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ALEXANDRIA 鈥� Normally, my written works revolve around how to fishing topics. Information on finding fish and detailing how to catch them is often the tone of my blogs. This blog will, however, be different; I take a look at some of the men in my life who were and continue to be most influential in a boat, but more importantly, in life too.

My dad has been gone for four years now, and I miss him every day. He was my best hunting and fishing buddy and he taught me so much about life as well. My dad suffered through some hardships and some demons of his own making during his 80-some years on earth. Through it all, however, he had a positive mindset, a deep love for his family, and was a very hard worker. He was also a teacher and, to this day, when I hear people say 鈥淚 haven鈥檛 used algebra since the day I left that class,鈥� I chuckle and can still hear my dad replying, 鈥測es, but you use those thinking and problem-solving skills every day of your life.鈥�

My dad wasn鈥檛 the best at finding fish, he usually returned to his 鈥渙ld favorite鈥� spots when he was on the water. Get him near a school of walleyes and tie a jig and minnow to the end of his line, or a bottom bouncer and leech, and your next order of business was probably getting the net. I sure miss my dad, our adventures, and his guidance and wisdom.

Duane Peterson is into his eighth decade on earth now and is another individual who has had a profound effect on my life. Duane and his brother John started Northland Tackle and were my first supporters when I entered the business side of fishing. Duane is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the industry side of fishing and is also the best multi-species angler I have ever shared a boat with. In fact, I鈥檝e learned more about bass fishing from Duane Peterson than from any other source.

More importantly to me, however, is that Duane helped save my life when I went through struggles with my own demons many years ago. Acting on a cue from my dad, Duane got involved in my personal life, helped guide my recovery from the lowest of lows, and is still a trusted mentor and friend today. I shudder to think what may have been without Duane in my life.

Bob Jensen founded Fishing the Midwest in 1990 and turned it into one of the most successful and profitable regional fishing television shows that the Midwest has ever seen. I met Bob in the early 90s, and, like Duane Peterson, he helped mold my fishing career as a guide, outdoor communicator, and eventually a television show host. Bob liked to let his TV guests be the 鈥渇ishing stars鈥� and often downplayed his own skills. I spent enough days in a boat with him to say that Bob could 鈥渃atch 鈥榚m,鈥� including panfish, walleyes, bass, pike, and more.

Bob doesn鈥檛 fish much anymore, but he continues to be one of the most honest, down-to-earth, humble men I鈥檝e ever met. When ending his TV shows with his all too familiar 鈥渂e nice to one another,鈥� he truly meant it, lived it, and continues to live it. I often think that today鈥檚 society, with all the unrest and divisiveness present, would be better off if we just tried to 鈥渂e nice to one another.鈥� To this day, when I need advice regarding the fishing business or am bothered by something I see on Facebook or hear on the news, I often call Bob Jensen. By the end of the conversation, I always end up feeling better informed and more hopeful than I did at the start.

Bruce Frisch, Duane Peterson and Bob Jensen. Three men who can 鈥渃atch 鈥榚m鈥� but are better men than I think they ever were fishermen.