Name: Randy Cnota

Location: Arizona

Favorite local water to fish: Freshwater: Lake Seminole | Saltwater: St Andrews Bay

Describe yourself in 10 words or less…Dedicated family man, fiercely competitive tournament angler.

A little bio/blurb about yourself (tell us your history): Born/raised in CA. Recently retired after 24 years of service to the U.S. Air Force. I have an AA degree in Aircrew Safety Systems from the Community College of the Air Force. I’ve fished for nearly all species of fish since I could hold a rod and I’ve competed in bass tournaments for the last 22 years. I now compete professionally in bass tournaments all over the South and will soon be guiding both salt and freshwater tours here in Panama City.

Rod of choice? 7’ 6” Med Heavy. I can do just about anything with it.

Saltwater vs. Freshwater? Freshwater…tournament bass fishing is my addiction.

Best fishing experience? Competing in The Bass Federation National Championship on Lake Wylie, NC in 2008. I qualified through the ranks beginning at the club level and rose to national level with a shot at the FLW Cup. I fell just short of going on to the Cup but what a ride it was.

Favorite fish species? Largemouth Bass and Redfish for catching, grouper and flounder for eating.

Favorite lure? Anything that will draw explosive surface strikes.

What’s your most productive technique for your fish of choice? Jigging…whether it’s fresh or salt I can catch them with some sort of jig…shallow, deep or anywhere in between.

Do you volunteer any or have any passions outside the industry? I’m still deeply entrenched with the Air Force community here as my wife is still active duty. She volunteers us for many events that contribute to the morale and welfare of our Airmen. I will be giving away monthly guided fishing trips to troops returning from deployments. I’m a member of the Disabled American Veterans and American Legion.