Pro Staff,
This has been a fun post for me. Hearing names from the greats of the past and the great to come lets me know our sport is in good hands. Virgil Ward was my very first angling hero. He did more for our sport than anyone will ever know. Even one of our Pro Staffers need at least an honorable mention; Dan Galusha. Dan has contributed an awful lot to guys like me and has won regional as well as national aclaim. I'm sure there are other pro staff members equally as talented. Now to answer my own question; " best bass angler of all time?" I guess I'd have to say Rick Clunn. He has taken the sport to new levels and has always talked about not having any limitations, being able to put everything else on hold for a few hours and has taught us all many new and innovative tricks to help us in our pursuit of happiness, catching bass. Clunn moved to my howetown, Ava, Mo. a few years ago, and just blends right in to the scenery. Half the non-fishing population have no clue who, or what he is. That's his style. My vote, Rick Clunn!!

Craig,
Sorry if my choice isnt the right one for you but thats my opion. I'm only 17 and i have little knowledge of our "founding fathers" of the sport i love. I'd like to thank all of you who mentioned the "old guys" as i call them. I'm eager to learn more about them.

J.T. Palmore

Ok, here is my two cents worth.. Well living in Missouri I can count a few local boys on that list, These guys have forgot more than I will be able to learn.

Here we go, 1st Place.. Guido and Dion Hibdon light tackle inventors and dock fishing fools both Classic Champs,

Denny Brauer, This guys is Mr.Jig and Classic Champ and the nicest pro I have ever met in person.

Rick Clunn,This is the only one what might move Guido over.. Just his name Well no more said. A must see web site www.rickclunn.com

And last one Pro I really Hope can get to the big dance and win in a few more years, local boy Brent Chapman.

I guess my point is I can't pick just one All of these Pro's I have spent alot of time watching and trying to remember everything they say and do.

That was fun good post!!!!

Good Fishing

EAT SLEEP FISH

Don, you're right about them good ole boys from Missouri. The Hibdons and the Brauers are always tough and I know there are many "no name" anglers that are super. Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this post. It's been fun!!!

He may be a little "Over the Top" for some,and became very commercial driven late in his career,but he's still going strong today.My vote goes to Roland Martin.
9 time BASS AOY
19 time BASS Champion
23 classic appearances
Pretty much dominated the 70's early 80's.Was very consistent for a long time.He's probably been there,done that,Twice!
Hasn't done much lately but Jordan doesn't score 40 a game anymore either...><>...HS

Sorry, JT, I didn't mean to be harsh towards your opinion at all. Kevin is a guy who is still in the first 1/3 or his carreer, in twenty years I may be considering him as the best. I would classify him and Jay Yelas as two of the best up and coming guys in the sport. Listen, all of these pros have some great accomplishments. Rolo , as Paulie noted, was an extremely dominant force in the 70's and 80's. Would a Classic victory have us picking him? Likely. Paulie, both Rolo and Jordan always have the capability to go out there and destroy people, no matter how old they are.

Johnnie- Great thread! To the rest of you guys, keep up the good stuff. Every post has added something constructive to the mix.

Much obliged to all. Joe