Bass Fishing Forum - Westernbass.com

Hey guys, I don't get on here much anymore but for those who may have not heard, our fishing brother and my longtime friend Ronnie Kovach lost his battle with liver cancer on January 5.

For those of you who had the pleasure of knowing Ronnie or were among his many friends, you were truly blessed. Some of my fondest memories of Ronnie included spending time hanging out with him in the (very) early days of tournament bass fishing here in California and later appearing as a guest on his popular radio shows.

Ronnie was one of those guys who always... always found the bright side in everything that he did and in everyone he met. It is hard to recall ever seeing him without a smile on his face.

Even though Ronnie turned his passion from freshwater to saltwater many years ago, he never lost his affection and appreciation for tournament bass anglers and could talk shop with the best of them.

I will miss you terribly, my friend.

Ron Cervenka

Ron, I had the opportunity of meeting Ronnie at the Extream event on lake Elsinore this last year and really enjoyed the conversation time with him; I did not know he was ill and he did not let on that he was! He talked to my grand son for a bit and went as far as giving him a few tips about what fish to go after(crappie & wipers; because everyone else would be fishing for bass and catfish) and how to catch them at that time.
I have always had great admiration for anglers who teach others and Ronnie was one of those folks! Heaven is getting another great teacher and person! RIP Ronnie....

George Azevedo

WOW! This is horrible news and hard to comprehend! I fished with Ronnie in the early to mid 1980's in a bass club in Riverside and although he was competitive, he was also friendly, outgoing and fostered an environment where an angler can grow. Then he went to salt water and spent most of his time there but now and then would visit the bass club in Riverside. I bought his book when it published and got him to sign it! I still have it and still read it often. RIP Ronnie and God bless.

Glenn