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NPAA Member Spotlight; NPAA Member Number 292, Kirt Hedquist

 Nov 15th, 2010 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Nov 15th, 2010 at 12:00 AM

  #292 Kirt Hedquist

1-Briefly describe yourself and where you are from?
I work for the Trane Company in St. Paul, MN, as a Service Engineer belonging to Pipefitters 539 Union for the past 25 years.  Married to my wife Jessica for 20 wonderful years, have 2 boys Mitch (16) and Mack (12) and a lab named Molly. Born and raised in Mora, MN currently resides in Lakeville, MN. 

2-What was your reason for joining the NPAA?
I got interested in tournament fishing, and thought that the NPAA would help shorten the learning curve on the business side, meet fellow competitive anglers that have gone thru this process and learn from them.  To align myself with an origination that promotes ethical competitive angling and the angler.  NPAA offers great programs that members can take advantage of.

3-Has the NPAA helped you in your career as a professional angler?
Yes it has, I have learned the business side of tournament angling, which is sales of sponsor’s products, how to promote myself as a promotional and professional angler and network with fellow competitive anglers.

4-How long have you been fishing?
Since I was 6, I remember sitting on the dock catching pan fish. Competitive angling since 2006.

5-Do you have any fishing idols?
A family friend who passed away a few years ago, Gordy who was passionate about the outdoors and I learned a lot from him. Another guy I would say I look up to is Johnnie Candle he is a great guy, since I have been in the NPAA t he has always had time to talk and answer any questions I had, from fishing to the business side.

6-Who do you enjoy fishing with the most?
My two sons Mitch and Mack, it is an adventure every time out. I also enjoy fishing by myself, it gives time to unwind, do my own thing.

7-If you could fish with anyone who would it be?
There are a couple of guys that come to mind, Al Lindner, Tommy Skarlis, Johnnie Candle, Mike Gofron and Gary Parsons.

8-What is your most memorable moment in fishing?
Winning the FLW League Championship in 2009 the feeling was incredible, my family was able to be there to watch, it was a tough start to the season, a severe hand injury forced me to miss the first event I was going to sit out the season, but I came back and had an awesome season.

9- What is a must have in your boat; don’t leave the dock without?
Leadcore trolling rods and a good attitude

10- What is your strength as an angler?
Lindy Rigging, trolling, information gathering and boat control

11-What is your weakness as an angler?
Jigging and Patience

12-Who are your sponsors?
I like to promote products I can honestly believe in. Tuffy Boats, Mercury Marine, Off Shore Tackle, Lindy Tackle, Humminbird, MinnKota, Cannon, And The Rod Glove.  Dean from Deans Tackle Box is not a sponsor but I enjoy promoting his business, he has offered some great advice since I have known him and enjoy helping him out.

13-What tournaments do you fish?
In the past FLW League, but that is gone.  In 2010 I fished the AIM event in Green Bay, Full Throttle Series on Mississippi River in Red Wing, MN.  This year looking at the MWC Central division I can team with my son.

14-Someday you would like to???
To become a full-time promotional/professional angler

15-If you were to ask your fellow anglers/competitors, what stands out the most about you?
Honest, quiet, willing to help, hardworking, high integrity, nice guy

16-In what ways do you promote angling?
I promote angling on my website www.moreyesfishing.com,  Facebook, speaking engagements and youth events.  I write articles which have been published on these websites; The Next Bite, OutdoorsFirst.com, Fishing Hot Spots, Walleye Wisdom.com. 
I was instrumental in starting the NPAA Facebook page with Johnnie Candle’s guidance, giving the NPAA another avenue to promote itself and grow.

17-What is the biggest fish you have ever caught?
In Florida I caught a 6.5′ Tarpon even though I had a broken wrist. As for Walleyes my 2 most memorable big fish weighed in over 10lb Pool 4 on the same day

18-Where can people find out more about you?
www.moreyesfishng.com, Facebook and the Member Profile at www.NPAA.net

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

Hunting upland game, Deer Hunting and wood working

20-In closing, what would you have to say to anyone that’s new to tournament fishing or guiding?
Take your time; join the NPAA, network with fellow anglers. If you want to make a living fishing, get a business degree and learn the business side as well as fishing side. Have fun and treat folks like you like would like to be treated.