Greg Del Russo, 37, grew up in Roxbury, New Jersey, just minutes from Lake Hopatcong—the state’s largest lake—and now resides in Hopatcong itself. Surrounded by water his whole life, Greg found his passion for fishing early on. Away from the water, he holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Drew University and began his career as a sports reporter before becoming a high school English teacher. He quickly moved up the ranks to school administrator, currently serving as a District High School ELA Coach.
Greg’s introduction to fishing came through nighttime topwater outings with his uncle and after-school pond trips with his mom and brothers. At 18, he began fishing the ABA American Fishing Tour as a co-angler, absorbing knowledge from experienced boaters. By 22, he moved to the front of the boat and started making waves. Over 18 years, Greg has tallied 47 top-3 finishes—including 7 wins and 21 runner-up placements. He has finished in the top 3 of ABA Division 10’s Angler of the Year race five times, winning AOY in 2024 after narrowly missing it in 2022 and 2023. He’s also a five-time NJ Bass Federation Regional qualifier and the 2022 Lake Hopatcong Champion.
Fishing is more than a sport for Greg—it’s a way of life. He thrives on solving the puzzle of a day on the water, adapting to conditions and seeking out big bites. From skipping docks with a wacky rig to working a frog around isolated cover or dropshotting laydowns, Greg prides himself on his versatility and instinct-driven approach. He finds excitement in breaking down new fisheries and is always chasing the next opportunity to learn and improve.
Beyond competition, Greg enjoys mentoring others, blending his passion for education and the outdoors. His faith plays a central role in his approach to both fishing and life. Supported by sponsors like Denali Rods, Riot Baits, Garden State Baits, Watt Cycle Batteries, and Frank’s Pizza, Greg continues to grow his presence in the fishing industry and remains open to future partnerships that align with his values.
