Don Norton, better known as Red, grew up in Stow, Ohio and moved his family to Florida in 1990. In 1971, he started one of the first B.A.S.S. chapters in Ohio, the Bulldog BassMasters, and began his lifelong journey fishing local, regional and national bass tournaments.

In 1990, he moved his family to Jupiter, Florida and 6 years later, in 1996, they moved again to Avon Park. Over the next 25 years he opened two fishing tackle stores; REDS in Avon Park in 2004 and REDS II in Sebring in 2012; started up a couple of bass clubs in the area, and began fishing tournaments in Florida. A custom rod builder for over 40 years, he also started a bass fishing guide service in the late 90’s, fishing many of the lakes and rivers in Highlands, Polk and Okeechobee Counties.

In 2004 he was invited to write a weekly fishing column for the Highland To-day newspaper, which he continues to write, twice a week. In 2005, he taught evening classes at the South Florida State College in Avon Park - “Introduction to Bass Fishing” and “Custom Rod Building.”

And finally, in 2021, he purchased the Angler Magazine - Okeechobee edition, which covers six counties; Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, DeSoto, Glades and Hendry. Anyone who knows him will tell you he’s very passionate about bass fishing. Don and his wife Lexie currently live in Sebring, Florida. Enjoy all of Don's work: “Fish Tales 2004”, “Queenie - The Legend of Lake Istokpoga”, "Just Add Water - Jan-June 2022", "Just Add Water - July-Dec 2022", "The Aquarist", and "The Old Man."