Bob Bott isn’t the average fisherman, but his goals are the same as most.

With tournament awards and his service as a guide, Bott is still looking for new ways to pull in the big one.

Bott’s fishing trials stretch all over the country. He has no secrets — in fact, he’s willing to share his wealth of knowledge with anyone.

Bott’s passion for the sport is so intense that he wants to pass his techniques and habits along to any fisherman who will listen for the good of the sport.

“It’s in my best interest and that of the industry to make everyone better fishermen,’’ Bott said. “I try to show everyone what I’ve learned whenever I can. I want to teach people of what things to look for when they come up to a body of water they’ve never fished, or even in their home waters. Some people go in and get skunked, so I try to help. If I pass it on, then parents pass it on to their kids and the sport perpetuates itself.’’

Bott, the ninth-ranked overall guide in the country, passes on the secrets of his trade at the annual The Iowa Sportsman Outdoor Sports, RV & Boat Show, presented by The Messenger, at the Iowa Central Community College Career Education Building. Bott gives speeches at seminars virtually every weekend from January through March at sports shows across the nation. He’s been around fishing his entire life, and he can remember when it all began. “When my mom was pregnant with me, she fell overboard while she was fishing on Lake Onalaska. Ever since, I’ve had a passion for the sport of fishing,’’ Bott said. “My dad was not a fisherman, so my uncle taught me everything.’’ Bott, who was a policeman (retired in 2006) professionally, decided in 1985 that he wanted to add something different to his repertoire. That’s when he became the head guide at RJB Outfitters.

In 2001, Bott consulted with the Rev. Mark Clement of the Living Word Christian Church in La Crosse, Wis., and went full force into guiding. Bott decided to change the name from RJB (which stood for Robert J. Bott), to TGIF Outfitters — Thank GOD I’m Fishing. The change was his way of keeping God in his business , making sure the focus was on the lord first and foremost.

With his guide service, Bott is always fishing — and always ready for a new challenge. “I fish six days a week, so I’m not afraid to learn from somebody,’’ Bott said. “I’ve learned a lot of stuff from other people. I’ve learned techniques from all over the country. With new things coming up all the time, I’ve taught people how to use their favorite lures in a lot of different ways.’’

One of Bott’s favorite ways of attacking the sport is to do something new whenever possible.

“We do a lot of stuff out of the norm. When I go out fishing, I try five new techniques. I leave my tackle and rods at home. I want to experiment and learn new things to figure out off-the-wall stuff.’’ During his seminar, Bott will show everyone his practical techniques — and something new to add to their bag of tricks.

“I usually go over my basic stuff for half an hour and then take questions,’’ Bott said. “I try to focus on what people are interested in. I can talk about anything.

“I’ve fished them all and I love sharing with people.’’