More About John Sappington
A Life on the Water
Over the last 27+ years, I’ve been fortunate to turn my passion for fishing into a full-time career. I’ve traveled the country competing in top-level bass tournaments, including the FLW Tour, BASSMASTER Circuit, and Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge. No matter where I’ve fished, my heart has always stayed anchored in Branson.
Competing taught me how to fish under every condition you can imagine. I learned how to read the water, adjust to patterns, and stay patient through slow bites and stormy mornings. But nothing compares to helping someone new to the sport catch their first fish or guiding a seasoned angler to their personal best. That’s the part I love most.
Career Highlights and Winnings
Throughout my time on the tournament trail, I’ve been blessed with some pretty special moments. I won the FLW Tour Classic in 2002, took 1st place in the Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge in 2013, and earned more than 20 top-ten finishes across various circuits. I've fished in over 100 MLF events, and my career tournament winnings total over $548,000.
Some standout stats:
- 1 FLW Tour Classic win
- 11 top 10 finishes
- Over 100 national events
- $260,000 won in a single tournament
- Consistent top rankings in the FLW Pro Circuit and Toyota Series
These milestones were exciting, but for me, they’ve always just been part of the journey. Each one has helped me better teach others how to succeed on the water.
Deep Roots in Lake Taneycomo
Even during the busiest years of tournament fishing, I always came back home to unwind with fly fishing on Lake Taneycomo. It’s a stretch of the White River that runs right through Branson and offers some of the most exciting trout fishing in the country.
I’ve spent thousands of hours learning how to fish this lake, from the upper tailwaters near Table Rock Dam to the deeper holes downstream.
These waters mean more to me than just fishing. They’re where I taught my daughter how to cast and where we’ve shared some of our best memories together.
Over the years, I’ve been grateful to grow deep roots in the Branson community, sharing my love of the outdoors with locals and visitors alike.
Whether you're looking to wade into the cool current for a quiet morning on foot or prefer the comfort of a fully outfitted boat trip, I offer guided experiences tailored to your style and skill level.
Fly fishing or spin fishing, solo or with family, beginner or experienced, I’m here to make sure you leave the water with a smile and a story to tell.