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Mark’s Story
Mark met his wife Laura in 1996. Mark was living in NC and Laura was in IL. It was a long distance phone relationship for many months. After finally meeting, Mark moved to IL. When they tired of life in the big city, they moved to MI in 1999.
Laura and Mark lived in Kentwood and often spent their weekends in Up North during the summer. In 2000, they got married in Mom and Dad’s backyard in Elk Rapids. Mark loved the area and was eager to get out on the water.
In 2001, he came across a deal on a bass boat he could not pass up. His first passenger was Laura’s Dad, Roy. He introduced Mark to Elk Lake and all the hot fishing spots. Every chance he got he was out on the Lake. In 2005, Mark got the itch to try tournament fishing and started with B.A.S.S. in Michigan. He finished 7th in his first tournament and cashed a check! That hooked him. From there he has done tournaments with the ABA and the BFL. That was the start of 2 Da Bay.
In 2007, he decided to fish more seriously which meant upgrading his boat. He sold
his Bass Boat with a 150 HP motor for a newer Bass Boat with a 200 HP motor. That
year he did 19 tournaments and was gone almost every weekend for 6 months. Mark
qualified for the ABA Regional’s and finished 49th in the BFL-
In 2008 Mark obtained his first win on home waters in Detroit, Michigan. Mark won
the FLW-
In 2011, Mark is in search of his first victory as a Professional! When he is not chasing fish Mark is also noted for cooking up a gourmet meal. He always looks forward to making and fishing with his old and new friends and afterwards sitting down at the table to chat and end a great God given day and say thanks to all.
Mark’s Life Story -
Mark was born in Auburn, NY and grew up in Clayton, NY. His fascination with the river started at a very young age. He was fishing from the docks on the St. Lawrence River in the 60’s and bought his first boat (a 15 ½’ Starcraft with a 40 HP motor) at the age of 14. He still considers himself to be a “River Rat”.
Mark has 2 sons living in NC. Both purchased homes at a very young age and live across the street from each other. Todd is 25, an Electrician and a new Dad – which makes Mark and Laura Grandparents! Connor Robert arrived June 5th. Todd and Barbie also have 2 dogs – Lily and Whiskey. Dustin is 23 and a Police Officer in Angier. Dustin and his fiancée Carol are raising a German Shepherd pup named Sarge.
Laura often goes with Mark to pre-
The best fishing story happened in 2007 in Decatur, AL. After spending most of the
day on the river, Laura decided it was time for a potty break. Mark graciously offered
his “pee can”. She opted for a better option. So we headed down the river in search
of a ramp. We didn’t find one so went a little further towards Huntsville. On the
left was a park area with picnic tables and playground equipment. Luckily they had
a dock and at the top of the ramp a bathroom!! It was clean with warm running water! Mark had to try it out too! So after running so far, we decided to float down the
river towards some ledges. As we drifted, we saw a sign for the park – “U.S. Army
Installation – No Trespassing!!” We laughed about enjoying the use of our tax dollars
but stopped laughing when we heard a noise down the river. A Chopper had been deployed
and was headed down the river right for us. They were standing in the doorway with
their M-
Mark is Laura’s biggest supporter of her career. He graciously drops her off at the airport early on most Mondays and is happy to see her return on Friday. Laura has been with PCA for almost 25 years and it was PCA that helped to bring them together. She does Transportation for PCA and often jokes they “talk trucks” at home.
When not traveling with PCA, Laura tries to make all the big tournaments and supports Mark. She was his cheering section when he won the Chevy Open in Detroit and official photographer.
Laura was born in Chicago but always spent her summers in Elk Rapids, MI. She learned to fish in the Elk River with her buddies Jim and Jay McLain. It was great to have fresh perch for dinner! Laura got away from fishing as she got older and is rediscovering it with Mark.
Laura’s Story
Our First Mate -
Dudley was rescued from Orphans of the Storm (www.orphansofthestorm.org) in Riverwoods, IL. In 1998, Laura was starting to travel with PCA and Mark decided he needed somebody to talk to at home. So off we went to find a buddy.
Orphans of the Storm is a no kill shelter that literally has hundreds of dogs and cats to choose from. It was tough call to find that special one. After many hours of searching, Mark saw Dudley in a cage. He insists they made eye contact and he instantly knew that he was the right dog. Dudley was just 10 weeks old and we had to be sure he could be adopted. After doing a background check on us – they agreed we would be suitable parents and let us adopt him. Dudley sat in Mark’s lap the whole way home and they bonded further.
Dudley is now 10 years old and enjoys spending his summers on vacation with Grandma (Lois Nevin) in Elk Rapids. He gets to chase squirrels and spend lots of time outside. Plus he gives Mom someone to talk to. We fear Mom may want to keep him.
Dudley will come home to Grand Ledge after Labor Day. He loves to hog the bed and sleep on Laura’s pillow when she’s gone. Now that is spoiled!
Dudley passed away on 10/22/10 and will be deeply missed. He was our family. In honor of Dudley for 2011 we will be fishing for "Orphans of the Storm" as it is "All about the Animals."
Though Dudley will never be replaced, his spirit will be carried on with the newest members of the family, Tiffany Noel and Chloe. Click here to see them!
Dudley is our spoiled rotten Collie and the First Mate for 2 Da Bay. He has learned to ride backwards on the bass boat. He is not a big fan of the wind blowing through his hair. Not sure – but we think he may be a bit vain and does not like to mess up his hair!
