Dennis James Knowles

Growing up, Dennis James Knowles was never into organized sports. He did participate in neighborhood pick-up games like basketball, touch football and kickball, but never had the calling to pursue sports. Until he was introduced to fishing. Dennis first picked up a rod and reel when he was 12 years old and on a summer vacation to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His Uncle was an avid angler and Dennis was eager to learn. For many years to follow, Dennis returned to Milwaukee for two weeks of camping, fishing, fun, and adventure. When he went on to college at Ohio University, Dennis took along his rods and reels and went fishing on the weekends. After completing his MFA in film production, Dennis returned to his hometown of Cleveland and entered the field of television. Eventually he became a member of a local fishing club, North Coast Bass Anglers Association serving as its president and tournament director for several years. It was during this time, he and Gail A. Grizzell founded The Fishing Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving people’s lives through fishing.