07/15/2026
I have never had the level of friendship I had with Mike Brakebill. Not only was he the best friend any human could ever ask for but he also mentored me all the way though my fishing career and in to my business now. He taught me everything about bass fishing. Tournament plans to rod designs were all made with him. I trusted his opinion with everything. It seemed like every time we got together there was going to be a story. We belly laughed until I couldn’t breathe, we were held at gun point, power slid a boat at 80 and even got in to a few fights together. (Not with each other) He loved a good steak as much as a 20 second burnout. He drove boats fast and had a faster hookset that would be heard around the lake. He always had a “ F**k ya attitude”. He recently saved a life and me and his best friends and family got to see him awarded with a lifesaving medal. I was so proud.
I spoke and txt with him almost every day for the last 35 years and will miss that so much.
He was so generous with his time and was dedicated to helping anyone get in to the sport.
Hopefully he is not too busy up there catching 100lb limits of bass and will still have time to guide me to some more whoppers down here. I will miss this man for the rest of my life. Can’t wait to fish with you again one day. Rip.