well forever. He caught his first walleye (8 pounds) at age 6 and has been hooked ever since> Chiris guides on Minnesota's famed Mille Lacs Lake, when he isn't guiding he is fishing local tourneys (succesfully) and doing seminars and events for companies such as Lowrance Electronics, Navionics, Lund boats, Lindy, Motorguide, Berkley, and numerous kids fishing events. For more information on Chris check out www.meyeroutdoors.com.
Bill Sherck
Telling outdoor stories comes pretty naturally to Bill Sherck. Television viewers know him better as “The Man About The Woods”; an Emmy award-winning outdoor reporter and show host. Bill’s earned just about every award in the business for his unique style of storytelling.
Viewers can catch Bill’s stories on several of the country’s most popular outdoor television programs including, “Backroads with Ron & Raven” on The Versus Network, “Legends of Rod and Reel” and “Pheasants Forever Television”on the Outdoor Channel, “Minnesota Bound” on NBC in Minnesota and “Due North Outdoors”, which Bill co-hosts on Fox Sports Network (North & Wisconsin).
Bill frequently co-hosts “Outdoors Live”, a weekly radio show on WCCO 830 in Minneapolis. He enjoys speaking for conservation groups, fishing and hunting seminars and sports shows. He also fishes and guides as part of various charity and celebrity fishing tournaments.
Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Bill’s family eventually moved to Minnesota where his father and grandfather taught him to fish. After graduating from St. Norbert College in 1994 with a degree in Mass Communications, Bill went to work in the television business. He reported local news throughout the Midwest and eventually Fox News. In 2001, Bill turned his focus to outdoor television. He’s been at it ever since!
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