DEE THOMAS

Thomas is the only West Coast bass tournament angler inducted into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. He invented the Flipping Technique for bass, pioneering shallow-water fishing in heavy cover. This technique transformed the fishing industry with the invention of fishing rods, reels, hooks, line and even bass boats (decks were elevated) for this technique. He has won 15 national tournament titles including a BASS victory on Bull Shoals in 1975, and is a two-time winner of the West Coast Bass Classic. At age 65, he won the Western Bass Tournament at Clear Lake against one of the most competitive fields ever assembled in the Western U.S. Rather than become closed about his secrets, Thomas has appeared at sports shows and provided his best fishing wisdom to anybody who asks.