Meet Jim Austin

A champion angler, Austin holds the record for the largest bass caught on Lake Oconee, GA, weighing in at nearly 14 pounds. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Jim remembers his first fishing trip like it was yesterday. He was only five years old when he reeled in his first bream—a thrill he will never forget. He’s been smitten with fishing ever since.
      Growing up in the segregated South during the 1950s and ’60s, Austin, like other African Americans in the region, was restricted for the most part to fishing in small creeks and ponds. Undaunted by these challenges, Austin broke through the ranks to enter national fishing tournaments as a young adult. He was the first African American to successfully compete in the Red Man Tournament, where he captured 5th Place in the Bulldog Division.
      Still making history, Austin is the first African American to host a television fishing series. It’s taken many years for Austin to realize his dream of having his own show. “I needed to find a way to make fishing a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone,” said Austin. “I also know first hand how hard it can be to get a shot at competing in this sport. Having tournaments featured on ‘Angler’s Paradise’ is really a plus.”
      “It’s important that our viewers know that fishing is a fun, leisure activity, and it can become a career as well. It’s a very lucrative sport at the professional level. On a part-time basis, an angler has a chance to earn anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000 each year.”
      In addition to being the host of “Angler’s Paradise,” Austin owns and operates several small businesses in Atlanta. He also spends as much quality time as he can with his young grandchildren.
      “My plan is to take my grandchildren fishing as often as possible because it’s important to start them out when they’re young.”
      “Plant those seeds early and you might raise a full-fledged professional angler.”

Jim Austin
CEO & Founder

Meet Dan Bojo

Home: Northport, Alabama, (born in Akron, Ohio)
Occupation: Public Relations Director, Angler's Paradise; PR FISHING WITH JIM AUSTIN Age: 59 Boat: 1998 Javelin 389B with 150 Yamaha HPDI
Sponsors: Angler’s Paradise, Secret Weapon Lures, DRIFTWOOD LURES, FISHING WITH JIM AUSTIN, Rod Wrap
Tournaments: Anglers Paradise Trail, BASS Federation, S.A.B.B.A. (Sportsmen’s Association of Black Bass Anglers) tournaments, Westside Bass Club, open tournaments, American Bass Anglers (ABA); FISHING WITH JIM AUSTIN TRAIL
Favorite Fishing Lures & techniques: Crankbait shallow runner. Spinnerbait in trees and over and along edge grass (now using SWL spinnerbait); Finesse worm for spotted bass (on ledges and rock walls); Pitch sweet beaver to docks
Personal: Wife, Pam, is office manager for Davis Eye Clinic; married 34 years. 2 daughters: Stephanie (optomitrist) and Monica (accountant), and grand daughter Maddie 16 months. Pets: 2 labs (Sugar & Gypsy) both rescued from the pound. 
Accomplishments: 9th place 2005 overall  ANGLERS PARADISE TRAIL; 1st  Angler of year Westside Bass Club 2005; 6th place Anglers Paradise tournament Lake Logan Martin Sept 16&17th--2005 ; Top 10 for the year in Angler’s Paradise, 7th Place in the Angler’s Paradise at Logan Martin Sept. 16 & 17; PRO-STAFF DRIFTWOOD LURES; qualified for WWC BASS FAN ARMY at PIC-WIC Lake, ABA National champiomnship Kentucky Lake 2006; PRO-STAFF NORTHLAND TACKLE
Favorite Angler: Rick Clunn

Dan Bojo
PR, Sign-In, Weigh-In

Meet Lee Bridwell

Lee Bridwell
Sign-In, Check-In

Meet Orlando Harris

Home: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Occupation: Supervisor
Boat: 520 Ranger
Bass Club: Westside Bass Club
Tournaments: FISHING WITH JIM AUSTIN TRAIL, S.A.B.B.A. (Sportsmen’s Association of Black Bass Anglers) tournaments, local tournaments
Favorite Fishing Lures & techniques: Jig
Favorite Lake: Logan Martin
Accomplishments: President S.A.B.B.A., Repeatedly awarded for fishing excellence.
Duties: Weigh-In

Meet JD Ward

JD Ward
Weigh-In

Meet Eric McCloud(MAC)

Eric McCloud
Weight Recorder
Weign-In

Meet Bino Patterson

Bino Patterson
Home: Greenwood, SC and Augusta, GA
Occupation: Fish and Fishing
Age: 60
Boat: Triton Tr 20
Sponsors: Nature's Way, Inc
Tournaments: Fishing with Jim Austin tournament Trail, Anglers Paradise Trail, Bass S.A.B.B.A. (Sportsmen’s Associations of Black Bass Anglers), Tackle Box Trail, Carolina Bass Club. Founder of the Triple Hook Bass Anglers.
Favorite Fishing Lures & techniques: Plastic and steel spinner bait, crank jigs, and most important slow, slow,( SLOW.)
Personal: Midnight (my dog) she love me and I love her, she wags her tail when I come home.
Accomplishments: Qualified for WWC- Bass Fan Army, 2008. 2007, top ten Fishing with Jim Austin, Tackle Box, Triple Hook and Carolina Bass. 2006, S.A.B.B.A. Mega Buck Winner at Logan Martin. 2005, second place Lay Lake.
Favorite Angler: Rick Clum