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Courtesy photo A sampling of the artwork by Dan Echols, an artist's touch with the heart of a fisherman.

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published: Friday, February 08, 2013

The Art of Fishing

Last weekend was the first time in months that I wasn't able to get out and do some fishing, so I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce Dan Echols, a conservationist with a true passion for fishing and nature.

Some of you may remember a previous article I wrote about Dan's grandson, Louie, the 11-year old bass fishing phenom featured in numerous publications for his big bass catches.

As they say, "the apple doesn't fall to far from the tree," and in Louie's case, his grandfather has been his teacher and mentor, as well as his constant fishing buddy.

But in addition to being an avid fisherman, Dan is also an artist. A very good one!

Dan was born in Sanford, Florida, moving in his youth to Fort Myers and spending countless days on the banks of the brackish waters of the Caloosahatchie River.

He had his first boat by the age of 10 and was allowed the freedom to explore a twenty-mile stretch, earning him the appropriate nickname "river rat".

At 14, Dan took a summer job on a shrimp boat where his love for fishing, nature and the great outdoors continued to grow.

Drafted into the United States Army in 1970, Dan married his childhood sweetheart Lori and together, raised two daughters.

Like so many of us baby boomers, Dan started his working career and was able to fit fishing, as well as his love of nature, into the many years that followed.

Always an admirer of nature, Dan also enjoyed painting.

Often too busy fishing, painting always took a back seat to his adventurous spirit and desire to spend his time in the great outdoors.

But he was always able to express himself through sketching and painting, and it wasn't until he battled cancer that it truly manifested itself in his incredibly life-like paintings.

As Dan mentioned to me, "it just seems to pour out of me."

Dan's original artwork, as well as limited editions of his work are readily available.

He has donated several pieces to different organizations and charities.

To quote Dan, "I paint the things of nature that inspire me - mainly the fish and the creatures of the water."

I've included photographs of a couple of my favorite paintings, but he has plenty more.

He's a resident of Sebring and you can see more of Dan's work on facebook at The Art of Fish by D Echols in the photos section, or if you prefer, contact Dan at echohsd@embarqmail.com.

I've got my eye on a couple of his incredible works of art.

World Fishing Network

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I signed up and entered a couple of my recent catches and received beautiful certificates commemorating the events.

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But sign up now, before you catch that "great ole big un."

FWC Facts: Icthyomaniacs are people who are crazy about fish.

Don Norton is a professional tournament bass fisherman, bass fishing guide, and custom rod builder. He has also taught a few fishing classes at the South Florida Community College. He lives in the Golf Hammock area of Sebring with his wife Lexie, mother-in-law Ruth Charvat, Ranger, a huge black lab and Riley, a large golden retriever and is the owner of a custom rod building company appropriately named "The American Fisherman". He can be reached at 216-339-6571, 330-635-6682 or by email at donorton13@gmail.com. His website address is theamericanfisherman.com.