Great Lakes bass angler honored for his decades of contributions
The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame recently selected longtime Ranger Pro Steve Clapper for enshrinement into the hall. Clapper is a legend among big-water anglers and his influence on bass anglers in the North still resonates today. The awards committee selected Clapper for his lasting impact and contributions to the sport of freshwater fishing.
“It was a surprise. It’s not something that I ever expected,” said Clapper. “To be included with the others is really a great honor.”
Clapper’s many successes on the water are only topped by his off-the-water contributions to bass fishing. Generations of anglers have benefited from his innovative techniques and expertise in catching bass in big waters. Clapper has spent countless hours sharing his knowledge with thousands of anglers.
For much of his competitive career, Clapper has fished from a Ranger boat. In fact, he can trace his roots with the brand all the way back to 1976 and the legendary 1776 Super A. His decades of knowledge of fishing the rough waters of the Great Lakes was crucial in the recent development and design of Ranger’s Z522D big-water bass boat. Many of the features of the boat were suggested by Clapper, including the deep vee hull design to take on large waves.
“They had some questions for me and some others on what we would like to see in a big-water bass boat,” said Clapper. “I wanted a little higher sides, more of a sharper vee to cut the waves and changes in seating arrangements. Ranger headed those suggestions. It’s like nothing else I have ever driven.”
While an introduction into a hall of fame normally signals the end to an impressive career, Clapper shows no sign of slowing down or hanging it up any time soon. Younger generations will still need to watch out for Clapper charging up the leaderboard.
“I’m not set into anything that I’m going to fish a whole series but I’m hoping to jump into a few this summer,” Clapper said.
About Ranger Boats
Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation’s premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, which include series of bass, multi-species, fish ‘n play, waterfowl utility and saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water.
By: Greg Duncan, Blue Heron Communications
