Nowadays, it seems there are few true legends still active in our sport — anglers who helped to establish competitive fishing, blazing trails for younger generations to follow.
One man that fits that description is Woo Daves of Chester, Va. Daves has been battling in B.A.S.S. competitions for more than 50 years, and he’s still going strong. He’s a warrior.
Although best known for his talents on tidal waters, Woo’s skillset extends well beyond that. In fact, his most notable achievement was winning the 2000 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Michigan in Chicago.
Who would have imagined an angler who cut his teeth on the tidal rivers of the Chesapeake Bay, taking the honors on one of the Great Lakes, in competitive fishing’s most illustrious event? Yet, the soft-spoken Virginian did just that … besting 45 of the world’s top anglers in the process.
Knowing the man
I met Woo early in my career. By the time I showed up, he was already an established member of bass fishing’s elite and was widely known throughout the country.
I remember the signature vests he wore, blazoned front and back with the logos of innumerable sponsors — some easily identifiable, others obscure. I don’t think any touring pro has had more sponsors than Woo Daves.
Twice I fished against him in Classics on the James River, Woo’s home waters. Tournaments where he was the undeniable favorite going in. Although he was unable to secure a victory in any of three events there, he came damn close, finishing second in 1988, fifth in 1989, and fourth in 1990.
While pre-fishing for the 1989 event, I met a good friend of Woo’s — a guy by the name of Wade Rook. We hit it off from the start, and as time passed, our friendship strengthened. Soon, I met others close to Woo. Guys like Frank Poirier, Greg South and David Powroznik (Elite Series pro Jacob Powroznik’s father), all of whom were accomplished tournament anglers.
Their favorite hangout was The Ice House — a local tackle shop/country store in Chester, where lessons in humility were taught on a daily basis.
Perhaps that’s why Woo is so humble.
Growing with the sport
Over the years, Woo and I worked numerous promotions together. Some at Bass Pro Shops, others at consumer boat and tackle shows. I remember people lining up to meet Woo and get his autograph, even before he won the Classic. His demeanor was always friendly and kind, and he was quick to share a tip or two when asked.
I went to school on that. Seeing how easily his fans were able to approach him, and how he made them feel at ease. Woo never met a stranger.
Having competed against each other at so many tour stops, and having those close, mutual friends, I always felt comfortable around Woo. I knew if I needed something, he would try to oblige. And he knew I would do the same for him.
Whether it was a key lure or advice on ways to dissect a new body of water, Woo would try to help … not only me, but just about any of his fellow competitors. That was a rare quality back then.
Collaborating with Woo
In the early 1990s, I authored a column for Bassmaster Magazine titled “Techniques Illustrated,” which featured top anglers in key situations, highlighting their various skillsets.
Naturally, I called on Woo for his tidewater tactics. More specifically, how he approached visible cover in current with fluctuating water levels. It was one of the better installments of the series, and popular among the magazine’s subscribers.
I remember the interview like it was yesterday. Woo was full of information, but slow and measured in his delivery … guarded, in fact. And I understood why. I was asking for detailed information that took him years to develop through trial and error and countless days on the water. These were lessons that helped him carve out a living from the sport.
The attached diagrams are the result of that interview, and the information he shared still applies to this day. You can see the full article here.
Now that I’ve transitioned from the Elite Series to Bassmaster Opens, our paths cross more frequently. Woo has been a stalwart in the Opens for years. And though he’s not posting the results he was once noted for, the man still gives it his all. And there’s something to be said for that.
Determination and drive may fade with age, but there are some like Woo Daves, who fight it to the end. I tell him we’re like old prize fighters … we don’t know when to quit.
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