Comments on: Do You Remember Virgil Ward?

By: Danl

Danl — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:27:31 +0000

Truly the first time I fished Ontario while coming back to camp after a great day of fishing I looked back at the sunset on the boat and thought of Virgil Ward. This was 15 years ago now but something that day clicked in my brain like I had finally done what Virgil had believed in. It was almost something very deep rooted in my mind from all those programs I had enjoyed as a young man. I knew then what Virgil felt and tried to teach us. His true legend was in his simplicity. I do miss him as well as his show.

By: Randy

Randy — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:12:13 +0000

This is a definite slice of Americana…
and of my youth. I’m 47, and fondly recall a simpler time growing up in VA, and watching Virgil Ward. I vividly remember singing the theme song when it came on. He inspired me to get out with my dad, and a neighbor, and fish as often as possible. Guys like Virgil meant more to people in this country than they could ever have possible known. I’m sure he’s up there wettin’ a line!

By: John B. Witherspooin

John B. Witherspooin — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:12:42 +0000

I am 53 years old, and I grew up in Fayetteville, AR. My most vivid memories of Mr. Ward, and his show, was his gentle nature, and the song that started each show: “gone fishin, instead of just a’wishin. Remember?
John B.

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 07:04:50 +0000

Watching the show and hearing the theme song from back in the early 1970′s are some of the last memories I have of spending time with my grandfather. Things were simpler back then, and we’re luck that Virgil’s show was a part of it. I thank you. Dave.

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:37:35 +0000

Its ironic that I came across this. I was working in a plant the other day and some guys were trying to remember the name of the man that had the fishing show with the fish tank and he showed you in the tank how certain lures looked under water. I knew who they were talking about because I grew up watching his show.

By: Mike Cook

Mike Cook — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 06:04:54 +0000

The very first lure I purchased, after being hooked by Virgil Ward, (I’m only 46 now) was the Bass Buster Beetle Spin in the black with yellow lines! Had to have it cause Virgil told me it would catch fish and man’o'man did it ever! I miss those days. I miss the show. Most of all I miss the man & the legend.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:19:30 +0000

Just heard that Michigan lost one of my favorite outdoor PBS guys, Fred Trost. After reading about his death and how he loved to fish, I couldn’t help but think of good ole ” Virgil Ward”. Reading the blogs, I am thinking someone purged my brain, because I can remember coming home from church in West Olive, MI, eating a throw down to remember, then we would all sit down and watch Virgil Ward on the tube. I still talk about Virgil Ward when fishing, especially when my buddy gets a snag or hung up with me yelling at him, ” Virgil Ward” is gonna kick you out of the club with fishing like that. Nice to go back in time as I am right now, scary too. Thanks for the memories Virgil.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:12:26 +0000

HIk

By: Kendall Boyd

Kendall Boyd — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:00:25 +0000

Being one of those “young” 30 year olds, I had the privilege of catching Virgil’s show towards the end of its run. I even have a few recorded on VHS tape. Even though I was very young, I do remember watching Championship Fishing with my father and being engulfed by the fish he was catching. On the show, Virgil was all about catching fish, not about selling all sorts of equipment to viewers. He made fishing look simple, and above all he made it fun, which (to me) is what fising is all about. Virgil is in a better place now, however I will forever remember sitting on dad’s lap and asking him when we, like Virgil, were going out into the great outdoors again. Thanks.

By: David Scot King

David Scot King — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:26:43 +0000

Howdy friend! I remember Virgil Ward, and I also remember Harold Ensley…I met Harold back in about 1970, when I was 5 at Weeks department store in Salina, Kansas. He signed a photo of himself for me, I still have it. Then I met him again here in Kansas City about 6 months before he passed away, again, he signed a photo, and let me have a photo taken with him, which his son took for me. Then he signed one of his books for my five year young Son…I was glad to see Bass Pro Shop decorate their store here in Olathe with his photo’s etc. At age 43, I thank you for mentioning Virgil Ward, I am reading his book Championship Fishing Guide right now…timeless classics! Again Thank you-