Phil Blackmar is a former professional golfer and an avid fisherman with a deep-rooted passion for both sports. Born into a family with a strong affinity for fishing and golfing, Blackmar's father, a Navy officer and a skilled golfer, introduced him to both sports at a young age. Blackmar's early life was characterized by frequent travels due to his father's naval career. However, since 1973, he has been a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas. His fishing journey began in Southern California, where he engaged in bass fishing as a child.

Scott Murray was born on September 15, 1945, in Edinburg, Texas, just thirteen days after the signing of the peace treaty in World War II. His parents, Melba Murray and Louis Murray, both had rural agricultural backgrounds and a deep love for the outdoors, which they passed on to Scott at a very early age. Murray moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, when he was about three years old and attended Sam Houston Elementary, Baker Junior High, and W. B. Ray High School, graduating in 1963. He then attended Del Mar Junior College, where he met his wife, Paulette.

John Sutton is a lifelong resident of the Texas coast, having lived in various cities, including Brownsville, Corpus Christi, and Kingsville. He comes from a family of sports fishermen, which includes his grandfather and father. Sutton's early life was largely spent on the coast, with fishing being a significant part of his upbringing. His first memory of Baffin Bay dates back to 1957, when he caught an extra-large speckled trout at the age of thirteen, an experience that deepened his love for Baffin Bay. Sutton's fishing experience extends beyond his early life and into his adulthood.

Mike Blackwood is a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, with a deep-rooted passion for fishing and hunting. He attended Ray High School and later graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in microbiology, specializing in viral studies. Blackwood's love for the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting, was nurtured from a young age. He spent a significant part of his life on the water, fishing, and hunting ducks. He also enjoyed bird hunting and bow hunting for elk in Colorado.

Cliff Webb is a native of South Texas, born in Port Lavaca Hospital. His father was a game warden, and his family moved to Corpus Christi in 1962 when Webb was around five years old. His father was tasked with protecting the bay systems, specifically Baffin Bay and Laguna Madre, from illegal commercial fishing activities. Webb grew up witnessing his father's efforts to protect the bay systems from illegal netters and commercial fishermen, which sparked his interest in the local marine life and fishing.

Dr. David McKee is a seasoned marine biologist with a rich history of involvement in the field. Born and raised in Sinton, Texas, Dr. McKee spent his early years with a keen interest in nature, often found with a BB gun in one hand and a fishing rod in the other. His passion for the outdoors was nurtured by his family, particularly his uncles and grandfather, who were avid hunters and fishermen. Dr. McKee's academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in biology from Texas A&M-Kingsville (formerly A&I).

Dr. Michael S. Wetz is a marine scientist with a deep-rooted interest in sharks, plankton ecology, and water quality. His fascination with marine life began at a young age, sparked by watching the movie "Jaws" and annual family vacations to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Born and raised in a small village in southeastern Ohio, Dr. Wetz's early life was far removed from the ocean. His parents, particularly his mother, nurtured his interest by taking him to the library to read about sharks and visiting SeaWorld near Cleveland, Ohio. Dr.

Captain David Rowsey is a seasoned fisherman and real estate appraiser known for his passion for saltwater fishing, particularly for trophy trout. Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, he was raised by a family of fishermen and developed a love for fishing from a young age. After his mother's divorce, he moved to Natchez, Mississippi, and later to Hunt, Texas, where he continued to nurture his love for fishing. Rowsey's first taste of saltwater fishing in high school marked a turning point in his life, shifting his interest from freshwater bass fishing to saltwater fishing.

Cookie Cooper is a seasoned fisherman with a rich history of fishing experiences across the United States. Born into an Air Force family, Cooper lived in various locations before settling in Texas in 1966 during the Vietnam War. His early life was marked by a love for fishing, which began with catching perch in a creek near his childhood home using safety pins, string, and a stick. Cooper's fishing journey took a significant turn when his family moved to Texas. Initially, he engaged in bass fishing in the lakes around San Antonio, a passion he pursued for about fourteen years.

Bo Kratz is a seasoned fisherman with a rich history in the sport, dating back to his childhood in the Midwest. Born and raised in Burlington, Iowa, a small town located on the southeastern corner of the state, Kratz was introduced to fishing at a very young age by his father, a passionate fly fisherman. His early fishing experiences were centered around the Mississippi River, where he and his father would wake up early in the morning to fish for bluegill, crappie, and bass.