Hometown: Oakland, CA
Current Residence: Dallas, TX
Birthday: July 31
Favorite Movie: The Godfather
Favorite Music: Old School Hip Hop and R&B
Home Lake: Lake Ray Hubbard
Favorite Lake: Lake Okeechobee – “I love knowing on any given cast, I can catch a trophy bass!”
Favorite Technique: Throwing swimbaits – “I love the ferocity of the strike!”
Flipping heavy cover – “I love the hand-to-hand combat with the bass!”
Primary Fishing Strength: Shallow water fishing
Secondary Fishing Strength: Finesse fishing (Drop shot & Shaky head)
Boat: Charger 395 TF
Motor: Yamaha VMAX 200
Tow Vehicle: GMC Envoy
Fishing Sponsors: PowerTeam Lures, Skinny Bear Bass Jigs
Tournament Stats
2011 Walmart BFL Co-Angler Champion/Lake Toho, FL
2009 Walmart BFL Regional Championship Qualifier
Three top fifteen Walmart BFL tournament finishes since 2009
Five top forty Walmart BFL tournament finishes since 2009
More about Darrel Thomas
I started fishing at age 5 with my family in lakes all over Northern California. I got my love of fishing from my father. From ages 11-25, I also played competitive baseball. When I graduated high school, I received a baseball scholarship to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. I was a pitcher until a shoulder injury in 1991. But, I still love baseball!
I always said after my baseball career was over, I wanted to go into broadcasting. So, I enrolled in broadcasting school. After graduating from broadcasting school, I worked in radio and started a successful DJ entertainment company in the Bay Area. I grew my entertainment company to also include voice-over recordings and audio production. I relocated to Florida in 2002. After moving to Florida, I regained my love of fishing!
To fuel my competitive spirit, I began fishing bass tournaments in 2009. In 2010, I was chosen to be an FLW Wal-Mart Fishing Ambassador, where I acted as a consultant during their Spring Fishing Expo. In 2011, I won my first Walmart BFL tournament on Lake Toho, FL. I have written (4) articles as a contributing writer for Coastal Angler Magazine/Lakeland, FL edition.
Since moving to Texas in 2012, I have become a member of the Dallas Bass Hookers Fishing Club. As a member, I compete in monthly club sponsored tournaments. I will also compete in a variety of other bass fishing circuits including B.A.S.S, F.L.W, Bass Champs and Texas Team Trail.
My goal is to help sponsors promote, market and advertise their products and/or services through bass tournaments, public appearances, as well as direct marketing attached to my boat and tournament jersey.
Work History
- 25 years of experience as a Sales & Marketing Professional
- Currently working as Sales Manager – Event Production, AVT Event Technologies, Omni Mandalay Las Colinas – Irving , TX
AFFILIATIONS
- Member of Dallas Bass Hookers
- Member of Professional Anglers Association
- Member of B.A.S.S.
- Member of FLW
- Affiliated with IFBBA