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NPAA Member Spotlight # 161 Theresa Meade

Category: npaa

 Jan 24th, 2011 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Jan 24th, 2011 at 12:00 AM

1-Briefly describe yourself and where you are from?
I’m married to Bill, the greatest guy in the world, (he has to be to understand all of the fishing I do) mom of 6, Grandma of 6 and Great Grandma twice over. We reside in Ingleside Illinois near the Fox Chain of Lakes.

	NPAA # 161 Theresa Meade

2-What was your reason for joining the NPAA? 
 I originally joined the NPAA because of the great benefits, in particular the insurance offered to tournament fisherman. After joining, it didn’t take long to see all of the benefits and networking I could enjoy by being a member.

3-Has the NPAA helped you in your career as a professional angler?
 The NPAA is a fantastic way to not only network with fellow fisherman but is an unbelievable opportunity to meet sponsors and promote yourself. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or a weekend angler, the NPAA can help open doors for a career or support your fishing interest through sponsors and their showcase of products.

4-How long have you been fishing?
It seems like forever but I’m pretty sure I was Fishing by the time I started walking. We grew up on the Des Plaines River in Libertyville Illinois and whenever our folks gave the go ahead, we were at that river. Thanks to my parents, they encouraged all of us to love nature and the outdoors and that tradition has been passed down.  My sisters, brother, nieces and 3 nephews all love to fish and compete in tournaments.

5-Do you have any fishing idols?
I have quite a few but one in particular stands out. I had the good fortune to stay in the same resort a couple of times with Gary Roach. Over time, I saw what a great, laid back guy he is, not only one of the best fisherman ever but a guy that truly LOVES fishing or anything associated with fishing and nature. He’s a heck of a guy and it’s an honor to know him.

6-Who do you enjoy fishing with the most?
I guess I would have to say…. Myself! I love going out on the water and having nothing in my mind but where I am and focusing on what I’m doing. To me fishing is a challenge, it takes away any worries and lets you be outdoors, how can it get better than that?  I seem to catch more fish, find more spots and have more fun!

7-If you could fish with anyone who would it be?
I would have loved to fish more with my Dad. We were fishing buddies and when I got to those teen years, I wasn’t interested anymore. We picked it back up when I was in my early twenties, taking several fishing trips a year. He taught me so much about nature, the outdoors, family and fishing. I wish I had more of that time with him but am grateful for the time and memories I have.

8-What is your most memorable moment in fishing?
I was fishing on Mille Lac during a PWT event and having a good showing. We were bringing in our rods with ten minutes to spare and a mama walleye slammed one on the way up. When I netted it, I KNEW it was over 28, just knew it was my time. I measured, turned it one way and another, had Brian my partner eyeball her and a pencil mark wouldn’t have fit between the 28 mark and her tail. A call had to be made and we regretfully released her. With a MINUTE to spare, we checked in with a full basket and kept in the race until the VERY last angler weighed…….that fish would have put us in first but as it stood, we were one out of the money. Boy….that was exciting!

9- What is a must have in your boat; don’t leave the dock without?
 I have a mile long list of things that I have to have but I guess it would have to be my own jigs. They are perfect for me; I can have long or short shanks in the colors that I know work. Sharp hooks are a must have and I use Owner Hooks because of their quality, in my opinion, the best made hooks to be found.  Like I said, I have a HUGE list, check it often and never get caught unprepared.

10- What is your strength as an angler?
I spend a lot of time fishing with kids and people that are new to fishing. I love to show them what I can in the time allowed, giving them something that they can take with them to help get into this great sport.

11-What is your weakness as an angler?
I have a few of those, one being trying to find out from everyone where the fish are instead of believing in myself and what I know. AND, day 3 of tournaments, if I’m close, I run, gun and loose myself and my confidence. The mind is a powerful thing!

12-Who are your sponsors?
I’ve worked hard to get sponsors that believe in me and that I believe in. I won’t work with a sponsor unless their product is one that I can honestly promote and believe in. Lund Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Optima Batteries, Fox Lake Harbor, Wrangler Rugged Wear, Do-It Molds, Stow Master Nets, Off Shore Tackle, World Walleye Association, Tournament Wear and Snap Tail Lures. Anyone can check my NPAA site, number 161 for the list along with a link to their websites.

13-What tournaments do you fish?
I started fishing tournaments in the late nineties and worked my way up to fish the PWT. I fished the PWT for 3 years and this season fished the Green Bay AIM and the record setting Cabela’s NTC. I spend a lot of my time running the World Walleye Associations Illinois Division.

14-Someday you would like to?
Someday in the not too long future I’d love to get a camper, hook up the boat and travel the US. There’s so much I haven’t seen, there’s a whole big world out the just waiting for me to see it.

15-If you were to ask your fellow anglers/competitors, what stands out the most about you?
Probably my work with kids and families, something that I really enjoy. I run a Youth Fishing Tournament out of my home body of water, the Fox Chain of Lakes. So many people are involved in making this a memorable event for our kids, it’s a tremendous amount of work but worth every minute.  If you see the expressions and faces of kids catching their first fish, you’ll be a mentor and teacher for life.

16-In what ways do you promote angling?
I do everything in my power to promote fishing, especially for kids and families. I conduct seminars on fishing basics for families, run the Youth tournaments, I’m the Illinois Director for the World Walleye Association, I’m a licensed guide, do seminars on pouring and painting your own jigs and work the sport and boat shows. 

17-What is the biggest fish you have ever caught?
The biggest Walleye (which is my favorite fish to catch) came out of the Bay by Cedar River. She was a 33½ inch beauty. I had no camera and wanted a picture of her but it was her or the photo. I worked with her for over a half an hour to get her back in the water and it was a great feeling when she finally swam away. I love Little Bay, Big Bay and Green Bay, what a great barely discovered fishery.

18-Where can people find out more about you? Such as Facebook and websites etc…….
On FaceBook I’m either on my page or the World Walleye page (which I run) every day.  My personal website is www.theresameade.com which has a list of sponsors, pictures and information about me and the WWA site has years of photos at www.worldwalleye.com .

19.-Outside of fishing what other hobbies do you enjoy?
I’m in golf, bowling and volleyball leagues, all of which I love to do. I’m a new golfer but getting better every time I go out. I think. I try to stay active and as healthy as possible and walk as many times a week as time and weather permit. I also spend time working with our local Lyme disease group, trying to spread the word about Lyme and it’s prevention.

20. On closing, what advice would you have for those considering fishing in tournaments?
Fishing tournaments is a process that you have to go through. Start small, learn everything you can from anyone you can, never be afraid to ask questions and don’t jump before you’re ready for that next step. Work on promoting your sponsors, you can do that from the very beginning and work your way up. It’s easy to get discouraged and feel like giving up but as we all know, nothing in life worthwhile comes easy. Stick to it, learn everything you can and share your knowledge every step of the way. Any questions? Shoot me a mail!