Dale Bowman, longtime Sun-Times outdoors columnist, embarks on a new journey
After nearly 30 years of entertaining readers at the Sun-Times, Dale Bowman is saying goodbye to his role as an outdoors columnist.
How it all began
In 1997, during the Bulls' championship run, Jerry Krause surprisingly called from Cleveland and started talking about fishing. Bowman, quick on his feet, began typing what became his best column up to that point. Sports editor Bill Adee framed it as a gift for Krause’s office at the Berto Center.
Key influences in Bowman's career
- Jerry Krause: Gave Bowman credibility by engaging with him personally.
- The Palmisano brothers: At Henry’s Sports and Bait, they tipped Bowman on the Illinois-record brown trout before social media existed, outpacing other columnists.
- Ken Schneider and Carl Vizzone: Introduced Bowman to fishing spots in Chicago and northwest Indiana and connected him with local people, enhancing his street credibility.
Insights on media relations
Krause said he hated Jay Mariotti, a Sun-Times sports columnist, so much that Krause and Jerry Reinsdorf would not talk to the paper.
On several occasions, editor Dan Cahill asked Bowman if he could reach Krause for a quote. Though Krause usually declined, their conversations often turned to fishing and upcoming shows.
Krause was right about Mariotti.
Author’s summary: Dale Bowman’s nearly three-decade career at the Sun-Times was shaped by key relationships and firsthand passion, leading him to new adventures beyond the outdoors column.