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Team Profile

By: Jeff Allen

The great thing about tournament fishing in Indiana is the high level at which all teams perform. To win in this highly skilled environment is yet another testimony to a team’s greatness. Satisfaction and honor come from being crowned “Angler’s Of The Year”. Team Deh-Sal did just that. George Diehl and Ken Synesael have won “Angler’s Of The Year” in the Angler’s Choice Indiana Division for their second straight year. They first achieved this in 2005 and have pulled off the repeat in 2006. The repeat award is the first of its’ kind in Indiana competition. They have earned this by beating former regional and national championship teams. I wanted to talk with them to get a better understanding of what has made Team Deh-Sal the team to beat.

   “It’s the little things”, George said, “that all add up to a championship team.” Ken adds, “The communication between George and I is so important. As a result of our intense communication throughout the days leading up to a tournament, we have an unspoken understanding during the event.” George responds, “After six years of experience fishing together as a team, It’s almost a sense of ESP when we’re on the water.”

   It didn’t take long for me to figure out that this team really did pay attention to the details… The small things. They continued to make me a believer. “We tie baits two days before the tournament on over two dozen rigs”, George said. “This gives us time to relax and get a good night sleep the evening before a tournament.” Ken added, “We pre-fish constantly to familiarize ourselves with the lake and how the fish will react. We can catch five different fish on five different baits.” George admits, “We let the fish tell us what they want. We offer them an array of baits until we find the right combination.” George went on to say, “Ken and I are probably the best junk fishermen out there (ha ha). We will literally pick apart any dock, fallen tree, post, whatever will offer a piece of shade or cover… we’re fishin’ it!” They told me of the many hours they spent studying the contour maps prior to a tournament to create a mental picture of the lake which better helps them design an effective game plan. Their dedication to their equipment’s condition is impeccable! From their impressive boats to their crisp, clean team uniforms. “No detail is too small to get our attention”, Ken said with a smile. “The better your equipment, the more time you’ll spend fishing and less time spent on fixing it.”

   When I asked about their personal fishing strengths, George said, “Typically, I’m a power fisherman. Chunkin’ a crank bait, throwin’ a buzz bait. Ken is an exceptional finesse fisherman. He’s very good with jigs and tubes.” Ken continues, “Actually we have evolved together to make each other better fishermen.”

   I asked them if there was that one special trick of the trade. That one technique that they can always fall back on and would they be willing to spill the beans… They said, “no”. After everyone stopped laughing, George simply replied, “Great partner and dedication. A partner that will never give up. If it’s 1:00pm, you have no fish and the tournament ends at 3:00pm, you need a partner that stays tough and focused.” Ken replied, “A great teammate needs to be someone you can count on no matter how high or how low.

   When I spoke to them about their families’ support for their passion to fish, they both told me of how their families were so very important to their success. They told me about their wives understanding of what it takes when a team strives to be their very best and how they were not only supportive in light of the sacrifice that the whole family faces but how the entire family has grown to enjoy the experiences and dedications as much as George and Ken. I was able to meet their families and I can say without reservation, I met two proud and happy families.

   At the end of our interview and after watching them fish (and win) I was impressed with all “the little things” I saw them actually do. At the end of the day it added up to another win for Ken Synesael and George Diehl of Team Deh-Sal plus a second “Angler’s Of The Year” honors. Will 2007 bring a “three-peat” for them? You can bet they’ll be there workin’ it!