Brian Younce

I was born and raised in the town of Troy, Ohio where I reside today raising a family of my own.  I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family that includes my wife Crystal and three daughters Breanne, Madison, and Emma. 

The outdoors has always been a big part of my life.  Growing up we spent many summer weekends out camping, hiking, and fishing around the states of Ohio and Michigan.  I didn’t realize until later in life how great an impact those early years in the outdoors would later make on my personal life.  Not only did I develop great respect for the outdoors, but also an appreciation for how the outdoors kept our family close.

Probably my greatest passion for the outdoors lies in the conservation of our rivers and streams.  My love for chasing smallmouth bass while wading up a cool running stream gives me the inspiration to do my part in preserving these little gems.  Not only do the tranquil streams provide me with rewarding angling experiences, but this is where I go to regain my focus in life and reflect on the many blessings God has provided me through the years.

My focus is on continuing the tradition of including the outdoors as a way of life for my family and me.

Mark Younce

From skipping rocks and catching crawdads in our small creeks, to camping and fishing in our state parks, outdoor recreation has always been a big part of my life.  Every morning during summer break I can remember my alarm clock buzzing at 5:30 a.m., jumping on my bike with my pole and tackle box in hand, and heading down to the Miami River in hopes to tangle with a mighty smallmouth bass.  There is nothing quite like seeing the sunrise burn the fog off of the river and watch as nature comes alive.  The feeling of peacefulness and closeness to God that I had then continues to drive my passion to be in the outdoors today.

I once heard a wise outdoorsman say, “We didn’t simply inherit the outdoors from our grandparents, but we are borrowing the outdoors from our grandchildren.”  Today I’ve been blessed with a family of my own, and reside in Piqua, Ohio.  I want to share with my wife Kim and two daughters, Abby and Natalie not only the recreation the outdoors has to offer, but the importance of preserving it as well.

I pray, through Country Anglin’ I would not only have the opportunity to aid in the conservation of our outdoors, but have an impact on our future outdoorsmen as well.

Tony Younce

I am the proud father of Mark and Brian.  When I was asked to write my bio, I decided if I wrote a couple of paragraphs about my favorite memories .. you would know exactly what I’m all about.

I was born and raised in Miami County, Ohio.  I am from a rich heritage of fishermen; in fact, I was the shadow that followed my grandfathers when they carried their fishing poles to the water.  From the Indian Lake voyages in Grandpa’s wooden Chris Craft cabin cruiser, to the slow journeys across the pond in a belly boat fishing for bass and bullfrogs.  Then there was being at Grandpa’s house on a warm summer rainy night with our flashlights in the backyard collecting night crawlers for the next morning’s quest to catch a stringer of bass for lunch. 

The years went by quickly, I met my wife, I soon became a father; God blessed me with two sons, and then I had ‘shadows’ of my own.  On Saturday mornings in the living room, Mark and Brian and I watched Jimmy Houston on TV, my shadows were on each side of me retrieving my discarded baits as I cleaned out my tackle box.  We had our two favorite fishing spots;  a hidden 3 acre stone quarry, which we thought looked like heaven, and an old farm creek where we strolled the bank during many sunsets of our years together.  

Now, with Mark and Brian grown, the water calls us to the French River in Canada; where three generations of Younce men spend an annual week of retreat with the pines, and the loons, and a cabin close to the dock.  Waking to the smell of bacon and coffee, .. and thanking God for the ‘shadows’ in our lives .. and for the legacy of fishing in our family. 

I am retired after serving thirty-three years in the military; and I am proud to say that both of my sons served their country in the military;  the red, white, and blue runs in our veins.  I am honored to be a part of the Country Anglin’ team, and supporting their mission in the outdoors.