About Fisherman’s Authority

We are your source for fishing information, tips, tactics and fishing gear reviews and recommendations.

Our team of experts share their knowledge with our readers in an effort to help them become better fisherman and catch more fish.

Meet The Team

Below you will find our team of fishing experts at Fisherman's Authority who love to share their knowledge with our readers.

John VanDerLaan With A Big Fresh Steelhead

John VanDerLaan

John VanDerLaan is the founder and lead editor at Fisherman's Authority. John is a passionate fisherman whose travels have taken him all over the country in search of different species of gamefish. He has won bass fishing tournaments, including the 1987 Candlewood Classic. He also chases winter steelhead in upstate New York, summer stripers in New England and spends a lot of time fishing the waters of the Florida Keys. John is an active member of the Outdoor Writers Association Of America.

You can reach John by email at john@fishermansauthority.com

Shawn Lentz

Shawn Lentz

Shawn Lentz is an avid sportsman who loves to write about his fishing and hunting experiences. A former fish and wildlife professional, Shawn also weaves his passion for conservation, fishing and hunting into stories for publications like Fair Chase Magazine, Wide Open Spaces, DeerHuntingGuide.net, and more. Shawn is an active member of The Outdoor Writers Of America Association. For more info, go to www.shawn-lentz.com

You can reach Shawn by email at shawn@fishermansauthority.com

Vern Lovic

Vern Lovic

Vern grew up in Pennsylvania fishing for trout in streams and bass in lakes and ponds. He then moved to the west coast of Florida where he discovered surf fishing and inshore saltwater fishing from his kayak. Vern is an outdoor writer and loves to share his knowledge and fishing experiences. He is the founder of Salty101.com and has written for numerous online fishing publications.

You can reach Vern by email at vern@fishermansauthority.com

Jimmy Martin with a trophy smallmouth bass

Jimmy Martin

Jimmy is an outdoor writer and frequent contributor to Fisherman's Authority. Jimmy fishes 12 months a year and is an expert in bass fishing, panfish, catfishing and more. He loves to fish from his boat, but he also does a lot of fishing from the banks of rivers and the shoreline of lakes and ponds. Jimmy is proud to share his methods with others, so that they can enjoy the outdoors with their friends and family. He has a passion for introducing kids to the outdoors and the sport of fishing.

You can reach Jimmy by email at jmmy@fishermansauthority.com

Clarence Fish Fishburne

Clarence "Fish" Fishburne

Fish grew up in the south fishing for catfish, bream, bass and anything else he could get to bite his bait or lure. After college he moved to Maryland and now fishes the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay and other waters in the surrounding area. He frequently travels to other parts of the country in search different species of gamefish.

You can reach Fish by email at fish@fishermansauthority.com

Brian Hopkins

Brian Hopkins

Brian is an outdoor writer and the youngest member of our team, but he is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to fishing and different techniques for catching different species. He shares valuable information that the younger generation can relate to. When he is not fishing, you can find him hanging with his friends and gaming on his computer.

You can reach Brian by email at brian@fishermansauthority.com