Who's the best angler? Read on to find out

Among the many superlatives that can be mentioned about this area's top fishermen is the fact that their friends and families are ready, willing and able to let the world know who they believe is the best at catching fish.
Nearly 100 people responded to our request for nominations for the area's best angler. Responses arrived over the past two weeks via e-mail and regular mail. Some were simple messages with the nominees' names; others were heartfelt letters written by the anglers' admirers.
So who is the winner?
I'll keep you in suspense for a few more minutes.
First, the nominees. Anyone whose name crossed my desk thanks to someone's nomination made the list. In no particular order, the seven anglers nominated are:
UGreg Cappitte, a walleye angler from the West Side of Youngstown who's also skilled at catching crappies. Among those who nominated Cappitte was his mom, Sandy, who mentioned the many fish dinners -- "no bones" -- made bountiful thanks to his fishing prowess. "As his mother, I'm so sincere when I say he's the best fisherman in my heart and in Youngstown."
UDan Mansky, another west-sider West Sider who grew up as a multi-species fisherman, honed his bass fishing in Youngstown's Mohawk Valley Bass Club and graduated up to the major league FLW Tour for professional bass anglers. One of his votes came from his dad, John. "Not only is he a terrific angler, but an honest, hard-working family man. His limited success on the FLW Tour made him a better person and proved that he could fish with the big guys."
UChris DePaola of Austintown, best known as a muskie expert, but super at tricking any fish that swims near his bait. DePaola's family lobbied hard for him in the voting. Said sister Mary, "I smile just thinking about him as a young boy, learning the skills from my father (especially the skill of patience), in relation to his current level of sophistication. He is the best at telling fish stories."
UJim Breedlove of Girard, who enjoys fishing of all kinds, but who's been instrumental in establishing top-flight walleye tournament action in the area. A note from Patty Simeon cited his achievements: "His list of accomplishments is quite amazing. He is very devoted to the sport and his family. Fishing is something that he and his whole family enjoy together. I believe he truly is the best local fisherman. He is also an all-around great guy."
UAnthony Naples, another walleye specialist from Youngstown's West Side. His father, Anthony Naples Sr., summed it up with these comments: "I'm biased, but I think Anthony Naples is the area's angler of the year. He showed me how to catch walleyes and where. I catch my limit at Mosquito a lot now."
UGeorge Polosky of Alliance, who very well may be the dean of this region's bass tournament anglers. He has earned the admiration of hundreds of area bass anglers the hard way, by beating them in the difficult game. He started tournament fishing in the earliest days of the sport and since the late 1970s has consistently cashed checks earned in competition around the country.
UJohn Bodner of Warren, who has worked as a guide in Alaska as well as the great steelhead streams of Lake Erie. His name was submitted by Dr. George Martuccio. "I have fished as a client and friend of his for more than a decade, and his ability to read water is uncanny. He called me a few summers ago and asked if I would like to fish for trout in the 'mighty' Shenango River. It was an 85-degree day when we reached the stream at noon in late July. He outfished me 4 or 5 to 1, and I estimate he caught at least 80 trout in that short period."
And the winner is ...
That completes our list of nominees. And the angler with the largest number of votes?
Jim Breedlove. He won by a landslide, earning twice the votes of any other angler.
Family members, friends and co-workers at Liberty Steel all pushed Breedlove's stock. "Walleye, bass, muskie and steelhead! He does it all," said an e-mail from one of his supporters.
Congratulations to Breedlove, and thanks to all who voted. We'll be tapping into the knowledge the nominees have stockpiled and share their philosophies, strategies and tactics in an upcoming series of articles.