Businessman and angler Dave Waikem is living proof that the key to success is listening, learning and delivering what the customer wants.

Whether the “customer” is a car buyer, fishing tackle shopper or smallmouth bass, Waikem knows he will not win the sale by force-feeding them inferior or undesirable products.

Long known for the six Waikem family-owned car dealerships in Massillon, Dave juggled managing businesses with his passion for bass fishing. The Waikem car dealerships now under new ownership, he is focusing full time on building the retail Fisherman’s Central stores he and partner Dan Blackert established 10 years ago first in New Franklin (near Akron) and now Port Clinton.

Even with business driving his daily life, Waikem is never more than a cast or two away from bass fishing. We asked him the “Why?” question. With so much to keep him busy, why is fishing so important?

He believes fishing is more than a choice. For Waikem, fishing is an irresistible force, a primordial urge that burns in the souls of those who allow it to catch fire.

“There’s something in our DNA that says we are hunters,” Waikem said. “Whether we are walleye or bass anglers or deer hunters, we all have the same drive. It’s a passion you either have or you don’t. My two brothers couldn’t care less about fishing. Yeah, they’ll go on a charter, but they just do not have that passion.”

Waikem’s fishing passion is never far from fulfillment.

“The car business was a means of income, a great business with great people. But the minute I was off work, I went fishing.

“Out there, it’s me against the fish. Even in tournaments, it’s not about me against the other anglers. I’ve got to figure out the fish, where they are and their transition routes. Plus, you have the physical aspects of being out on the boat for 8 to 10 hours, rocking, balancing, hot and cold.”

Waikem noted successful anglers listen to nature’s signals and learn how to respond. “You get that first fish, and build from there to figure them out to get your limit. Like they might be on the east side in the morning and the west side in the afternoon. I’ve seen that on Chautauqua (New York) a lot.”

His love of fishing took root on Stoney Lake in Ontario, Canada, during family vacations spent mostly fishing with his father for pickerel, Canadians’ term for walleye. “I was walking down to the dock with my Zebco and I spotted a frog, so I reached down and put it in my pocket. Then I put it on my hook, dropped it down the bluff and a 3-pound smallmouth bass ate it off the surface. I was 10 years old, screaming and jumping from boat to boat fighting that smallie. They had a bass contest in the camp and I ended up winning $5.”

The roots grew deeper at the creek behind his family’s house. “When I got home from school, I’d go to the creek with a bag of dough balls Mom made and catch carp and catfish.”

Cars and fishing became his life’s work. His license plate “SMALLIE” says it all about his passion for the bass that swim throughout our region. “We are fortunate to live in Ohio, where we have smallmouth in nearly every creek, river and lake as well as Lake Erie.”

His Fisherman’s Central marketing includes sponsorship of numerous events and organizations, including the Student Fishing League and the Muransky Companies Bass Classic benefiting the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley on Aqua Ohio’s Evans and Pike lakes. Waikem’s fishing prowess propelled him to victory on Evans in 2023 and he’ll return this June to defend his Bass Classic title.

He recently bought out Blackert’s share of Fisherman’s Central and is working to expand the base of store associates and customers. “We’re always concerned about the associates. We can’t make bad decisions for the employees. We must keep the business profitable to sustain the families that work for us.

“Plus we stay in tune with the marketplace and what our customers want – both in New Franklin and Port Clinton. Each store has a different set of customers and expectations.

“America is driven by free-market enterprise. We must pay attention to what our customers are telling us.”

Jack Wollitz is the author of “The Common Angler,” a book featuring stories about experiences that help define the “why” behind anglers’ passion for fishing. Email Jack at jackbbaass@gmail.com.