Greatest Angler Debate 2012

[WarEagle24]

It's been 7 years since ESPN released it's top 10 greatest angler list. A lot of things have changed since then. Where would you list the top 10? Here's mine:

1-Kevin VanDam
2-Rick Clunn
3-Roland Martin
4-Denny Brauer
5-Larry Nixon
6-Bill Dance
7-Skeet Reese
8-Hank Parker
9-Micheal Iaconelli
10-Mark Davis

[Nowater2shallow]

i think one needs to look at all the classic quilifiers and see who has been there every year since then some are well known and some are not that is where may list would start

[Thefisherman64]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by wareagle24 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">It's been 7 years since ESPN released it's top 10 greatest angler list. A lot of things have changed since then. Where would you list the top 10? Here's mine:

1-Kevin VanDam
2-Rick Clunn
3-Roland Martin
4-Denny Brauer
5-Larry Nixon
6-Bill Dance
7-Skeet Reese
8-Hank Parker
9-Micheal Iaconelli
10-Mark Davis

</td></tr></table>

I believe you hit very close.

I just think that the one guy I have always thought of as part of the all time elete is Gary Cline. Never won the big show, but I think he has been there more than most.

[RoughThumbBG]

Are you talking the top 10 of all time or the 10 best at this time?

[mrlawler1]

Purely on the water, in fishermans terms, KVD has to be 1. Not sure Clunn has done enough in the last 10 or so years to remain that high on the list. Martin and Dance. Would be in the top T And not sure if Ike or Skeet would be on mine.outside the top T It would be hard to say.

1. Kevin Van Dam
2. Roland Martin
3. Bill Dance
4. Denny Brauer
5. Larry Nixon
6. Rick Clunn
7. Hank Parker
8. Maybe Jay Yelas
9. Maybe Tommy Martin
10. Mike Iaconelli

[BassCatnVa]

I don't think Mike should be on there as he doesn't have many wins. Maybe Dean Rojas, Luke Clausen or David Dudley

[cubswin]

I think hank parker is up higher on my list.

Hard to argue with the names on your list, though I don't think Ioconelli is going to make mine. I'd put David Fritts in his place probably.

And Gary Klien may replace Reese

[adamchasejones]

Iaconelli def deserves tO b on there. He's got a classic win and an aoy. Always in the top ten or so in points he's earned a spot even if he is overzealous w things at times

[mrlawler1]

Only Ike is on mine at 10 Is because he's qualified for the last 13 Or 14 Classics straight. Being able to do it year in and year out has to mean something seeing who he's competing against......

[mowigglewart]

Aaron Martin is crying somewhere for being left off the list.

[188Musky]

Greatest angler? This whole list is a farce!

You goofs do know that there are lots of other fish besides bass in this world?

[WarEagle24]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by RoughThumbBG &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Are you talking the top 10 of all time or the 10 best at this time?
</td></tr></table>

Of all time.

[Bryanmc57]

I don't think Skeet or Bill Dance belong on that list. Just my opinion.

[earthworm77]

I'm not sure if this list should be made up of the current guys who are fishing the tour or the guys that contributed to the sport the most.
I don't think that winning a Classic is the sole reason any man should be on this list for that reason I eliminated guys like Ike. I think that what the listed men have done for the sport, their influence, and consistency should be a measure as to their overall value on the list. All of you guys put anglers on that are/were competitive pro anglers on the list. I don't necessarily think that they are the best out there, maybe in their circle they are/were. However, if I am considering consistent big bass anglers, none of them are on my list. If I am considering people who pioneered technological advancements like Iovino and LCD's or Yamamoto and his line of baits and methods to use them, none of them stack up. Yes many of these guys are the posterboys for baits and gear based on their overall success. Yamamotos Senko and Hula gained its street cred on performance. We all know a few of these guys are hawking stuff nobody in their right mind should buy...(rocket rod Roland Martin). I'm not convinced that all the stuff with KVD's name on it is actually good stuff and I'm sure a ton of it is purchased solely because his name is on it

1. Kevin Van Dam- the most consistent angler of all time, the best money guy in the business
2. Rick Clunn- I rate him a close second to KVD. I am fascinated by the intellgence that goes into his approach, he was the KVD of his time.
3. Roland Martin- Rolo put bass fishing on the map, never able to win the big dance his dominance and AOY titles are only matched by KVD.
4. Bill Dance- Along with Martin, an old guard type of guy who got out of competitive fishing and put together one of the longest running shows on tv.
5. Denny Brauer- Brauer put the exclamation point on fishing to your strengths. I don't think any angler is as good with a jig as he, remained dominant for a long time, despite essentially being a one trick pony.
6. Larry Nixon- Nixon is another old guard guy who is a phenominal career, I spent a day with him once and he impressed me with his approach and his willingness to listen to me about mine.
7. Hank Parker- I'm not sure there is a more likable guy than Hank, great tv host, 2 Classic titles over 30 yrs.
8. Gary Klein- 29 Classic berths.....you gotta be good to get there that often
9. Paul Elias- old guard, consistency and a Classic title give him relevance on my list. 30 year career and still competitive.
10. a host of names could fill this spot up....George Cochran(2 classic titles), Bobby Murray also 2 Classic Victories, Don Iovino(godfather of finesse and electronics), Gary Yamamoto, Jay Yelas, Doug Hannon 1000+ bass over 10lbs, Bill Siementel big bass specialist, Bill Murphy big bass specialist, Billy Westmoreland smallie guru, Buck Perry godfather of structure fishing....man, the list can go on.

[SSNCHIEF]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by adamchasejones &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Iaconelli def deserves tO b on there. He's got a classic win and an aoy. Always in the top ten or so in points he's earned a spot even if he is overzealous w things at times</td></tr></table>
Don't forget everything he does for the kids!

[gamuddawg151]

George Cochran has to be on there 2 classics and An FLW championship take Ike off

[Mark Tr.]

Don't forget Parkers second Classic win was because Jim Bitter dropped a fish overboard holding it for the cameras.

[Mark Perry]

There is no debate. Its KVD and there is a HUGE gap betweem him and second place right now.

[Big Bass Man]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Mark Perry &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">There is no debate. Its KVD and there is a HUGE gap betweem him and second place right now.</td></tr></table>

Very true!!

[mrlawler1]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by mowigglewart &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Aaron Martin is crying somewhere for being left off the list. </td></tr></table>

True...wonder how he feels about the alabama rig......