When we were down here last year I wanted to get out fishing with a guide for a day. That guide turned out to be Doug Gilley, a person that become a great friend and an answer to our prayers with respect to the lure business. I found out that day that Doug had won one of the very first Super B.A.S.S. Tournaments, taking home $100,000. He had owned his own bait company (Bandit Baits) and would introduce me the next day to the guy that had poured his baits and would soon pour ours. His knowledge and connections in the business was profound! We spent hours on the phone as he guided us through the business. The highlight of our relationship was at iCast in LasVegas, the Academy Awards of the Fishing Industry.
Doug went in for some routine back surgery last September. We talked the day before about things we would address the following week after he had recovered. That never happened.. Doug passed away suddenly on the Sunday following his surgery. It was a shock to the whole fishing industry, but for me it was more than that. I had lost a great friend.
You will hear more about Doug in future posts.
Today we hooked up with Doug's wife Carol. We've been looking forward to this day ever since we arrived. We had a great visit with her at her home before going out for lunch.
I have been waiting to see Doug's Trophy Room for some time. It is one of the Holy Grail's of the Fishing Industry.
Here is the plaque he received for his Super B.A.S.S. victory.
One of his many belt buckles from the Tournament Trail.
We went to the same Longhorn restaurant that we went to last year when we first met Carol. We shared lots of stories, had a lot of laughs and shed a few tears. We talked for 3 hours before going back to Carol's where we continued in her beautiful backyard for a while longer.
One of the mysteries of LasVegas was finally cleared up. I was always confused by how anxious Doug was to have his picture taken with this dog in Vegas........
........and then we met Chester!
This was Doug's dog, and what a dog. He would fetch all his toys by name.
"Chester, go get your frog!"
And believe me, he knew how to pose! If you look close you can even see him smiling!
We had a wonderful visit and look forward to the next one. Thanks for a great day and all your hospitality Carol.
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