RON FIBKE

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN FISHING?

I was first out on frozen lakes ice fishing with my dad at 4 or 5 years old. In the summer we were fishing from the shore until we got our first boat and off we went to Cross Lake for some open water fishing. To this day I am not sure what happened, but at some point we were swimming and the boat was sinking! These young experiences captured my full attention and I have been focused on fishing for the better part of 40 years now!

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A LUND PRO-STAFF?

I became familiar with what Lund had to offer through 9 years of participating in the Northern Alberta Angler Young Angler with my 2 sons. Through this venue I’ve met several of the Lund field staff and as I was gaining more knowledge on boat capabilities, choosing Lund was a clear choice. I looked up too, and asked advice of Lund’s pro staff then, and now I am happy to spend time talking to and mentoring other anglers. I have the opportunity to talk with many people through the many seminars and boat shows I work at each year.

CAN YOU TELL US THE LARGEST FISH YOU HAVE EVER CAUGHT?

While competing in the Vanity Cup in Nipiwan Saskatchewan, the rules state you were allowed 5 fish in the livewell, 3 under 55 cm & 2 over 70 cm. My partner and I had a 10.7 lb & a 12.4 lb walleye in the boat. We were having battery issues that day and with 2 hours left of fishing we thought it would best to weigh them in and spend the remainder of the time trying to upgrade our unders. As we were drifting along the river, close to the weigh in scales, that’s when it happened… I reeled in a 13 lb Walleye. Out just for fun, I caught a 125 lb Blue Marlin off the coast of the Dominican Republic and that was quite a catch from a very small fishing boat and a lawn chair!

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta.

WHERE DO YOU MOSTLY FISH?

I fish primarily in Northern Alberta Lakes, focusing on Moose Lake, one each on the East and West side of Slave Lake, Pinehurst and also 3 tournaments in Saskatchewan each year as well. This season I will be at all the sanctioned tournaments for the Western Canadian Walleye Trail in 2015.

WHAT IS THE BEST FISHING TIP THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Don’t let the big one get away!

IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE ANGLING COMMUNITY?

Along with organizing and directing the Lund’s northern Alberta leg of the AYA tournament, I also spend 4 days a year at the Edmonton Boat and Sportsman show and take my boat to Wabamum in the spring for Demo Days. As the president for the Western Canadian Walleye Trail, I am actively involved in what’s happening with Alberta’s lakes and work closely with Alberta’s Sustainably Resource Department. I’m fortunate to represent Cabela’s Canada, so I hold seminars several times a year on fishing techniques. I also volunteer for the Cabela’s Kids Can Catch event. My Lund boat goes with me to all of these events and is on display in front of Cabela’s and at the sportsman shows. This year I was proud to be a part of Weekend Warriors with Cabela’s, an amazing program for veterans. I was honored to spend a couple days fishing & talking with some incredible people.

PICK 5 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF

Energetic, Charismatic, Ambitious, Meticulous and maybe sometimes, Stubborn.

WHAT WAS THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE?

1994, the year my twin boys were born.

WHAT IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE EVER BOUGHT?

On vacation in Montana, I thought it best at the time to purchase a pair of sweat pants along the MC Hammer style from back in the day…One leg was a spectacular shiny yellow material and the other leg was shiny blue. Printed down the side of one leg was Montana in some amazing lettering. Upon my return to Canada, a customs officer asked me if I had declared everything for re-entry. I confidently answered yes, completely forgetting I was wearing my brand new Montana pants. Oops!

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

I had recently started with a company at 17 years old, and on the first day of hunting season I decided no one would miss me. I had seen other employees come and go without notifying the supervisor. I got home from hunting that day to very angry message on my phone from supervisor that simply said "where are you?" The tone of that message resonated in me and set my work ethic going forward. 25 years later, I am still with this company hoping to instill the same values in the next generation.

WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN PEOPLE?

Organizational skills, loyalty and honesty.

WHAT’S YOUR WORST HABIT?

I am very impulsive. I don’t like waiting for anything!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MODEL OF LUND TO FISH OUT OF AND WHY?

The GL208 has been my favorite so far. It is a classy looking boat that looks great in and out of the water. It tracks well and for competitive fishing the layout of the boat is great!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO OUR ENTIRE STAFF AT LUND BOATS?

To the Lund staff, I would like to thank you for helping to shape my fishing career and I look forward to continuing a long relationship. I hope to gain more opportunities with Lund, with possibilities of meeting and participating in some of the Eastern Canada events or meet and greets. It’s been a pleasure getting to know other staff through the Edmonton Boat and Sportsman show and the Pro Staff dinners.