During my naval career, I fished as a non-boater in MBAA (Military Bass Anglers Association) draw tournaments. Later, as a defense contract worker, I moved west to Ridgecrest, California, and quickly learned it was a different fishology.
A co-worker at the Naval Weapons Center, Jeff Stuart, invited me into MBAA tournaments. My first event was in Yuma, Arizona, on the Colorado River. I did not weigh a fish that day, but that moment shaped my mindset and growth as an angler.
As a Director
I received three Director Achievement Awards, including national rankings in 1996 (7th of 10) and 1997 (3rd of 10). In 2000, I received my third Director award and had the opportunity to direct bass tournaments across five regions from 1998 to 2007.
I am a life member of BASS with the rare 30-year patch, a member of the Association of B.A.S.S Professionals, and an active conservation volunteer for Lake Isabella, Castaic, Pyramid, Casitas, and Cachuma.
As a Fisherman
Highlights include 1st place at Yuma in December 2000 and 1st place at Pyramid Lake in May 2000, along with big fish awards in both MBAA tournaments.
I also earned one 2nd place finish, three 3rd place finishes, one 5th place finish, three 8th place finishes, and multiple top 10 and top 20 placements. In 1997, I ranked 5th nationally among Navy fishermen in MBAA programs.
Today, after retiring from Northrop Grumman Corporation, I remain the humble owner of True Image Enterprise. I bring what I have learned from top pro anglers and mentors into developing high-quality soft plastic fishing baits for deep-water structure.
Thank you and "keep a tight line."
Sincerely,
Ray Caldwell