Got to spend some time with 14 yr old Atlee and his Dad Friday Night, just kidding on the Van Dam part. However if you witnessed what I observed you would think the samething. Both his Dad (tff:4967) and I let him have the front deck all night, while I ran the boat sitting with pops in the rear. We fished about 10% of the time.

Atlee wound up with 12 bass with zero help except for the netman, he backlashed 1 time at the end of the trip (5 am) I attribute that to stamina. We would move into spots and I would tell him the high percentage spots and he would hit those spots either right on them or 1 to 2 ft away. Early that night I spent 5 minutes on the Jig and how I used it and he absorbed that info and I never had to remind him of anything we discussed. Atlee has pure focus he has that silent but deadly demeanor, personally I enjoyed every single minute of the Atlee show. It has now been a few days later, and I still remember everything about this trip and can not wait until I get to have him on my front deck again.

Guys remember that name Atlee, because if he sticks to a Angling career he will go places. Not just saying this because of his dad here. Saying this because I personally witnessed what this young angler is capable of. Never seen anything like it and I get to fish with many. Definitely have not felt this way before, if I was his Dad I would be the proudest dad there was..it was not just his fishing abilities either.

Great job young man , and you are welcome on my boat anytime.. Paul

Atlee with his 6 lb 2 oz Bass (his PB is 7 lb 8 oz)

Great job Atlee and Paul for putting him on fish.

Thanks Paul! We had fun, and his smile says it all!! I am very proud of that young man, and I think he'll be ready for another night or two in August. See ya soon...

Excellent write-up Paul. Thanks for sharing.

That's awesome, keep at it Atlee

Great fish. Congrats to the young man!

good stuff Paul. love to see people share their gifts with the future of the sport

Great story. Hope he sticks with it.