Ryan Friend

Oroville, CA
Oroville, CA

Events

In his own words

I really like competition and have played a lot of sports in high school and college. When those days were over, I still had the competitive bug. I have always wanted to compete against the best, no matter how badly I got beat. I am excited to have qualified for APEX, as it provides an outlet to compete against the best. As competitive as I am on the water, when I’m off the water, I am a laidback guy. I do a lot of fun fishing with my wife and my dog. I enjoy camping and waterfowl hunting, but when I get in the boat on the water for tournament day, I am kind of a different beast. I love the peacefulness of being on the water, the camaraderie with the people you meet fishing, the innovation of the industry, and most of all, I love the competition. 

Highlights

2012 1st Place Angler’s Choice Oroville Pro/Am (1st Pro/Am ever fished), 2013 1st Place FLW EverStart Oroville Pro/Am, 2017 1st Place WWBT Shasta, WWBT Team AOY 

Behind the Angler

From the time he could walk, Ryan’s father and grandfather had him bass fishing on Lake Oroville. He began tournament fishing in his college years.

In the Boat

Ryan’s rod locker is full of custom-built rods. He has hand-built his own rods since 2012. He uses St. Croix blanks.

 

Sponsors:

  • California Outdoor Properties – Todd and Marty Renfrew Owners
  • California Outdoor Properties – Amy Friend, Kathy Hayden
  • Mike Friend RV – Family Owned and Operated RV Service and Sales
  • Buck n’ Bass
  • Chico Interstate Battery