The great ones stand the test of time. For over sixty years, the Lake of the Ozarks has provided excellent bass fishing for generations of anglers.
With its rock bluffs, mud flats, gravel bars, coves of all sizes and an endless supply of docks and crappie beds, the lake is the home practice ground for top professional fishermen like Denny Brauer and Guido Hibdon, and their sons Chad Brauer and Dion Hibdon.
Like this vast lake he calls home, Guido Hibdon has stayed on top of his game for many years. One of the pioneer tournament anglers on the national circuit, Guido has won the B.A.S.S. Masters Classic twice and has been B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year twice.
His son, Dion Hibdon, honed his fishing skills on the Lake of the Ozarks and has gone on to national success as well, winning the B.A.S.S. Masters Classic himself in 1997.
Denny Brauer is the current "Tiger Woods" of bass tournament anglers. With walls full of plaques and rooms full of trophies, plus over two million dollars in tournament winnings, he has garnered virtually every accolade the sport has to offer, including his image on a Wheaties cereal box. Although still actively tournament fishing, Denny also produces a nationally televised fishing show, "Bass Class."
His son, Chad Brauer, aptly represents the new generation of tournament anglers. Not only is Chad an excellent fisherman with several national victories, he also has a college degree in fisheries biology and a strong background in business management, necessary credentials in today's top level competition.
Now a third generation of young Brauers and Hibdons are casting their lures and hopes upon the waters. For them, and for all of us, the Lake of the Ozarks is the great one - forever fresh and fun.
-Betty Swihart |
