Events

In his own words

As much as I want to win every tournament, as all fishermen do, I value the great relationships and friends that I’ve made being in the sport. I’ve learned so much from older generations, such as my mentor Bill Townsend. I understand the importance of what he and others before me have brought to the sport – their professionalism, wisdom, support, and critiques. I want to live up to that standard. I am thankful that was shared with me and grateful when I am able to share with others. It’s a great return on investment when someone comes up to you and thanks you for showing them a knot at a sport show. You never know what people will remember. Paul Bailey said something to me years ago and I never forgot it. He said, “if you’re going to throw a dropshot for four hours and not get a bite, why didn’t you just throw a swimbait.” That philosophy has stuck with me on learning new techniques. Sharing wisdom and experience keeps the sport growing!

Highlights

Cashed in his first-ever tournament on his home lake Shasta. FLW top-10 on Clear Lake and Mobile Delta, Forrest Wood Cup qualifier, top-20 in the 2008 Forrest Wood Cup.

Behind the Angler

Mat started fishing as soon as he could hold a pole and fished every little pond that held anything from perch to bluegill. His venture into
tournament fishing kicked off in his mid to late-20’s. He feels fortunate to have qualified to be invited to APEX and to be able to be a part of APEX, while watching the series grow into something special.

In the Boat

Coming from Shasta, Mat cut his teeth on plastics, calls swimbait
fishing fun, and refers to himself as a junk fisherman. He throws reaction year- round and will have always have it on board. His boat is full of Spiralite Custom Rods and Daiwa Tatula reels, spooled with P-Line (braid and fluoro). He carries Osprey swimbaits, his own handmade spinnerbaits, Nails by Frenzy Baits, Mother’s Finest Worms, Z-Man TRD’s. From summer to winter, foul-weather to flip-flops, he is ready with Simms apparel on board.

Sponsors:

• Coors Banquet
• Lucas Oil
• Costa
• Simms
• Frenzy Baits
• P-Line,
  Mother’s Finest Worms
• Keitech
• Liberty Physical Therapy
• Spiralite Custom
  Rods, Boster Roofing
• Saavy Power Solutions