If you’ve spent any time on the California Delta or followed professional bass fishing over the last fifty years, you know the name Dee Thomas. People call him the "Father of Flipping," and honestly, it’s not just a fancy nickname. He literally changed how everyone catches bass in shallow water.
But lately, people have been asking Dee Thomas what’s happening with his legacy and where the legend is today.
The reality is a bit somber for the fishing community. Dee Thomas passed away on July 18, 2022, at the age of 85. He didn't go out quietly, though. Even in his final years, he was still competing on his home turf, often seen on the Delta in his iconic red Ranger boat. He lived a full life, mostly on the water, and his impact on the sport is still being felt in 2026 as much as it was in the 1970s.
The Man Who Beat the System
Back in the mid-70s, the bass fishing world was mostly about "chucking and winding." You threw your lure out far, reeled it back, and hoped for the best. Dee had a different idea. He grew up "tule dipping"—using a long pole to drop a jig straight down into the thickest reeds.
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When he tried to take this to tournaments, the officials weren't happy. They actually tried to ban his long poles.
So, what did Dee do? He adapted. He shortened his rod to 7'6" to stay within the rules and perfected the "flipping" motion we all use today. In 1975, he went East to Bull Shoals for a B.A.S.S. event and absolutely crushed the field. The "city slickers" from the East Coast didn't know what hit them.
Why Dee Thomas Still Matters Today
It’s easy to forget that before Dee, bass boats didn't even have raised casting decks.
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- Boat Design: The "flipping deck" became a standard feature because of him.
- Rod Technology: He worked with Fenwick to create the first-ever "Flippin' Stick."
- The Jig: He was one of the first guys to put a real weed guard on a jig so he could throw it into the junk without snagging.
Even as he got older and had to carry an oxygen tank on the boat due to lung issues, he never stopped. He once said, "The bass do not know how old I am." That’s the kind of grit he had. He wasn't fishing against other men; he was just fishing against the fish.
What's Happening With the Legacy in 2026?
Since his passing, the Delta hasn't felt quite the same. But his protégés are everywhere. If you look at guys like Gary Klein, Ish Monroe, or Bub Tosh, you’re seeing Dee’s DNA in their fishing styles. They all spent time under his wing, learning how to be "master intimidators" on the water.
He was a giver. He didn't hide his secrets behind a paywall or a sponsorship deal. He just wanted people to catch more fish, especially kids.
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A Quick Reality Check on the Stats
- Career Wins: Over 30 professional victories.
- Hall of Fame: Inducted into three different Halls of Fame (Freshwater, California Sportsmen, and Professional Bass Fishing).
- Earnings: Won over 25 boats and $500,000 in career earnings—back when $500,000 was a massive fortune.
Honestly, the biggest thing happening with Dee Thomas right now is the realization of how much he actually did for the economy of fishing. Every time you buy a 7-foot heavy-action rod, you’re essentially buying a piece of his brain.
Practical Ways to Honor the Legend
If you want to keep the spirit of Dee Thomas alive, stop overcomplicating your gear. Dee was all about the presentation. He believed in reading the water and making that one perfect, quiet entry into a pocket of tules.
Master the Basics Again:
Spend a day on the water without using your electronics. Just look at the bank. Look for the shade, the wood, and the weeds. That "uncanny ability to read water" is what made Dee a millionaire in prizes. Practice your "quiet entry"—if the lure makes a splash, you’ve already lost half the bass in that hole.
Pass it On:
Dee’s biggest wish wasn't for more trophies. He wanted a "bunch of folks who love fishing and share it with others." Take a kid fishing this weekend. Don't worry about the tournament standings or the newest LiveScope tech. Just get them on some fish and show them how to drop a jig into a tight spot. That is exactly what Dee would be doing if he were still here.
His red Ranger might be gone from the Delta tides, but as long as there’s a guy flipping a jig into a stump, Dee Thomas is still very much part of the game.