🎣 About RW – The Fisherman Behind Fish-Fish-Find

Hey there—I’m Rich Waite, but most folks just call me RW. I’m the guy behind Fish-Fish-Find, and if you’re wondering whether there’s a real person running the show around here—well, you’re lookin’ at him.

I’ve been fishing since I was about eight years old. I still remember walking alongside my dad, heading down some riverbank to fish for catfish, or sitting in our little 14-foot flat-bottom boat with a 5-horse motor, chasing whatever would bite. A lot of those early days were spent with my step-grandfather too, fishing bluegills, crappie, drum, and cats on the Mississippi River. It didn’t take long before I was hooked—pun intended. 🎣

As I got older, there were few summer days I wasn’t out fishing somewhere. I got there however I could: by bike, moped, motorcycle, or eventually in my old Jeep. If there was water, I wanted to fish it.

Later on, I studied Fisheries and Wildlife Biology, did a bit of traveling across the U.S., and eventually settled in Missouri with my wife, Paula. I fished constantly there—rivers, creeks, reservoirs, ponds—you name it. But the Iowa has always had my heart, and 25 years ago we returned to our native Iowa, where we’ve been ever since.

🛶 Fishing Then and Now

Over the years, I’ve fished my fair share of tournaments. I’ve done well in bass and walleye events—placed high in quite a few, won several monthly kayak big bass contests, and even qualified for BFL regional events and the 2017 Kayak Bass Fishing National Championship. But these days? I’m more into the quiet. I’d rather be out there on a still morning by myself, or with a friend, or just soaking it all in with my family.

I’ve run multiple boats, and right now I fish from a 20′ Phoenix bass boat as well as several kayaks. My go-to rig is the Old Town PDL Sportsman, though I’ve landed more big bass than I can count out of my old Wilderness Ride 115. Kayak fishing is one of my favorite ways to stay connected to the water.

When I’m not fishing Iowa waters, you’ll probably find me in Missouri or Wisconsin, working shorelines, scouting points, or easing into hidden coves most folks overlook.

🧭 Why I Started Fish-Fish-Find

I started Fish-Fish-Find because I wanted to share what I’ve learned over the years and help others find more joy, more confidence, and more success out on the water.

Too often, fishing gets overcomplicated. With all the gear, gadgets, and endless opinions out there, it’s easy to feel like you don’t have enough to get started—or that you’re doing something wrong. But I’m here to tell you: you don’t need a $90,000 rig to catch fish.

Some of the best days I’ve ever had were on the bank, or off a dock, or sitting in a kayak with one rod and a plastic worm. Fishing can be simple, affordable, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re new to the sport or just looking to refine your approach, Fish-Fish-Find is here to help.

We keep things real, we keep them useful, and we always aim to make you a better angler—without the hype.

📝 A Bit About My Experience

When Paula and I lived in Montana, I also worked as a freelance outdoor writer. Over the years, I’ve written more than 100 articles for regional and national outdoor magazines, covering everything from how-to fishing tactics to seasonal species breakdowns. A few of those pieces were even reprinted in outdoor books.

I don’t bring that up to toot my own horn—but just to let you know that I’ve spent decades not only fishing, but also helping others learn how to fish smarter. Whether I’m writing an article or crafting a blog post for Fish-Fish-Find, the goal is the same: make it clear, make it helpful, and make it something you can use the next time you’re on the water.

💡 What You’ll Find Here

At Fish-Fish-Find, we’re all about no-nonsense fishing help—that means cheat sheets, blog posts, regional hotlists, tackle tips, and even some old-fashioned fishing humor to keep things fun. Whether you fish from a kayak, boat, or the bank, you’re welcome here.

Whenever you see something from Fish-Fish-Find, just know it came from me—and it came from the heart. I built this platform to support everyday anglers, and I want you to feel like you’ve got a fishing buddy in your corner.

🎉 Welcome to the Community

I hope something you find here helps you catch more fish, have more fun, and spend more time doing what you love. And if anything we share gives you a little edge—or helps you enjoy the experience just a bit more—that’s a win in my book.

So here’s to you and to yours…
May your lines be tight, your reels be smooth, and the holes in your net be smaller than the fish you catch. 🐟

Thanks for stopping by.
And welcome to the Fish-Fish-Find community.

—RW 🎣