By Derrek Stewart, October 2010, Re-edited 12/22/23
The author’s preface, On Tour with Dee
Thomas, was initially published in the Bass Angler Magazine, Winter 2011
edition. The legendary Dee Thomas was my first interview. I had read many
articles on Dee, most recounting his tournament history and stats. Determined to
create something different, these are the highlights as I spent the day fishing
with Dee on the spectacular California Delta. Enjoy.
Outstanding
During the fall of 2009, at an FLW National Guard California Delta event, I was a spectator at the final day pro weigh-in. The anglers that comprised the top ten might look like any final cut anywhere around the country. There was one exception though. That angler was none other than Dee Thomas. Well into his 70s, equipped with a custom handrail on his boat deck and bottled oxygen to assist breathing, Dee Thomas was on the stage with nine other anglers, most of whom were easily half his age.
I found this to be extremely remarkable. Not all but many accomplished tournament anglers seem to reach a point in their career, and even though they may still compete, not much seems to happen. When I watched Dee on stage, he demonstrated that such was not his case. Despite his condition, the determination was still there. He was right in the thick of it at one of the biggest shows on the West Coast. He was competing against younger anglers, some of the best on the planet, many in great athletic shape. He was demonstrating that he could still get the job done.
Weighing final day limit
Observing Dee on stage, I could not help but think of the young physically fit anglers I've watched mentally in the middle of competition just quit and give up. We have been exposed many times to the history, the innovations, the honors, and the impact that Dee Thomas has made on bass fishing. I knew that day in Oakley, California, as I listened to Dee speak on stage, I wanted to learn more. What drives this guy? What makes Dee Thomas who he is?
Expecting to be turned down, I took a shot and asked Mr. Thomas for an interview. I was amazed when Dee said yes and invited me to spend a day with him. I hadn't spoken to him for more than a few minutes, and his charterer was standing out again.
Giving Back
I first learned that this man is a giver, not a taker. For him to be in his current condition and grant me his day is remarkable. This speaks highly to his willingness to give back to the sport of bass fishing. I am aware of several recent articles and radio interviews featuring Dee. These demands for his time have been accruing since he was the 1st Californian to travel back east and win a B.A.S.S. event in the mid-1970s. What was in it for him to say yes to my "On Tour" request? Nothing.
Give back. Those two words are Dee's biggest message to fellow anglers, especially talented tournament anglers. Do something that doesn't just benefit yourself but also helps kids and the disabled go fishing. Dee says he sees too many selfish attitudes in bass fishing today and encourages anglers to get involved, support, build, and protect our beloved sport.
"Hop in Dude"
Confidence
The Father of Flipping continues to flip. I watched Dee make his first flip of the day out on the water. Seconds after his lure softly entered the water, he stated, "Haven't been bit yet. I must be off today!" Dee's attitude was the next thing I noticed. He has the right attitude and self-confidence in his skills, equipment, and knowledge. He knows that he can get the job done.
Line in left hand as lure begins to pendulum towards the target. He makes a perfect flip with the quietest entry, making it look effortless.
Confidence is at the core of his mental preparation, and he fears no one. Fishing his second B.A.S.S. event in 1975 at Bull Shoals, he found himself in second place at the end of day one. Tommy Martin led a field comprised of Who's Who in professional bass angling. Dee remembers looking at the standings after day one. Looking up at the leaderboard, he realized he could compete against and beat anyone. Then Dee told himself, "There was no doubt what I could do"! He went on to destroy the field and win the three-day event.
Competition
Anyone who has experienced the tournament trail knows it is one of the most physically and mentally demanding endeavors you can take on. When I asked Dee how he could still keep up in this sport and continue to perform at the level he does, he laughed and simply answered, "The bass do not know how old I am." The bass do not know who he is. Dee has always felt that he only competes against the bass. This strategy has been at the forefront of his approach throughout his career.
He explained that he has never fished against a man; he has never tried to beat a bunch of guys. He has always tried to beat the fish. He does not think about beating the field when he enters a tournament. He aims to go out and catch the five biggest bass he can. Winning will come with accomplishing what Dee Thomas sets out to do. Experience: knowledge of the body of water, the time of year, the time of day, water conditions, and the day's conditions will allow him to select his techniques and figure out the fish. He has never had nor will worry about other anglers. "I'm only figuring out what the bass want." In doing so, as he puts it, "the results will follow."
Heading to the next cast.
Change: Make it Work For You
During Dee's earlier fishing ventures, before his B.A.S.S. tournaments, he observed two anglers loading their boat during a trip to Clear Lake. They had fishing poles that were at least 14' in length. At first, Dee thought they were perch fishermen. When asked, they replied with big smiles, "No, we fish for black bass." The answer surprised Dee. Dee waited at the dock to see the catch the two long pole anglers brought in. In the days before catch and release, these guys had ten bass; the smallest was 3 pounds.
This left a big impression on Dee, and he started tulle dipping. He equipped himself with a 12' pole and fixed line without a reel. He then started practicing and fishing many different lakes, including the California Delta. In the days before braided line, the long pole allowed a strong angler to place a bait in well-protected holes, hook a bass and then forcefully hoist them out. Dee said, "I became a good tulle dipper and was tearing the bass up." It did not take long before he entered California bass tournaments with the long pole.
Soon, Dee won with tulle dipping techniques, and the competition was furious. At that time, nothing in the rules did not allow the long pole. Perhaps these other competitors didn't realize that they could tulle dip. Several of the "conventional" anglers went to the tournament director. Under protest, they told him that if you continue to allow Dee Thomas to use his long pole, they would no longer fish his events.
The T.D. went to Dee, explained the situation, and then asked Dee how much he would be willing to shorten his fishing pole. Dee, much to his credit, said, "Ok, I will limit it to 7'-6." With a new, shorter conventional setup featuring a reel, Dee returned to the business of catching bass. At first, the new equipment was not working well for him. He couldn't quite reach his targets; it just wasn't right.
So he started experimenting, holding the line in one hand and then swinging his lures out towards his marks. It did not take long, and Dee realized he could get farther back under overhangs, lay-downs, and docks. He also discovered that he could cover a greater range of depth by holding the line out in one hand and starting with a longer line length than his tulle dipping gear. He was now able to target more bass than ever.
Those protesters would soon learn that they should have left well enough alone. Their objections had just made Dee even better. Dee grins as he tells the story of how, during the tournaments preceding the new rod length rule, he crushed the field repeatedly. They forced Dee to change, and he made it work for him as he developed his new technique of Flipping!
Flipping the Deeper Outside Weed Edge
Fish Like an Old Man
Flipping sticks as we know them today have not changed drastically since Dee Thomas developed the first one. But now they are much lighter, more sensitive, and have better guides. Dee says with braided line and modern hooks, "You don't have to be fast and strong." Modern equipment enables an older angler like Dee to get in the ring with younger talent. Dee's advice is to "Fish Like an Old Man." He says if you watch super talent like Brent Ehrler or Skeet Reese, they don't rush, they fish methodically, and every cast is fished like it is the last one they will make. They also don't overfish. He explained that this is how he has always done it through much of his career.
Practice When It Matters
During practice, Dee says fishing the same hours as the tournament is essential. He cites guys pre-fishing that go out mid-day, fish late in the afternoon, and come back bragging about the 15 pounds they caught. Dee says they are not helping themselves. The fish typically constantly bite well late in the day, but the information gained does not have much value to Dee. His advice is, "You need to pre-fish the tournament hours."
On The Hunt
Organized
I have had the great privilege of being in the boat with many extremely accomplished bass anglers. This group includes a few Hall of Fame inductees, tournament champions of the highest caliber, television hosts, authors, successful lure and technique innovators, and other excellent sticks who tend to avoid the radar. One of the most common traits these anglers display is equipment management. Across the board, their tackle and boats are all extremely organized. Dee is no exception and one of the best I've seen. Skillful and smooth use of your tools translates to efficiency; this starts with equipment organization. Efficiency is a great friend of success.
Tackle Management
Lessons from a Champion
Asking Dee what keeps him fishing and winning, he switches to a matter-of-fact reply, "Dude, this is what I do; I fish." I doubt Dee will ever give up. As he put it, as long as his body allows him, he will continue to fish and succeed while competing.
Dee hopes that he has taught people how to fish, which will be his legacy above all. Dee, you have done that and so much more. Thanks to your trial and error, you have taught us lessons that cut the learning curve for all who follow. You are one of the original Californians to show the nation how to catch fish in new ways and dominate the competition. Dee is an innovator of equipment but, even more importantly, an innovator of techniques. Yet it does not stop there; even today, Dee teaches us dedication, passion, and spirit. Dee, you have shown that age does not matter and that one should never give up.
Mr. Thomas, you have taught us well and continue to teach us daily. Thank you.
Author’s Note Post Script: After meeting the Father of
Flipping, Hall of Fame angler Dee Thomas, on the California Delta in 2009 for
this interview, he continued to compete and impact the bass fishing community. The
“King of the Delta” passed away on July 18th, 2022, at 85.
