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NPAA Member Spotlight, Bruce ‘Doc’ Samson

Category: npaa

 Nov 29th, 2010 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Nov 29th, 2010 at 12:00 AM

                    
 #80    Bruce ‘Doc’ Samson                                   

1-Briefly describe yourself and where you are from?

I am a medical doctor with passion for fishing and competition. My journey has been full of excitement and hard work. I have had some great wins in the walleye tournament world. After my biggest win, I decided to make fishing a full time job and I gave up my medical practice in 2002 after 25 years. I didn’t understand what I had tackled at first and considered returning to my medical profession. But I love fishing and competition so I decided to succeed at fishing for a job. I have succeeded through hard work, persistence and through my fishing contacts, many that I developed through the NPAA. I rarely fail at challenges because I like hard work and I don’t give up easily.

2-What was your reason for joining the NPAA?

I joined because I felt it was the right thing to do without a specific plan and the NPAA has proven its worth to me. Part of my character is to pursue my passions without a clear plan and make changes to the plan as I see opportunities.

3-Has the NPAA helped you in your career as a professional angler?

	Doc Samson

Absolutely, the annual meeting starts the new year for me. I listen to every speaker and take home pages of notes for my business and ideas on competitive angling. I also get to meet with sponsors and old friends.

4-How long have you been fishing? Do you fish tournaments?

My fishing career started early as a kid in North Dakota catching chubs, suckers and shiners in the local river. I love competition and I have been in tournaments on any hobby I have pursued. I even made some spending money in college in bowling tournaments and pool competitions. It was a natural progression to walleye tournaments.

5-Do you have any fishing idols?

I have a great respect for many accomplished anglers.

6-Who do you enjoy fishing with the most?

When I get to fun fish, my friends are great. Pre-fishing for tournaments also includes my friends. Both experiences are different but they have to put up with leaving biting fish during pre-fishing.

7-If you could fish with anyone who would it be?

My Dad, but he is not alive. I took him fishing on a bank for northern pike and he tangled the line with a huge fish on and never got excited. He didn’t care about fishing; he just went along to be a good dad. He was extremely patient and even tempered. After being a parent and watching other parents, I realize I had the best dad.

8-What is your most memorable moment in fishing?

It was winning the RCL Championship in 2002. The suspense was overwhelming and I didn’t know I won until Rick Franklin said he had no more fish. I have won other tournaments but when you wait to weigh in you pick up hints and usually know you won.

9- What is a must have in your boat; don’t leave the dock without?

Sonar, presently a Lowrance HDS but 10 years ago it was a flasher. You must know what is below the boat to be successful at fishing.

10- What is your strength as an angler?

I have 3 main strengths, finding big fish, precision anchoring small spots and finding hidden fish. I use my knowledge of technology to augment those strengths.

11-What is your weakness as an angler?

Great lakes trolling, but I am learning and able to finish in the money but not win.

12-Who are your sponsors?

Mercury, Crestliner, LakeMaster, Lowrance, Northland Tackle, Optima Batteries, Wave Wackers, Smooth Moves seats and SLIX rod covers

13-What tournaments do you fish?

Presently I fish the AIM circuit because of the CRR (catch, record, release). This allows me to target big walleyes and allows for a possible come from behind on the last day. I have fished the FLW, PWT, and MWC.

14-Someday you would like to???

I would love to fish a tournament with one of my grandchildren.

15-If you were to ask your fellow anglers/competitors, what stands out the most about you?
Recluse during practice periods, fishing educator, and electronics wizard

16-In what ways do you promote angling?

I have become a fishing educator, which brings value to the companies I work with. Basically I teach people how to use their equipment so they can have more fun and catch more fish. I also enjoy participating in the kids fishing clinics at tournaments. It is one of the best parts of my job.

17-What is the biggest fish you have ever caught?

33 inch sturgeon, Columbia River

18-Where can people find out more about you? Such as Facebook and websites etc…….

www.doctorsonar.com
I have many fishing related articles, GPS and sonar tips for viewing at my educational website and a bio page.

19-Outside of fishing what other hobbies do you enjoy?

Catching minnows, walking and hiking with Julie, any type of exercise and I plan to take up pool, golf and chess again when I am old.

20. On closing, what advice would you have for those considering fishing in tournaments or guiding?

Guiding: You must have a network of people for contacts and fishing information. Remember to give the customer a good experience, use your skills to read them so you know what they need and book them for another trip immediately.