Our featured Anglers for February are John Boughers and Ron O'Brien
"Virginia Federation's Oldest Members"

by Peter Robbins
(Who is Pete Robbins & What else has he written?)

We are constantly encouraged to “take a kid fishing.” Toward this end, the Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation, like most state Federations, has a successful youth fishing program, led by John Britton (profiled in August, 2001). Certainly, engaging youngsters in this great sport is an admirable and worthwhile endeavor, but all of this attention placed on our youngest participants led the staff of this website to inquire about our organization’s OLDEST members.

Our search led us to John Boughers, 83 years old, Alden (“Colvo”) Colvocorresses, also 83, and Ron O’Brien, 76. More importantly, we found out why there’s no “take a senior fishing” program…..these guys don’t need it! Each of them is every bit as active as members half their age. Additionally, each of them has a list of life experiences and achievements so substantial that it sounds like we’ve made it up.

This month, we profile John Boughers and Ron O’Brien. Because Colvo has been one of my close friends and fishing partners for over six years, I’ll document his unique personality and story in the near future.

In drafting these profiles over the past year, most of my subjects have talked about being introduced to bass fishing at a very young age by their father or grandfather or some other kindly adult. Not all of us were so lucky as children, however. Those who discover bass fishing as adults are just as able to enjoy the benefits and values of this great sport….but they just have to accelerate the process.

John Boughers

Ron O'Brien