PORT RICHEY, Fla. -- Doug Hannon, who was given the moniker “The Bass Professor” several decades ago, has been honored in the latest issue of “Outdoor Life”, as one of the O.L. 25: people “whose lifetime achievement has had the greatest positive influence on hunting and fishing.”

Considered one of the country's preeminent big-bass authorities, Hannon of Odessa, Florida, has documented the catch and releases of over 800 largemouth bass weighing 10 pounds or greater. The multi-dimensional Hannon is also a diver, underwater photographer, author, filmmaker, lure designer and fishing-gear inventor.

“My endeavors in the outdoors have always been focused on seeking the truth and sharing it with our brothers and sisters in the field.  As such, I am honored to receive the recognition of Outdoor Life as a member of the OL 25.  We may not be able to change the World, but together we can all strive to change the landscape. It is with humility that I say simply, "Thank You!" 

Hannon holds 16 patents, most in the outdoor arena, including one for his weedless propeller an innovation that effectively revolutionized the trolling motor industry.

His latest invention, the WaveSpin spinning reel is receiving high praise with its patented spool that makes loops irrelevant.

Jerry Gibbs the venerable fishing editor of Outdoor Life Magazine said in the Dec. /Jan. 2007/2008 issue that Hannon’s WaveSpin represents “the first significant improvement in salt- and freshwater spinning-reel design in more than 50 years. What sets the WaveSpin apart from its competitors is that it's virtually impossible for the line to birdnest during a cast.”

Unlike the smooth lip on all other spinning reels, the WaveSpin reel features 16 smoothly rounded teeth – or waves -- on the spool lip which completely eliminate the eruption of a birdnest due a loop or loops that may have been retrieved onto the spool.  During casting looped line lays harmlessly between the waves on the spool and simply unwinds on the next cast unnoticed and without creating tangles of any kind. Even if a loop lays on the spool instead of between the waves, the patented design still allows the line to cast freely.

Put to the test by Gibbs and some "pretty vile casters," he said Hannon's latest creation lived up to its claims.

“It’s been fun seeing the results of my efforts in the hands of novices as well as fishing professionals,” said Hannon. “At a recent fishing show I had a father tell me the reel was giving his child more confidence in casting and enjoyment of fishing while not having to worry about loops, tangles and birdnests. He was also casting farther. The father bought another WaveSpin for himself after giving his to his child.”

Hannon’s WaveSpin is being marketed by XXX-Stream Tackle through a growing number of major sporting and fishing goods stores (Cabela’s and Gander Mountain) along with direct sales on its website www.wavespinreel.com. For information on WaveSpin please contact Russ Riley, VP of Operations, at: 989-967-8426 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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