David Bortner, fishing

David Bortner was born to fish, or so it seems.

Bortner first tested the waters when he was 4, and today seems to spend more time on water than on land.

"It's one of those things where your dad takes you hunting and you just get hooked," Bortner, 39, says.

And now fish have been getting hooked by Bortner much of his life, especially the last 10 years since he has taken up tournament fishing.

Bortner, of Jackson, is the president of the Bass Club of Southeast Missouri, an organization that welcomes all fishermen.

"Just show up," Bortner says.

Not only does he run the program but Bortner also fishes with the best of the them in the club, which meets the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Conservation Center.

Competing in 15 tournaments and four or five regional tournaments, Bortner spends well over 60 days a year just practicing.

"The funny thing is," Bortner explains, "I don't even catch fish when I'm out there for fun. I just let the fish hit the bait and get a feel for them. You have to learn to think like fish. You get that from experience."

Most competitions consist of fishing for large-mouth bass and all are catch-and-release.

Bortner has reeled in big fish in his days, his largest being a 10-pound large-mouth bass from a farm pond. A seven-pound large-mouth bass is the biggest tournament catch of Bortner's career.

Bortner lives with his wife, who is starting to practice with him a little.

"She practices but doesn't do the tournaments," he says. "The weather always seems to be brutal during the tournaments, so she stays in."

Bortner said he wants to fish on a pro-am circuit next year while staying involved in club fishing.

"The club is too much fun to leave," he says. "Everyone has a special bond there."

After the pro-am, Bortner said he hopes to get involved at the next level, the Everstart circuit, where prize money is more abundant.

-- David Unterreiner