The pitch: There's this guy, a Californian. Goes by the name Skeet. He's 38. Still has a little dye in his hair. Drives a big, yellow truck. The thing holds 214 gallons of gas, tows a sleek boat. He's made himself into one of the elite anglers on the professional fishing circuit, but he can't escape his past dancing for money on nightclub stages and in nightclub cages.

GREENVILLE, S.C. - When Kathy Magers "retired" from bass fishing eight years ago, she had no clue what was on the horizon for her and women who fish professionally.

At that time, all those years ago in 2000, Magers and the ladies competed on the Women's Bass Fishing Association. It was the only professional circuit specifically for women and was the successor to the Bass 'n Gal trail that had been around for a couple of decades.

Beginning Friday, Todd Auten will fish the biggest bass tournament on the planet. Earlier this month, he took me out for a while on his home waters of Lake Wylie.

Ever wonder how a big time pro gears up for the Bassmaster Classic? I did.

ANDERSON — Casey Ashley says fishing has been his passion since he was old enough to walk, and he isn’t exaggerating.

Mr. Ashley remembers crawling into a boat with his parents at the tender age of 4 and heading out on the water in search of crappie. Instead, Mr. Ashley reeled in a largemouth bass.

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I have the opportunity to present the inaugural issue of MARLIN WORLD.

LINK TO MAGAZINE: http://viewer.zmags.com/showmag.php?mid=pgptf

1. Click anywhere on the screen to ZOOM in and read.

The idea for Outdoorsman Exchange came about in an instant, but in a way it was sometime in the making – we just didn’t realize it at the time.

For years my husband, Paul, has wanted to go on an elk hunt. I’ve encouraged him many times. He and his brothers talk how they should all go elk hunting out west with their Dad before age took its toll on him. Pursuit of that dream sounded good but there was always the financial reality check that held my husband back. He couldn’t justify spending money on a guided hunting trip and felt a guided trip was the only way to go for a successful hunt. This voice inside kept telling him - we need to save money for more sensible things like kids braces, college funds, etc. Most everyone can relate to these thoughts, unless you’re an heir to a fortune.