A Straight-Shooter Garners Nomination for Federation Prez

A good friend, bass fisherman extraordinaire, and best outboard mechanic one ever could ask for has added yet another accolade to his already long list of accomplishments. I'm talking about Wayne Hayes, the Virginia Beach angler who has been nominated for president of the Virginia Bass Chapter Federation.

As spelled out in his July 27, 2015, nomination letter, Wayne has been a Federation member for more than 40 years, since joining in 1974. During that time, he has been president of six different clubs, as well as director, assistant director, and tournament director for Region 7. He also has been called upon to run tournaments in other venues, among them the annual Steve Gambill Cancer Classic out of West Landing Marina in Virginia Beach.

The nomination letter went on to note that it's believed, "with his experience, infectious attitude, and tenacious ability to organize," Wayne would make a prime candidate to spur the Virginia Bass Chapter Federation on toward becoming tops in the nation.

The only other nominee for this post is the current Federation president, Scotty Stephenson, to whom Wayne already has pledged his support should Scotty win the voting at the next state board meeting. That's just the kind of guy Wayne is, and I speak from experience, because I've known him since the 1990s, when we both served at the Naval Safety Center in Norfolk--he as a Navy senior chief, and I as a Navy civilian.

Wayne pilots his boat back for weigh-in.

Back in those days, besides being my friend, Wayne serviced my reels and made spinnerbaits for me. Our friendship continued after his retirement from the Navy, through the time he was service manager for Sea Port Marine in Suffolk, servicing my Skeeter SX-170, and even unto the present day, when he still takes care of all my boat maintenance. I've also had the opportunity of spending a little time in his boat, where I quickly learned why he's such a successful angler.

How many guys do you know who, not once but twice, can claim to have won bass tournaments from the back seat? Wayne pulled that feat in 2003. The first time was in January that year, while fishing the amateur portion of a Bassmaster Pro Tour event on Lake Okeechobee. The second occasion was only a few months later, in July to be exact, while fishing as an amateur partner to a pro in the Maryland Bassmaster Northern Open on the Potomac River. His prize each time was a fully-rigged bass boat. He kept the first one but sold the other (a $24,000 Skeeter) and eventually traded the first one for a new Ranger, which he still drives today.

During a reporter's interview after his second back-seat win, Wayne said, "I've been fishing good, but never in my life could I have imagined winning two of these things. The competition is so good in an event like this."

When asked to explain his winning philosophy, Wayne responded, "I try not to throw the same baits they do when fishing tight cover. If they fish fast, I fish fast," adding that he keeps six rods rigged with baits to allow him to fish at the same pace as his boat partner. "You have to adapt and try to make friends with the guy and enjoy the day," he continued. "If you don't, you won't have an enjoyable outing. Whatever you do, don't give up. Sometimes, the last cast can do it," he concluded.


...runs raffle drawing at Region 7 tournament.

Despite having achieved this kind of success, the former military bass angler of the year remains as affable today as ever. He's always friendly, enjoys helping people, and he'll go out of his way to do so. However, he holds no punches in telling you like he sees it when asked a question, so unless you want the whole truth and nothing but the truth, don't bother asking in the first place. He's not one to give you a bunch of politically-correct mumbo jumbo just to make you feel better.

And there's not a doubt in my mind that, whether he wins or loses the voting for president of the Virginia Bass Chapter Federation, Wayne will continue being the same person I've always known. About the only thing that might change if he wins is that he perhaps won't have as much free time to work on my boat, but, hey, I'm sure I can find a way to work around that issue, if it ever really becomes an issue.

Oh! I just thought of one more thing that might change if Wayne becomes the new prez. He very well might post a sign on the door at all board meetings similar to the one that's posted conspicuously in his Ranger. It reads, "Get in, sit down, shut up, and hold on."

Win, lose or draw--my sincere congrats, good buddy.