Aaron Martens will rightfully be celebrated as one of the most talented , creative tournament bass fishermen the world has ever seen . His nickname – “ The Natural ” – is fitting of an angler who seemed instinctually connected to the craft he excelled at . But his fishing achievements aside , Aaron ’ s greatest characteristics – the spirit and joy of life that made him such a dear friend to many – will be what many will remember the most .
By Joel Shangle and Dave Landahl
PHOTO BY PHOENIX MOORE
Aaron had an infectious laugh and personality . You couldn ’ t help but like him . He was one of the most genuinely good people you could ever meet . It won ’ t be the same ( without him ).
— Brent Ehrler , MLF pro
Aaron was one of the nicest and most sincere people you ’ ll ever meet .
— Byron Velvick , former MLF pro
Everybody will tell you that Aaron had a huge heart , and that ’ s totally true . He didn ’ t have a bad bone in his body .
— Brett Hite , MLF pro
In the days and weeks following Aaron ’ s passing on Nov . 4 , 2021 , condolences , expressions of grief and fond memories of him flowed from all corners of the world . We heard stories of his youth and early career , when he and his mother Carol competed in team tournaments around their home in Southern California . We heard of small kindnesses he shared with people , seemingly on a daily basis . We heard about his unique , lovable , sometimes-quirky personality .
Everyone , it seemed , has an Aaron story . And there ’ s a theme : Aaron Martens was a one-of-a-kind talent , a pioneer in his chosen sport and a difference-maker to the people who met him .
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2022 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 37