Ryan Salzman

About Ryan

My name is Ryan Michael Salzman, I am 35 years old, and I have wanted to fish professionally since I was 11 years old! I grew up just fishing from the bank. My parents knew nothing about fishing. I was self taught and read Bass Fishing Resource religiously growing up. I was would test different techniques at various ponds and rivers. I went to college at The University of North Alabama where I co-founded the UNA fishing team. I joined the Army in 2008. When I graduated from UNA I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. I served one tour in Kuwait/Iraq in Operation Enduring Freedom earning the Meritorious Service Medal as an Intel Officer. I began guiding full time after my deployment, and in 2014 started Alabama Bass Guide. I worked my way up fishing the BFL's. After I had won 3 BFL's I decided to pursue qualifying to fish professionally. I qualified to fish the FLW Tour and double qualifying for the FLW CUP in 2019 by being the highest finisher in the Central Division. I resigned my commission in the ARNG once I qualified, getting out as a Captain. In 2021 I qualified for the Bass Pro Tour finishing 3rd in the Angler of the Year points on the MLF Pro Circuit. In 2022 I won my first Bass Pro Tour event on Watts Bar Lake defeating Jacob Wheeler by ounces. I have qualified for Heavy Hitters twice and the 2024 Redcrest on Lay Lake. My goal for 2024 is to win the Angler of the Year title. I am so thankful for all the blessings God has given me. All credit and Glory go to Him. Amen.