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Mike Iaconelli

Mike “Ike” Iaconelli is a champion bass angler, fishing educator and host who shares days on the water through Going Ike, Ike in the Shop and Ike Live.

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Latest

Mike’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.

Known for

Overview

Nickname
Ike
Roots
Born in Philadelphia; grew up in Runnemede, New Jersey
Work
Professional angler, fishing educator and host
Breakout
2003 Bassmaster Classic champion
Hall of Fame
Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, class of 2023

Mini bio

How it started.

Mike grew up fishing with his grandfather and uncle, from Philadelphia’s rivers to family trips in the Poconos and along the Jersey Shore. Bassmaster magazines opened up the idea of fishing as a career. He joined Top Rod Bassmasters in 1990 and competed while studying public relations and advertising at Rowan University.

The breakthrough.

His path ran through club events, co-angler competition and the 1999 B.A.S.S. Federation National title. Winning the 2003 Bassmaster Classic brought him wider attention, with “never give up” becoming his signature phrase. He added the Angler of the Year title in 2006 and entered the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 2023.

Bringing fans along.

Mike turns fishing knowledge into on-the-water adventures, practical tackle lessons and conversations with other anglers. His work includes Going Ike, Ike in the Shop, Ike Live and the urban-fishing television series Fish My City. With Becky, he also runs the Ike Foundation to help introduce young people to fishing.

The next chapter.

In August 2026, Mike reflected on leaving the Bassmaster Elite Series. He described plans to keep entertaining and teaching fishing fans through articles, social media videos and television, while leaving room for selected tournaments.

Creditschronological, newest first

Online series and podcasts

Awards

Quotes

If I didn’t have a fishing family this never would have happenedMike Iaconelli, Bassmaster

In a 2022 career profile, Mike credited his grandfather and uncle with introducing him to fishing.

Trivia

  1. He ran a DJ business called Baseline Disc Jockeys in high school and college.
  2. He collects old ink bottles.
  3. His Shop contains an aquarium used to test lure action and buoyancy.
  4. He passed his 1990 graduation-gift boat on to his son Vegas.

Find Mike

Follow Mike for fishing lessons, days on the water and conversations with fellow anglers.

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