Tribute to Billy........

[elnutsmalljaws]

I just started seriously fishing 2 years ago and love to catch Smallmouth more than any other. Have my 2nd Annual December trip for Smallies at Dale Hollow starting this coming Thursday. Hope to catch and release every one of them "Ol Brown Fish" in the lake during the time that I am there. I never met Billy Westmoreland and only saw a very few of his shows but I find myself wanting to learn more and more about him for his relationship to my favorite fish. I just finished reading "Them Ol Brown Fish" for about the 5th time and learn something else everytime I read it. For what I know about the man he was an outstanding fisherman but more importantly an outstanding individual. Read about him taking kids fishing to help them catch a Smallie and can't wait to watch my 2 year old son cacth his first smallie. The first Smallie that I boat during this trip will be a tribute to Billy and all that I have learned from reading articles, books and other information that he published. It does not matter what size it is for from what I can tell Billy enjoyed catching a 12 incher just as much as a 5 pounder. For all of you guys that knew Billy personally you are lucky. For me, I will keep researching things to read about him. Funny that I am not a mushy kind of man but find myself missing him even though I never met him. Rest in Peace Billy.

Tight Lines

[LRB]

My dad ran into Billy down ay Lake Weiss in Alabama a few years ago. Dad told him how much my son, who was about 8 years old at the time, loved to fish. A week later my son received an autographed picture from Billy in the mail.

THAT is a true sportsMAN.

[Jose]

Thanks for the memory of one of my favorite fisherman of all time. I knew Billy pretty well after working on his fishing show "Billy Westmorland's Fishing Diary" for a few years. I'd edit all the commercial breaks into the show and then send the program to one of the many local markets across the mid-west and southeast that aired it. I even got to be a guest on a show once. That is something I will always tresure. My favorite story about Billy is watching him outfish a guide on the guide's home-water (Lake Erie)while Billy used a silver buddy and the guide used live bait! I still have a picture of Billy and I holding a couple of giant smallmouth from that trip hanging in my office.

Have a great trip and rememer, when you're fishing on Dale, you're fishing on hollowed ground. Let us know how you did. I'm heading to Barren this thursday, Friday and Saturday!

[elnutsmalljaws]

Do you know where I can get copies of his shows. I would love to watch them. I only saw a couple and then it was just because nothing else was on. Kicking myself because I did not get involved in fishing until I was in my mid 30's. By then it was too late to see any of Billy's shows. Any help is most appreciated. You can email me at [email protected] if you ahve any information on Billy's shows.

Thanks

Tight Lines

[know1]

I'd like to read and learn more about Billy Westmoreland.

Was he a tournament fisherman?

[SilverRanger]

In his early years Billy fished Tournaments. He then started guiding and pretty much gave up Tournaments.

I don't remember the year, but it was while Larry's Marina was in Lexington on New Circle Rd near Parkette Drive in(somewhere in the mid 80's),that's the first time I met Billy. He was doing a TV spot there and took time to talk to anyone that wanted to talk to him.

Unlike some of todays Pro Anglers, Billy had time for anyone.

He was a true gentle giant of a man.

I'm glad I had the chance to meet this person.

[stratosjoe]

Everyone I know loves fishin
and leavin cares behind
The feelin of a big one on the line

I like freshness of the springtime and colors of the fall
But I like catchin Smallmouth best of all

Sure do like the easy feel of a lazy summers Day
The sun on my back,wind across my face

But I start feelin warmer Come the first snowfall

Cause I like Catchin Smallmouth Best Of All !!
Billy took the words out of my mouth never had the priveledge
of meeting him sure wished I could have...Stratosjoe

[Jose]

I'd contact WKYT-TV's programming department in Lexington (859) 299-0411. However, out of respect for Billy's family, I don't think they're going to release or air any of his shows.

[Chubminnow]

It sure would be nice if Billy's book: "Them Ol' Brownfish", was still available for purchasing...

[elnutsmalljaws]

Post something on this site stating you want to buy one and you will get some responses. This is how I found mine to buy. Had 3 more people wanting to sell me a copy the same day I bought the one I got. Can't remember exactly but I think I paid around $25 for the copy I got. Even had one nice guy send me his copy to read before I found my own. Someone will probably sale you one.

Tight Lines

[Chubminnow]

Thanks Elnut...will do!

[opie]

I am going down the day after Christmas for a few days. I'm beginning to really enjoy this winter smallie fishing myself. Let us know how you do. I also throw them all back for more to catch. Hope you have a great trip.