On September 13, 2004, the fishing world lost one of its greatest legends, Virgil Ward. He was 93 years old, and fished up until a couple of weeks before his death.
Virgil was a very religious, good, kind family man. He taught people many things, not just in fishing and the outdoors, but also in how a person should treat other people. The man you saw on television is the person you would meet – if you had ever been lucky enough to do so
He was a friend to many people, even to those who have never met him. This is evident in emails that have been received recently from fans whose lives he has touched throughout the years. One said, “God bless him and his family.....Please give my condolences to his family. He shaped millions of kids lives, he was a wonderful man.”
43 years old. Married for 23 years to Julie, with two daughters Abby and Katie both of his girls in college.
Don grew up in South Kansas City and was very involved in the outdoors at an early age. He began in the cub scouts and worked his way into the Boy Scouts and went all the way to Eagle Scout along with his two older brothers. Don’s parents thought it would better to keep their boys active in outdoor activities and out of trouble.
Marques has grown up in the fishing industry all his life , now at the young age of 27 he is credited as one of the most knowledgeable young anglers in the Chicagoland area! Marques has worked seminars both big and small all over the area!
This young gun angler averages over 100 days on the water fishing the entire State of Illinois and the Great Lakes Region. Marques has also made a name for himself in the tournament ranks! A 4 year pro on the WAL-MART BFL (Great Lakes Division), as well as many other State and Regional Circuits.
Ray Scully is a member of the Bassin’ USA “Young men over 50 club”. He is married with three children and is a grandfather. He has been fishing for over 48 years, both fresh and salt water.
He is the owner of a delivery business, “Paramount Delivery Service”, and a small lure Manufacturing Co., “Performance Products” maker of the "Three Bladed" spinnerbait and "The Viper".