Tom Mann, fishing legend from Eufaula, Alabama and maker of Jelly Worms, the Little George and Hummingbird depthfinders, died on Friday, February 11, 2005.

I first heard of Tom Mann when I found Jelly Worms at Berry’s Sporting Goods. These worms smelled great to me and I, as well as many other bass fisherman, thought they would help us catch bass. They came in great flavors like grape, strawberry, apple, scuppernong and blackberry.

In the first bass tournament ever held, Tom Mann was one of the first fishermen to enter. He fished the pro trail for several years in the late 1960s and early 1970s and became well known through articles in Bassmaster magazine.

One of Tom Mann’s early lures, the Little George – named after then Alabama Governor George Wallace, was one of the first lures made to probe deep structure. I caught many fish on it, and still do, jigging it on deep drop-offs, humps and points. I keep several in my tacklebox.

The Mann’s 20 Plus and 30 Plus are crankbaits that dig deep and catch fish. They are still popular although they have been around for many years. They joined less popular crankbaits from Tom Mann like the Razorback and the Shadmann.

Hummingbird depthfinders were some of the first sonars for sale for bass boats, and many people loved their units. Tom Mann helped develop and improve inexpensive depthfinders for boats.

Tom Mann was in many T V fishing shows over the years as both the star and guests of others. His slow, low drawl became well known to fishermen that never met him in person. His relaxed method of fishing big worms on a spinning outfit was copied by many fishermen.

Mann’s Fish World became famous, and a trip to Lake Eufaula was not complete without a stop there to see the huge bass, catfish and gar in the aquarium, as well as a purchase from his discount tackle shop. Tom Mann himself was often there, talking with fishermen and helping sell his lures.

Another well known fisherman, Tom Mann, Jr. from Georgia, is mistaken for many as Tom Mann’s son. They are not related although the names seem that they are.

Tom Mann was 72 years old when he died. He will be missed in the fishing community.