As a young boy, I grew up in a small town in Northeast Iowa. Back then there wasn't any cell phones, twitter, Facebook, cable TV or high speed internet. My days were filled with fishing and hunting. Every once and awhile we would take a trip down to a relative’s house. It was always special. Not because of whom we saw, but what we left with. This relative would save up all his Sports Afield magazines and give them to me. It was my source of learning new fishing techniques and lures. I would spend hours reading it over and over especially anything written by Homer Circle.

It was Circle’s enthusiasm for bass fishing that helped ignite my passion for fishing. So much, I purchased the Glen Lau’s video classic film BIGMOUTH with Circle. I knew if Circle was in it that the video would be loaded with information and tips for catching largemouth bass. Imagine the thrill of watching it the first time and see Circle go toe-to-toe with a giant largemouth that breaks his rod!

His achievements are countless. Circle served as president of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and a Cornerstone Heritage Member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Circle also wrote a monthly column in Bassmaster Magazine called “Ask Uncle Homer” besides writing books including The Art of Plug fishing, Worming and Plugging for Bass, Circle on Bass, The Art of Plug Fishing and Bass Wisdom.

Circle not only inspired countless anglers to go out and fish, but taught them how to catch more and bigger fish when they went fishing. His work also inspired many of the outdoor writers today including me to write about the great outdoors.

His legacy will live on in his books and magazine columns. He will be deeply missed by everyone. For me, I will always remember how he was able to communicate his passion and knowledge of fishing to a young man living in Iowa.

The Fisherman's Prayer

God grant that I may fish
until my dying day;
And when at last I come to rest,
I'll then humbly pray;
When in His landing net
I lie in final sleep;
That in His mercy I'll be judged
as good enough to keep!
--Homer Circle