WHAT IS FORWARD FACING FISHING?

For too long, the bass fishing industry has suffered from a gap in honest, reliable information. While there are good-hearted anglers who tell the truth, they remain the minority. Forward Facing Fishing was created to change that.

We are an educational platform built around one simple goal: to provide honest, unbiased, and thoughtful instruction for bass anglers at every level.

We are NOT “professional” bass fishermen. We are fishermen who have put in the time. Enough to confidently say we know a thing or two about the fish that swim beneath us.

We are not driven by sponsorships or product sales. We are driven by education, by building confidence in anglers, and by passion for the sport.

Our purpose is to help anglers understand why fish behave the way they do, how to adapt to changing conditions, and when to apply specific techniques so that they can become more confident and efficient anglers.

Forward Facing Fishing began as a way to fuel our passion for bass fishing and stay immersed in the industry that inspires us. This is a platform that gives our team purpose and provides a path to pursue our dreams through teaching and sharing knowledge.

Looking ahead, our mission is to build a community that empowers knowledgeable anglers across the United States and around the world to share what they’ve learned, mentor others, and help shape the next generation of bass fishermen.

Forward Facing Fishing is real education for real anglers.

OUR TEAM

CADEN HAINES

27, Charlottesville, Virginia

Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Caden cut his teeth in one of the country’s toughest bass fisheries. Those early challenges shaped a problem-solving, adaptable approach and a deep understanding of bass behavior in difficult conditions.

After relocating to Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2025, Caden quickly applied his ultra-finesse roots to an overlooked fishery, blending them with big-bait strategies to target higher-caliber fish. The result was immediate success, including consistent 20-plus-pound limits, a 36-pound largemouth limit, and an 11-pound class fish within his first five months.

Now a rising voice in the industry, Caden is known for his transparency, blunt takes, practical advice, and on-the-water livestreams. His passion and energy challenge anglers to think differently, care more, and ultimately fish better.

AIDAN FORD

25, Washington, D.C.

Born and raised in Gambrills, Maryland, Aidan Ford began fishing at an early age alongside his grandmother, then later his uncle and father, who taught him the fundamentals of the sport.

He grew up fishing the reservoirs, small lakes, and tidal rivers of Maryland, Delaware, and southern Pennsylvania, developing a deep appreciation for diverse fisheries and conditions. In his early twenties, Aidan spent two years living in upstate New York, where he honed his skills targeting bass in deep, clear, rocky, and grass-filled glacial lakes. In 2023, he relocated to Washington, D.C., where he currently resides.

Today, Aidan spends most of his time pursuing trophy largemouth bass in the lakes and reservoirs of Virginia and Maryland. His fishing style is heavily forward-facing sonar–focused, with a particular emphasis on glidebaits and mid-strolling techniques.

VICTOR DEPPE

27, Baltimore, MD

Victor Deppe, owner of Fish Everything, is a highly respected glide bait and resin hard bait builder based out of Baltimore, Maryland. He began bass fishing at a young age, and from the start, it was more than a hobby; it was an obsession.

Victor’s deep understanding of bass behavior, environmental conditions, and his ability to make precise, fine-tuned adjustments on the water have established him as one of the world’s top glide bait anglers and bait makers.

Through the nature of his business, Victor has also become an exceptional instructor. His teaching style is fun and personable, yet direct and blunt, focused on results and real understanding. Anyone who steps on the boat with Victor will walk away with invaluable knowledge.

Through Forward Facing Fishing, Victor plans to shine a spotlight on important topics and deeper discussions surrounding glide bait fishing.

JOSEPH STARKS

32, Houston, TX

Joseph is a well-versed bass angler and currently works at Tackle Shack TX. He blends modern trends and JDM tackle with time-tested bass fishing techniques, backed by extensive tournament fishing experience.

Passionate about teaching, Joseph focuses on helping anglers master the fundamentals of bass fishing. His strengths include mapping, traditional techniques such as cranking, and breaking down complex concepts in a clear, effective way.

Whether fishing from the bank, kayak, or boat, Joseph has provided hands-on educational training to anglers eager to learn. After spending the last several years running his own bass fishing education business, he now joins Forward Facing Fishing alongside other like-minded anglers committed to teaching, learning, and growing the sport.

EVAN SHAFER

22, Charlottesville, VA

Evan targets fish through a different lens, a fly. His passion lies in chasing river smallmouth from his raft with flies he ties himself. He has spent the majority of his angling career fishing the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, fishing rivers such as the Shenandoah, James, Jackson, Rivanna, and more.

Through fly fishing, Evan has developed a skill set that many conventional anglers don’t even realize exists. He brings a unique and invaluable perspective to bass fishing, especially for anglers looking to better understand finesse techniques.