Email Address:
mdowd@bigwaterbass.com
Mark started competitive bass fishing in 1994. He cut his teeth on the waters of the Ohio River, near Wheeling, West Virginia. From there he started fishing local "Open Events" on Salt Fork, Tappan, and Leesville Reservoirs. He learned that the key to place on these bodies of water was to fish shallow and fish the dirtiest water he could find. He would often fish spinnerbaits in less then 3 foot of water to catch his limits. He concentrated on wood cover to find the fish. Another one of his favorites lures for these events was the Cordell “Big-O”, preferably in chrome or a pearl white color. These lures were fished in the same areas as the spinnerbaits; the key to both baits was to hit the structure, making sure the lure bounce off the structure.

Mark moved from the Ohio valley to return home to Michigan in 1998. Once back in Michigan, he joined the South East Michigan Bass Association, in 1999. It took Mark a season of fishing to figure out techniques to catch the fish the ultra clear waters of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. In his first year back in Michigan took Big Bass honors at the SEMBA Open held on Belleville Lake, and also placing in the top 10 in the event.

In 2002, Mark missed making the Michigan Federation State team by .12 of an ounce, he placed 14th out of 275 anglers. This was the first year Mark fished in the State Federation Fish Off.

He is looking forward at his future in fishing; he is currently schedule to fish 18 events in 2003.

September
14th Place out of 275 boaters at Michigan Federation Fish Off