Tom Nelson, co-host

The definitive "multi-tool player", Tom Nelson's booming baritone is equally comfortable with phrases ranging from "poikilothermic" to "cut-plug herring". That's what you expect from a professional salmon and steelhead guide who just happens to hold a fisheries biology degree from the University of Washington. You want biological theory? Talk to Nelly the biologist. You want down-and-dirty fishing technique advice? Talk to Nelly the outfitter.

Nelson is owner of Skagit River Outfitters, a guide service operating on the salmon and steelhead fisheries of northern Puget Sound (primarily the Skagit and Snohomish River systems). He's fished the saltwater and rivers of western Washington for over 35 years,, contributes his expertise to various regional publications - including Salmon, Trout, Steelheader and Salmon & Steelhead Journal - and is a featured seminar speaker at the Seattle Boat Show and various sportsmen's shows and clubs.

Nelly is featured on four episodes of the 2007 season of "Western Sportfishing with Lee Horsley". And, for the record, "poikilothermic" means: having a body temperature that varies with the temperature of its surroundings.

AT A GLANCE

• Favorite fishery: "Skagit River spring steelhead. Just for the scenery, size of the fishery, and the fact that the Skagit is where my dad's ashes are scattered. Plus, it's just a dependable fishery."

• Favorite NWWC guest: "Have we had Yasmine Bleeth on yet? No? Well, then I'd have to say Lee Horsley - I grew up watching Matt Houston, so to get to talk to him on the air and do some TV with him was enough to blow the top of your head off."

• Favorite repeat guest: "Buzz Ramsey. Every time he comes on you learn something from him on-air."

• Dream interview: "Roderick Haig Brown. Is that egal? Does the guest have to be alive? Just because of his historical view, the way he wrote, and his influence on the literature, it can't be overstated."

• Favorite intro song: "Stranglehold by Ted Nugent."