I can remember when, as a young boy growing up in a small North Carolina town, I was fortunate enough to have two grandfathers (the late Kirby Richardson and Fred Smith), as well as a mother (Brenda) and father (Joel Sr.) who always seemed to be able to find the time to take me fishing. I thank them for watering the seed that was planted the very first time I reeled one in.

 

As I grew older their teaching left no local farm pond un-fished. Bass fishing Expos became popular when I was about 10 years old and that is where I got my first taste of competition with a rod and reel. Berkley sponsored a Speed Cast competition which gave away $1000.00 worth of Berkley products! I was runner up the first year and went on to win the next 3 years. Berkley representatives asked me if I would step down as champion to let another caster have a chance. Ironically, the timer for the Speed Casting contest became my fishing hero. It was Larry Nixon who inspired me to become a Professional Tournament Angler. My competitive edge lead me to win several local events on my home lake Kerr Reservoir (locally known as Bugg's Island), where I have been a guide for over 10 years. My desire to challenge myself at a higher level lead me to the Red-Man tournament trail now  (known as the Wal-Mart BFL Series) where I had immediate success. I qualified for the Red-Man All-American 3 years running, winning the Red-Man on Bugg's Island in 1996 and 1999 Points Championship along the way.

 

Finally my dream came true on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour qualifying for 5 straight Championships and winning the $100,000.00 season opener on Lake Okeechobee in 1999.

As for now I continue to travel to the rivers and lakes of America with my wife Jackie and daughter Ana, who support me as I fish the tournament trail. It is my goal to be the best fisherman I can be, a valuable asset to my sponsors and a positive influence to the new generation of bass anglers.