Q:Where were you born?
A:I was born in Tappan, New York.
Q:Where did you grow up?
A:I grew up in New York and spent my younger years fishing for bass carp, catfish, bream and trout. At a young age, my father took me fishing off Long Island and New Jersey for striped bass and bluefish. At the age of 10, my obsession with billfish was sparked when I caught my first sailfish and hammerhead shark on the same day, off Miami.
Q:What do you do for a living?
A:I’m host of the National TV show Bass2Billfish with Peter Miller on NBC Sports, and I’m a professional fisherman with the Get Lit Fishing Team.
Q:Where do you live now?
A:I currently live in Pinecrest, Florida with my wife Ulrika, son Niles, daughter Emily and 3 dogs Spot, Panda and Liam.
Q:What are your hobbies?
A:Of course, besides fishing competitively. I love fun fishing as well. I enjoy heading out in the canals by my house for peacock bass with my daughter… it’s relaxing.
Q:Do you have a favorite fish or game to eat?
A:I’m a big grouper fan, sauteed in a pan. Most of the fishing we do is catch and release, but you have to keep one for the dinner table once and a while.
Q:Growing up, did you aspire to be doing what your doing now?
A:I always aspired to have a fishing show. That was my dream since I was in High School in the early 80’s.
Q:What would you consider was your “big break” or turning point in your career?
A:I did not necessarily have a big break, but a culmination of many big events like national commercials, worldwide advertisement campaigns and winning multiple major tournaments. I was waiting for the right time to pitch the idea for my television show.
Q:Who is your hero?
A:My father is my hero.
Q:What is your favorite place on the planet so far?
A:Florida is my favorite place, the incredibly diverse fishery and it’s close proximity to five star hotels and restaurants.
Q:What styles of music do you like?
A:Alternative Rock. Linkin Park.
Q:What is your absolute favorite type of fishing? (This is a hard one)
A:I love to chase sailfish, marlin, permit, snook and bonefish.
Q:Money no object, what is your dreamboat?
A:42′ Yellowfin with quad Mercury Verados.
Q:What is the most crucial piece of gear/ equipment that you use at work or play?
A:I would have to say my fishing pliers.
Q:Describe an accomplishment that you are most proud of?
A: Being able to introduce people to fishing and then showing it all on TV.
Q:Name a “Pet Peeve” you have.
A:Winding against the drag.
Q:What motivates or drives you?
A:Wanting to make my family proud and to be a good role model for my children.
Q:What parts of your job do you like the least?
A:Leaving the fish biting at the end of the day, but we have to stop sometime.
Q:Who do you go to for advice?
A:My best buddy Kitt Toomey. We have been fishing together for close to 30 years.
Q: If you had to go on a “talent show” what would you do?
A:I would play my African drum called a Djembe.
Q:Describe the scene that brings you the deepest personal satisfaction.
A:When my dad was very sick with cancer and confined to a wheelchair, I took him to a fishing pier in Florida, got him in his wheelchair and rolled him past all of the fishermen.
We stopped at the end of the pier and talked for hours about all of our fishing memories together.
I will never forget how much it meant to both of us. He passed away in 1990 and would have flipped out to know that I have a fishing show on TV.
