Jim DaRosa Jim has been an avid hunter and fisherman for over 45 years. Growing up in Southern Illinois, Jim began hunting and fishing around Crab Orchard Reservoir and Lake of Egypt near Carbondale, Illinois. At the ripe old age of 15, Jim caught his first five pound bass and harvested his first Canada goose and mallard duck, since then Jim has been hooked on the outdoors.
Jim has dedicated more than 45 years in pursuit of largemouth and smallmouth bass from Mexico to Minnesota. He is a 20 plus year veteran of competitive bass fishing (over 200 events), having won several individual and team events in the Midwest. Some of his honors include winning the CBFA Bass Fishing Classic at the Fox Chain of Lakes. Jim was always a strong contender on both team and individual bass fishing events.
Jim is the co-host and founder of the Fishing Line and Outdoor Radio Show now in its 25th season. Some of his favorite broadcasting memories include, being part of the press corps at many B.A.S.S. Masters Classics and sharing fishing and hunting experiences with his listeners and fellow co-hosts Ray Ludkevicz and Don Dziedzina.
In addition he has served as a Pro Staffer and field tester doing promotional work for many leading fishing and boating companies. Jim is a frequent presenter of fishing seminars at local and regional fishing clubs and sport shows. Jim founded the Southwest Chicago Fishing and Boating show. Proceeds from the show have gone to fund many worthwhile charities, including the prevention of child abuse.
Jim is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and is retired from the field of Parks and Recreation after 35 years of service. Retirement has given Jim additional time to pursue his love and passion for the outdoors. In the summer you can find Jim chasing trophy smallmouth bass on Lake Mille Lacs in Minnesota where Jim has a summer home. In 2006 Jim began guiding for “brownies” on Mille Lacs and very much enjoys teaching people how to fish, and gets great satisfaction watching someone catch a trophy or their “personal best”. In 2007 Jim guided 24 trips and spent over 100 days on the big lake. He is a licensed Master Pilot Guide through the state of Minnesota and is fully insured.
Winter time pursuits include a passion for duck and goose hunting, upland game hunting, and some ice fishing.
