Get to know Paul Etcheson (@f.a.r.outdoors)

Dive into the fishing world of Paul Etcheson, the bass-hunting aficionado of Tampa Bay, Florida, whose story is not just about the catch, but about the art of fishing itself.

Favorite Fish

There are many fish in the sea, but Paul loves bass in particular “because of the fight they put on. To him, fishing is more like an adrenaline-pumping showdown where each bass is a fighter, and Florida is the arena.

Go-To Fishing Spot

Although Tampa Bay is his go-to fishing spot, you really can’t box Paul into just one area when it comes to fishing. He enjoys the thrill of fishing in general, so he does not have a clear-cut preference for either freshwater or saltwater. Courtesy of his lakeside living, however, he’s been fishing more in freshwater as of late.

Bait Preferences

Here's a much expected twist: Paul prefers artificial baits over live ones. "Because of the challenge," he says. It's not about the easy catch for Paul; it's about the craft, the strategy, and the satisfaction of outwitting fish.

Learning the Ropes

Paul’s biggest catch is a 9 lbs. 11.2 oz bass–a testament not just to his skill, but also the amount of time he’s spent perfecting his craft. When asked about who taught him fishing, he mentioned learning from his dad, brother, and friends. But for Paul, the learning never stops: “I am still learning,” he admits, showcasing the sheer humility that he has as an angler.

Tips for Beginners

For those just starting out, Paul's advice is simple yet invaluable: "Just have fun and be open to learning new things." Fishing, after all, is as much about enjoyment as it is about the catch.

His Fishing Philosophy

Fishing for Paul is more than a hobby; it's a way of life. It's his moment of escape, where he forgets "about everything that's not fishing" as he immerses himself in the catch completely.

Wanna use the same gear Paul uses for his fishing adventures? Take advantage of Paul's exclusive promo code "FAR20" for a 20% discount on Baitium shirts!