From the very first time this angler went fishing, he was bitten by the fishing bug. As a youth, he competed in several pike and bass tournaments.
Today as a Federal Corrections Officer, he learned at a young age that the best way to combat every day stresses was to get out on the water and fish.
For a little insight on this angler, it is my pleasure to introduce Northern Ontario Walleye Trail (NOWT) pro Ivan Misevic.
Q: Where were you born?
A: Toronto, Ont.
Q: Who played a role in getting you started in fishing?
A: My father Josip Misevic.
Q: As a youth, where did you fish and for what?
A: My family had a cottage on Round Lake just outside of Kirkland Lake, Ont. so I fished that lake as well as Blanche River and Crooked Creek.
Q: What age did you start fishing?
A: Four years old
Q: How did you get into walleye tournament fishing and why?
A: My father took my brother and myself to local walleye tournaments when we were five and six years old and we won trophies and prizes for biggest walleye and pike. I was hooked.
Q: What was your most memorial fishing experience and why?
A: It has to be 2013 with fellow Crestliner Prostaff Shane Turcotte on the Detroit River for a Cabela’s Master Walleye Circuit event with a full field of the top USA and Canadian anglers. We came in a close second place with over a 84.9lbs for 10 walleye – the only team to weigh in over 40 lbs a day. That was my best weight in a tournament. Shane and I fished two more tournaments and gained enough points to qualify for the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit Championship held in Devils Lake, N.D.
Q: List any anglers that helped you learn more about fishing over the years.
A: My father Josip Misevic, Russ Smith, Dean Bliss, Paul Weller, Dan Hein, DJ Germain, Chris McMillan, Jason Doyon and Shane Turcotte who showed me big water fishing as well as my fishing partners over the years.
Q: List sponsors and tournament finishes.
A: Over the 30 plus years of tournaments, I have had several top 10 finishes in walleye, pike and bass tournaments. Because of my main sponsor – Huntsville Marine – I have concentrated my time and effort in working the Toronto shows representing Huntsville Marine and Crestliner. This year I am happy to announce that Huntsville Marine has given me a !950 Fishhawk with a 225 Mercury Verado, 9.9 Pro-Kicker and 112 Min-Kota to use for the year. I also have Garmin on board as well as Fin-Tech and Macks Lures.
Q: Biggest fishing supports over the years? (example: wife, family and friends)
A: My parents Josip and Anne Misevic, and brothers John and Joey as well as my wife Joanne Hrbolich. Friends: Russ Smith, Dean Bliss, Dennis Martin, Jody Villeneuve, Perry Caverson have been amazing friends and there for me when I get down and frustrated over the years.
Q: What are some of your favourite fish you like to fish for and why?
A: Of course walleye… the challenge and they taste amazing. Bass because of the fight, lake trout in the spring – another good fighting fish that taste good. Love river speckles and the challenge and finesse to catch them.
Q: What are your favourite fishing techniques for walleye?
A: Trolling handmade harnesses either on a bouncer, planer board or long line, jig fishing and slip bobbering mid-summer suspended walleye.
Q: Why do you fish walleye tournaments?
A: I am competitive in nature and played team sports growing up. There is nothing better than going up against the top anglers to test your skill and technique to try and win. As most of us know, it’s hard to win a tournament and everything has to come together. When it does, there is no better feeling of accomplishment.
Q: Why did you agree to have your bio done?
A: Well, you asked me and I said why not its good for me to maybe give back to the sport I love. I get fulfillment when I guide people new to fishing or getting their kids into it… the look on their faces when they catch their first fish or biggest fish, it never gets old.
Q: Any tips you would give to a new walleye angler looking at fishing the NOWT?
A: Ask questions, observe what others are doing and listen to the stories. Experience is valuable, watch shows and read fishing magazines because a lot of the advice will work on the water as there is always something new coming out. I am still learning. Be patient, you won’t win your first tournament but I’ve seen it happen. Give other boats that are fishing the courteously you would expect. Don’t get too close or follow people who are on fish. The whole reason to fish a tournament is to challenge yourself and your knowledge to beat the best anglers on whatever circuit you are on. Trust me, it’s more fulfilling to beat the field on your own with your plan and technique. If you have any questions I would be more than happy to answer them.
Q: What would be some of your greatest accomplishes over the years of fishing?
A: The first and foremost, the friendships I made that last a lifetime. I have learned a lot about myself as I have had some good days and some lousy days. But my attitude and fortitude never made me give up. You will have good years and you will have bad years, but you are still fishing and it’s better than work. I have qualified for the Michigan Walleye Tour Championships twice with Stu Mungham and the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit Championships with Shane Turcotte. I also had the privilege to represent Canada in the CAN-AM Challenge in Brimley, Mich.
I would like to thank Ivan for taking the time for this interview and for sharing his passion of the sport of fishing with us.
Whether you're an angler or hunter; a camp, lodge, resort owner; or just holding an outdoor event and would like some exposure, please feel free to email us at [email protected]
