A recent column by Steve Sarley in the Daily Herald highlights why he considers fisherman Spence Petros to be the toughest man in sports. In his piece, Sarley compares athletes from various sports such as football, baseball, and basketball, referencing legendary names including Dick Butkus, Bo Jackson, Glenallen Hill, and Dennis Rodman. However, Sarley states that “my No. 1 sports tough guy is a fisherman.”
Sarley details his experience fishing with Hall of Fame angler Spence Petros. He describes spending 14 hours casting without a break and being struck by the high level of fitness required for such an endeavor. Sarley writes that Petros has played a significant role in his life and career.
This year, Sarley was contacted by Petros’ daughter Lisa who informed him that Petros had been hospitalized after losing his balance and falling at his home on Lake Geneva. Recounting the incident to friends, Petros said: “You get old and are on blood thinners, you should try not to fall twice, especially when your head breaks the fall.” Sarley notes that despite this health setback and subsequent surgeries—three brain surgeries within six days—Petros retained both humor and determination.
Petros spent more than eight weeks at Alexian Brothers hospital in Elk Grove followed by additional time in rehabilitation facilities as he worked to recover physically. Throughout his recovery period, conversations with friends focused mainly on fishing, which he missed greatly.
In a social media update during his recovery process Petros stated: “I have not caught a fish since the end of April!” In further comment about his recovery status he said: “I am about 85% to 90% mentally healed and about 70% to 75% of where I want to be physically… That’s pretty darned good.” According to Sarley’s account, it is common for Petros to schedule outdoor trips soon after medical procedures in order to motivate himself toward faster recoveries.
Looking ahead to future plans rather than opting for less challenging endeavors like bluegill fishing from a lawn chair, Petros responded: “I want to catch a 50-inch musky yet this year.” He has already arranged for a September outing with guide Kyle Tokarski on Green Bay waters known for large fish specimens.
Sarley’s column concludes by reinforcing his view that Spence Petros deserves recognition as one of sports’ toughest competitors.
