Let’s congratulate Catawba, Riverbassin.com’s first ever two-time “River Basser of the Month!” Catawba was last River Basser of the Month in July 2010, less than one year ago!

Here’s what others have to say about him:

I apologize if Mike has been a previous winner, but in my mind he is just the kind of guy you want to float a river with! I first met Mike at the Charlotte Riverbassin’ Tournament 2010, where in typical form, he was volunteering his time, cooking and helping out wherever he could. I know Mike has attended several rodeos and tournament stops, making friends wherever he goes. Anyone who has had the pleasure of floating a river with Mike knows why I’m nominating him!

Last years nominating excerpt:

“The River Basser of the Month should share the same enthusiasm, passion, stewardship and kindness that we like to promote here on RiverBassin.com”…well, that describes Catawba!

I met Mike at the NC rodeo last year and saw him again at the SC rodeo, and one thing is for sure…Catawba loves to be around fishing. Even while on the mend from surgery, Mike is and has always been upbeat, positive, and encouraging to be around. He loves to go to a rodeo for all the right reasons; he loves to be a part of the event and looks for every opportunity to help somebody out with anything. He makes sure everybody knows that he’s available to run a shuttle or anything else if needed. Always positive with his attitude and words in conversation, on any subject, Mike is a humbling example to a whiner and complainer like me. If Mike gets a few hours on the river, he’s a happy guy…if he catches fish it’s just that much
better.

Mike is happy being there for what it is and doesn’t take it for granted…he loves to be around fishing and those who love to fish. I thought about Mike on my long drive home this weekend, how he always has the positive attitude going and can’t do enough to help others….I need to be more like Mike!

Congratulations Mike!

Congratulations to “smfisher,” Alan Richie, who is RiverBassin.com’s basser of the month for June 2009. Smfisher has been a guy that has always been drawn to river fishing and the challenge fishing the flows have over still water. He has promoted the sport of river fishing most of his life through word of mouth and taking people fishing. He also has been working hard to educate people to practice catch and release in order to keep a viable fishing resource in Kentucky.

The nominators are kept anonymous but this is what a fellow river basser had to say about smfisher in a recent nomination submission.

“While I have only known him for a relatively short time I have found him to be a true mentor. He is selfless in opening the world of fly fishing up to others.  As well he is a true Continue Reading