TONY ROACH
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN FISHING?
My first recollection was fishing in my grandfather's boat at age 5, with dad and grandpa. I am proud to say my grandpa Bob’s boat was red Lund counsel boat with the closed aluminum bow; I think he had a 35 Mercury. No Joke, he made me a fishing pole out of a willow stick. It worked perfectly for plucking bluegill out of bulrushes. This was a small piece of the puzzle that started my journey as an angler.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A LUND PRO-STAFF?
I grew up in a Lund. Growing up as a Roach I have never known anything else but Lund. I can remember fishing out of my dad’s 1985 18’ Pro-Angler with a 40 mariner, thinking, "It doesn’t get any better than this." I have that same feeling today. Every year when I sit in the new Lund models, I think wow. "It doesn’t get any better than this."
CAN YOU TELL US THE LARGEST FISH YOU HAVE EVER CAUGHT?
I caught a 52" Musky on a ¼ oz Fireball jig and 10 lb Fire line. My big fish always seem to come when I’m not expecting it.
WHERE DO YOU MOSTLY FISH?
Mille Lacs Lake, MN. I enjoy Mille Lacs because every day is a challenge. It is such a diverse body of water to fish walleyes. The lake allows me to apply a wide spectrum of angling tactics to catch fish. I own Roach’s guide service, one of the largest guide teams on the lake, and fish all major tournaments on Mille Lacs Lake.
WHAT IS THE BEST FISHING TIP THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
At one seminar I attend by Gary Roach a person asked the question, "In stained water you said to use bright colors and in clear water use natural colors. What if that doesn’t work?" Gary replied, "Then just switch them."
IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE ANGLING COMMUNITY?
I am a year round guide, tournament angler, writer, and promoter. As a full time angler I am fortunate to be on the water 250+ days. I try to share my angling experiences and knowledge with people where ever I go. I take an honest approach to telling my story and what helps me exceed as an angler. Often times I also share what isn’t working as well. All anglers can learn from each other regardless of level of experience; everyone has a story. I am still writing mine, at the landing, in the boat, seminars, television, radio, print, in-stores, at the bait shop, at kid’s events or on the internet. I eat, sleep and breathe fishing, and love to hear good fishing stories.
PICK 5 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF
Funny, Friendly, Honest, Caring, and Talkative.
WHAT WAS THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE?
I am young, so I don’t have all of life’s experiences yet. If I had to choose a couple years it would be the year I got married and the years my kids were born.
WHAT IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE EVER BOUGHT?
Where do I start? I am sucker for new products, especially when it comes to fishing and hunting. I have countless gadgets and trinkets that were a must-have! I like talking fishing, so sales people see me coming for miles.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
An old fisherman once told me, "Life is like a book. Even when the chapters get tough, keep reading on!"
WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN PEOPLE?
People’s ability to help each other in time of need. I’m always amazed at how generous people can be.
WHAT’S YOUR WORST HABIT?
Nail biting, when I get in tournaments. If we are down to the last fish, or if the pressure is on, the nails tend to take the abuse.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MODEL OF LUND TO FISH OUT OF AND WHY?
Right now 2075 Pro-V Tiller. It is a walleye fishing machine. Hands down the best boat I have ever fished out of. However, my perspective on boats is always changing. Every year the Lund team adds new models and cutting edge designs that simply raise the bar.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO OUR ENTIRE STAFF AT LUND BOATS?
Lund Boats are truly the "Ultimate Fishing Experience." Lund is built on a solid foundation, for anglers by anglers. I feel privileged to be part of the Lund family and look forward to many great years ahead.
