Profile:
Art Ferguson III
Born and raised in Rochester, Michigan in 1964.
Art now resides in St. Clair Shores, Michigan during the summer and St. Cloud, Florida in the winter months.
Full time fisherman since 1990. Art quit full time plumbing apprenticeship for the opportunity to start fishing BASSMaster Tournament Trail after qualifying for the 1990 "BASSMasters CLASSIC" (the most prestigious tournament in the World), through the B.A.S.S. Federation ranks.
During the Classic, Art was offered an opportunity to start working out of Roland Martins Marina on Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Florida that winter and had been guiding during the winter months out of that marina since 1991.
In 2005, Art moved north after Hurricane Wilma hurt the fishing on Okeechobee. Now guiding in Orlando, Florida region. Hitting some of the hottest lakes in Central Florida including: Lake Toho / Kissimmee Chain of Lakes where the 2006 Bassmaster Classic was held. Also Sitckmarsh, Lake Walk'n Water, Butler Chain, Conway Chain, East Lake Toho and many other lakes. This is exciting to Art as he has adjusted to this area.
Now guiding in Orlando, Florida region. Hitting some of the hottest lakes in Central Florida including: Lake Toho/Kissimmee Chain of Lakes where the 2006 Bassmaster Classic was held. Also, Stickmarsh, Lake Walk'n Water, Butler Chain, Conway Chain, East Lake Toho and many other lakes. This is exciting to Art as he adjusts to the area.
Art also guides in Michigan in the Spring and Summer months. He thoroughly enjoys it and has had the pleasure of fishing with some great people! Amazingly, over 28 years of experience is behind him now becoming truly a smallmouth specialist. He has also in 2005, began Provider Tackle Company, making both smallmouth and largemouth lures.
He never thought he'd become a full time bass fishing guide, until he went broke trying to fish the trail (ouch). He qualified for 1991-92 Top 100 trail and didn't fair so well. Reality hit and it was time for a REAL job!
After a vigourous season fishing the 1998-99 Kmart Bassmaster Top 150 circuit, traveling over 20,000 miles and 10 weeks, he qualified for the 1999 "BASSMaster's CLASSIC".
Again in the 1999-2000 season he qualified for the 2000 "BASSMaster's CLASSIC", ranking 4th in points. He also had his first BASSMaster's Top 150 victory in May at Wheeler Lake, Decatur, AL.
In 2003, he did it again. Requalifying for the 2004 "BASSMaster's CLASSIC" which was held on Lake Wylie near Charlotte, NC. He qualified through the BASSMaster Northern Opens where he was blessed with another victory on Oneida Lake near Syracuse, NY. During the 3 tournament season he had a 2nd and a 4th place finish. This gave him the Northern Open points leader title. He is very thankful for that accomplishment in his life. Recently, he has also made the FLW Championship in 2006, 2007, 2008 and now, 2009, 4 straight years!!
In February 16, 1999, he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior and has seen his life completely change for the better. Knowing that he knows that he knows JESUS! True answered prayers, Joy and Peace unspeakable!! Though not always perfect, He is with US!
Things that can only be called "supernatural" happening in his life. Now his biggest desire is to let people know what JESUS CHRIST can do for them!
Hobbies:
Baseball, Guitar, Golf, and Biking
