A Tribute To My Buddy Aaron Martens

Randy shares a tribute to his friend of 30 years that passed away yesterday…

[@bobbyswain7049]

I met Aaron briefly at a Loves truck stop in 2006. I pulled in to fill up and saw this truck and boat....the boat had Aaron Martens in big letters down the side of it. Excited as I walk up to the truck and theres this red headed lady sitting behind the wheel....I ask her Is this Aaron Martens boat...she replies yes it is and I am his wife and hes right over there as she points to the pumps ....there he was filling up the motor home. She told me to go introduce myself that he wouldnt mind so I did. We had a 20 minute conversation on how slow those pumps were haha.....he told me that they were headed to Guntersville.....Aaron was just a good dude....a great fisherman....and a great ambassador for the sport.....RIP AMart

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

I have been a huge fan of Aaron’s for over a decade. God rest his soul and I wish nothing but prayers and blessings for his family… RIP sir….

[@michaelvantassel3239]

I met Aaron back in 95 and 96 we were fishing ABA it was incredible to be around him he always kept me laughing love fishing Clearlake with him rest easy bro I will see you again!

[@johns294]

Aaron would be proud of the way you described him . I live about 10 miles form where he lived in Leeds . Alabama . He spoke at our Bass club one night and talked to me about catching redfish down in south Louisiana where I love to go. Dude was a beautiful soul . You have many of his qualities - very rare . Keep the videos coming ……

[@michaelloucks4448]

Dear Randy I'm so sorry for your loss Aron martin's was a very special person. Hey Randy guys like Aron only come around once in a lifetime. GOD bless his heart 💖 and God bless you and your family your pal fisherman Mike.

[@bigbulls6562]

Only God knows why the best people in the world die young. Aaron was definitely one of a kind and will be greatly missed by so many. Rip Aaron Martens😢 my 🙏 go out to all his friends and family.

[@wheelb4973]

Sometimes in life we do not know just how blessed we are to cross paths with such special people . Aaron Martens was a wonderful blessing to the whole bass fishing community whether you are just a fan or fellow competitor such as Randy . RIP Aaron .

[@alexmckeever3747]

Being from California, its eay to say Aaron was the best angler ever to come out of the west, being so intuitive and fishing gin clear Casataic and such, Aaron has always been our California Gold Angler. Randy, You were blessed with Aarons friendship and all of us, have always been in awe by your creative approach to fishing. Heres to you and Aaron marlin fishing and your gamikies time camping, no one else knew him like you in this angling world. Our time here is short, but the lord will keep Aaron watching over his famiky and yours sir. Tight Lines Aaron. 🙏

[@jamesblackledge4009]

The little subtle laughs I can tell are to keep from crying. It is obvious Aaron’s friendship meant a lot to you and we all should wish for such friendships in our own lives. Never let those great memories die away. I know you won’t.

[@corymeyer1162]

The world lost a legend but you lost a great friend. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@thelivinlegend1]

SoCall's Finest!! Aaron's Magic!💯

[@shawndarnell221]

Im so glad you talked about his Childlike faith in the beginning of the post. Thats the faith Jesus required for people to go to heaven. There is no doubt Aaron is in heaven. What a beautiful soul.

[@F1Hopeful]

A light has gone out. A bright light has been extinguished well before his due time. These things happen in life and they really force you to debate life, justice, passions, loves, hates, is there a God or lack thereof. I remember competing against he and his mother Carol back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. What a phenom.!! What a gentle and wonderful person. What a fishing machine!!! What a distinguishing icon for the sport of bassfishing!!!! I enjoyed my conversations with him even though they were brief and sporadic, I remember distinctly what came across was that he CARED. He was in tune with all aspects of fishing. He also cared very much for everyone that he came into contact with. Amazing and intuitive in both his fishing and in his everyday life. I will forever celebrate my having known Aaron. He definitely left an indelible mark. A warm and condolence-filled embrace to Carol and to his daughters and his spouse. The entire fishing community deeply feels this irreparable and deep cutting loss. God Speed Aaron. Tight Lines buddy.

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

We’ll said

[@martygillette3764]

Wonderful tribute Randy.

[@gilbertperez2135]

R.I.P. condolences 💐🙏🎣 fish on

[@garyshaw3112]

Sorry for the loss of A good friend they are hard to find

[@seriousmechanicing]

Thanks for your story and eulogy. I just lost my wife and it helps to remember all of the good things about a persons life rather than the bitter tragic end. Memories are a living thing and people special to us live on in them.

[@brandonmarling7968]

Sad deal. Praying for the family!

[@Glock-1]

Your a good man Randy and thats probably why you and him got along so well, I am heartbroken about Aaron’s passing and I have never met him so I can only imagine how it must be for the family and friends

[@adammoke8949]

Great video. Huge loss, just remember the good times.

[@13thworker45]

Aaron took the time in a tackle store to help me. I was waiting for the owner and struck up a conversation with him. This was in the 90s. He introduced me to the mizmo tube. He made tube fisherman out of me. The few minutes he spent with me will never be forgotten. Thank You aaron

[@anthoyellis5944]

He was a great fisherman and will be missed. Top 5 all time in my opinion.

[@charlesgrahammacleodstuart510]

Heartbreaking… Such a young man with a big heart. RIP my friend

[@dannyhardy878]

I met Aaron back in the late 90’s. Being from the DEEP south- he didn’t meet any of my bass fishing prototypes. He was an outstanding fisherman but even a better person. I’m glad our paths crossed again this year in Leesburg. I have a 21 year old special needs daughter and I introduced her to Aaron. He was sitting behind the wheel of his boat ( on trailer) and he began a heartfelt conversation with her that lasted for over 10minutes. I finally ask him how he’s been doing- he told me “ It’s been tough BUT I know Jesus- so it’s going to be alright.” Big talent with a bigger heart. Praying for Lesley and the family

[@norrisrevis8932]

Sorry for your loss Randy and I'm praying for the Martens family. I've been following you since your Bassmater's tournament on Kerr Lake Nc. Thanks for the videos Norris.

[@geneussery8968]

Aaron was one of a kind. Met him several times, enough that he knew my name. We chatted at the Bass Pro Tour event at Lake Eufaula in 2020; We discussed drop shot techniques for over an hour, and that was AFTER the event. He was a true man of the sport and one hell of a person. I definitely will miss this guy…..RIP AMART!!!!

[@danlaur7973]

Aaron was a bad boat flip away from winning the 05 Bassmaster Classic & 4 time 2nd place finisher in the classics...what a talented fisherman!! RIP

[@robertdiehl1281]

Massive loss. Followed him and his mom when they fished team tournaments out on the west coast. He now starts a new journey. Cheers mate.

[@steveheck7754]

Thanks for the tribute. Great memories.

[@iamdad916]

God Bless you Randy! So grateful for all your videos and knowledge you’ve shared with us on your channel. Thank you for all your amazing work! Cheers from California. May Aaron Rest In Peace. He was an amazing angler and human being

[@DAVE_WHITE]

you are one of the few pros that actually made something I lost a lot of respect for about 98% of them that can care less this man is gone

[@mjk934]

I was shocked when I heard , I just posted the night before that he doesn't deserve this, I met him in Waddington and gave him some baits I designed , he really liked them , was a nice friendly guy, I was a big finnesse angler, Aaron inspired me in my tournament career in Ontario 🙏 RIP bro 💙

[@coachmatt6735]

Thanks for sharing this. I appreciate you letting us in on some of the moments you guys shared. I hope you will consider sharing more. Every story. I only know Aaron through following his career and watching his videos, but it was easy to see he was a special talent and a special person. We lost Gord Downie to glioblastoma too, and like Aaron, he was another diamond in the rough who was taken way too soon. Godspeed Aaron, and thanks for all the tips.

[@maxb1985]

I'm sorry for your loss Randy. He sounded like a good man. There aren't enough of them anymore

[@WatchMeEDC]

I used to live in the same area as Aaron in Southern California and would see him occasionally at our local tackle shop and out at Lake Castaic. He was a super talented angler at a young age and super cool dude. He is the reason I started fishing Roboworm. Long live Aaron’s Magic! Sad to hear this news 😢 Randy it’s great of you to share your kind thoughts about him and your description of him being filled with “wonderment” is just how I remember first meeting him 😊

[@elainereif1943]

He was one of the great champions of the sport.

[@jeffporter100]

I was so sad when I heard this. What a loss. Praying for his family.

[@joelholston5668]

I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend Randy , you have many memories to cling to and that’s a good thing ! May God comfort you greatly !

[@emero6338]

Thanks for sharing that mate

[@raybrewer5418]

Beautiful man 👨

[@MrRanger518]

Sucks. It’s hard loosing a good friend. He was a amazing fisherman and persons. RIP brother. Praying for you and his family! Cancer sucks!

[@dennisjennings5459]

Sorry for you and Aron family.its a great loss.thanks for sharing with us.what a great blessing he was to so many people ✝️

[@CarolinaBassHunter]

You were very lucky to have known such a great man. I'm very sorry for your and everyone's loss.

[@forrhs8430]

Again Randy, So sorry for the loss of your friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.... Gotta Live & Love Life to it's fullest, because we never know when God will call any of us home.

[@kennethhromcik9668]

Touching He always had time for fans. Heartfelt prayers for the family. Godspeed, Aaron

[@bayoustateoutdoors9650]

It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement ~ Hebrews 9:27

[@soonerfan1675]

I never met Aaron but I hung on every word he said when he was giving advice on bass fishing. Much of how I fish, I learned from him. Thank you for your kind words, Randy.

[@OLDAVE1000]

I am sorry for your loss. You are clearly shaken and I hope you find peace in your grieving process. He had a life well lived.

[@FourDRanch]

great video!

[@connorB425]

RIP Aaron Martens, Prayers go to your family and friends

[@chundle09]

Thanks for sharing!! There will only be one Furious Hog Snatcher 💜. RIP

[@jackstein5486]

Nice tribute Randy, I knew and loved him also!

[@timhafley5177]

My Heart is Heavy after hearing of Aarons Lost. Prayers for His Family.

[@mikeanderson2447]

Thank you Randy.

[@douglasspickler4925]

I'm sorry to hear about Aaron. I thought he was doing better. God bless his family during this difficult time. RIP Aaron.

[@baldesanchez4041]

🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@daveelmblad3584]

A great tribute to a good friend. I found myself smiling as you shared special moments about a remarkable man. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

[@alfredgunter9614]

Thanks for a great tribute to Aaron

[@jonathanrivera6815]

Aron was definitely a wizard at finesse fishing learned a lot watching him

[@chrismatthews8690]

The Ouachita river Randy here in Monroe Louisiana. Great memories..

[@jamesarnold4690]

Sorry to hear. Nothing easy about things like this.

[@davidweber4181]

Aaron R I P

[@rickyledford9486]

R.I.P. A Mart. #hogsnatcher.

[@waynesammyswingle6107]

This sucks! This sucks badly! But unfortunately it will happen to all of us. And it always seems the best of us leave early. My thoughts are with his wife and children. Even when you know it is going to happen it will neve rbe easy.

[@zacharypaker]

Quachita river is the one that flows through Monroe la

[@dannybaker6627]

Did he ever share the gospel with you?

[@jaacksun4674]

Rip hog snatcher

[@eamontano]

Sounds like a great man is going to be missed by many.

[@PeterWFishing]

I would’ve listened for 2 hours if you wanted to keep sharing. Ever since I was young, Aaron was the angler whose demeanor and presence resonated most with me and I will always wish I could’ve told him what a positive influence he had on me.

[@jameswolfe8853]

Both being from So Cal I had the pleasure of both meeting and fishing against Aaron several times, though finding out he was in the field you were fishing against could be a bit disheartening...LOL. But he was such a nice guy you really did not mind when he walked up to take the first place check. The man could catch a bass in a bath tub! RIP Aaron and prayers to your friends and family.

[@fernandosantiago8451]

I'm sorry for your loss, he will live forever in your memories. You've done a great thing by honoring him. God bless you and all those affected by his loss.

[@shawnwheeler4633]

God and Aaron are drop shotting in that Heavenly Lake! Thank you for making us all better fisherman! God rest his soul!

[@JayDavis81]

Aaron was one of my favorites for a long time. I finally got to meet him a few years ago at a tackle show. I have a few mutual friends with him and when I brought them up, he talked to me like we'd known each other for years. What I remember most is, we were talking about hooks and he was telling me about a certain way to sharpen a hook with one stroke that Takahiro had shown him. He was trying to show me, but couldn't find a hook sharpener. I'm not kidding, in the middle of a tackle show with all these people around, he spent about 10 minutes trying to find a certain kind of hook sharpener to show me this trick. Again, we didn't know each other until about 20 minutes previously and he was digging through other booth's and in racks to find a hook sharpener. He was just one of the most kind and authentic people you'd ever want to meet.

[@Scottster_]

Aaron was full of the Holy Spirit and displayed the love of Jesus throughout his life. It is still his hope he will see you again Randy!

[@bwspacity]

Anyone’s last cast gets me in my feelings. He was a great guy a pioneer and legend. For you to honor your friend with this in depth video is priceless and a blessing. Sorry for your loss. Very sad. Praying for his family. Please post more of your experiences with A-MART. What an honor ❤️

[@bamadondon0495]

I just seen him two weeks ago at our home lake he never got out of the truck but he still said hello to every single person who walked up to him.. you could tell he was in pain and they did not feel well but there was a big tournament going on on Logan Martin and a friend of his drove him up there so that he could see all of his old friends we all talked to him for a few minutes of peace in that goofy smile came out once in awhile and ever since then all of us that know him have done nothing but talk about how much we've prayed for him since all this started and wish that he could beat this because if anybody could, HE COULD.. we all thought he would, and absolutely will be very missed!

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

Wonderful and fitting tribute Randy. Thank you for sharing.

[@ChuckCooper]

Damn! I feel like I lost something precious so I can't imagine what you are feeling. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. He was special. I guess life is like graduate school for our souls. Some people learn faster than others and then graduate back into the oneness we all come from. We who are left behind miss the light of our loved one. It can take some time for the heart to settle from the turbulence of loss. It is a turbulence tamed only by time. But the stored light of memory is a calming gracious balm and in a small way reminds us that all of our loved one is not lost. Namaste

[@samboles3670]

That was beautiful

[@finesseoutdoors]

For those that put thumbs down on this video, are you even anglers? How can you dislike this video????

[@brandyg5639]

Hell, are they even human?! A$$holes are everywhere I guess.

[@nelsonchiro]

Thanks for sharing your memories. Positive healing thoughts to you, his family, and friends.

[@craigstockton3103]

Thanks for the tribute to Aaron. I have known Aaron and Carrol for 20 years. He would spend a lot of time in our tackle shop, J & T Tackle Simi Valley California. We would spend a lot of time talking about light line techniques. Truly an amazing fisherman and great person. He will be greatly missed.

[@fullsendfishing2363]

Aaron Martens, above all else, was an inspiration. In life, in fishing, in his fight. His positive attitude and appreciation of each day helped me in my own cancer fight, and I’d something I’ve tried to instill in others. Aaron Martens left a mark… a truly amazing person.

[@robertcooley6977]

I was privileged to know and fish with Aaron many times in the 80's and 90's. Great memories of not only fishing but a kind, friendly and caring person that he was. He will be missed...RIP my friend

[@garymitchell625]

It seems like Aaron was able to slow himself down and pay attention to the little things. Small details is what i always saw in his fishing. Sounds like he saw small details in everything. Its something we all should do alot more . Slow down , take a look around and take it all in. Life is short.

[@1MoreFish]

Great tribute. I met Aaron in 2005 at Table Rock Lake where he won AOY. He made me feel like we were long lost buddies. When you mentioned he called everyone "bro", I remembered him calling me that. He was more interested in my 8 pound bass I caught during my practice day for my up-coming tournament. After his BASS tournament he spent time with me in the parking lot at Kimberling City. He took a picture of me holding his AOY trophy. He was a special human being. Thank you for this video. I learned a lot more about Aaron.

[@ShawnNichols79]

Kind of like the old Tracy Lawrence song, “If The Good Die Young.” Aaron was definitely taken way to soon! RIP Aaron!!!!! You are missed by many

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

RIP Aaron Martins, Godspeed. I pray peace for Aaron's family and friends. If you and Aaron were fishing out of Monroe, LA, it was probably the Ouachita River.

[@DROPTINE]

Thanks for the stories and memories The "HOG SNATCHER" will be missed deeply!

[@chriszasada9756]

Quoted Comic Lewis Black, the Good Die young , but Pricks live forever . I got to watch Aaron fish on the tour a few times and he was just amazing . RIP Aaron, you will be truly missed.

[@lesterry5532]

He was my favorite pro and was probably the most professional fisherman on the circuit. I did not know he had passed and have been wondering why I was not seeing great fisherman like Aaron fishing on MLF. Sad, Sad, Sad. God Bless His Family.

[@CasualBassGuy]

Anybody who has dealt with a family member battling cancer, i’m with ya. It’s such a disgusting disease. When my mother lost her battle with Leukemia, I found peace with the fact that she didn’t have to suffer anymore. My prayers are with his family and Rest In Peace to a Legend

[@danielmckeen2465]

It's been a tough year for you outside of fishing😕but keep your head up and know that your making a change in You-Tube fishing. 😁Thanks Randy!!!

[@michaele8157]

God bless you Randy. Life and the lord can be unfair and puzzling. Faith gets us through thought. Thanks for the video man.

[@tonythornton3438]

So sad to lose such a great person. Fished against him a few times I used to say if he and Carol didn’t enter a tournament they were losing money. Definitely a full of life jubilant person. I have a picture that was taken in 96’ at the WON bass Tri states with Aaron his Mom Carol, John MORROW, Tammy MORROW my team partner and myself. A great memory such a heavy heart today, I have to remember he is no longer in pain. Always been a huge fan. i own a Phoenix boat because of Aaron and so many rods reels and baits. He was an amazing fisherman. My Prayers to his family RIP. Randy I hope to see around town would love to hear more memories. I live in Fisher creek. Thank you for posting this tribute

[@glenncivale6824]

Condolences Randy. I met him once on Chickamauga at the mouth of Richland Creek. Told him about my 23 yrs on T Rock and he couldn't stop talking it up about that place. He loved Table Rock. But I agree, nicest connected guy on the planet! Thanks for the post. Monumental loss for all.

[@davehorn1422]

I'm in hospital right now, same age, just had cancer removed. It sucks.. been in here 5 days and another 5 days to go. Never met the man, followed him forever..heartbreaking loss

[@Joshuamb1221]

Rip Aaron Martens and May God Bless and Bring Peace to his family and to all the Anglers that have been touched by the Spirit of Meekness that Aaron Martens seemed to have. Sincerely "The Dayton Metro Smallmouth Slayer" and God Bless to all.

[@DigiPimp2]

First off condolences to the Martens family. I only knew about A-Mart from watching him on MLF so it’s very interesting now to hear stories about him from people that knew him best. Thank you for sharing.

[@garydalrymple855]

I met Aaron Martens during a practice day on Old Hickory lake in Nashville tn. He took the time to talk with me for about 30 minutes when he could be doing other things. Just a great person, will be missed.

[@steventhomas524]

RIP - Aaron. You and your entertaining ways will be sorely missed. Sorry about the loss of your buddy, Randy. Thank you for sharing. A sad time for sure.