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In 2004 fishing the WON BASS PRO/AM on the Delta, Haroutunian caught the largest bass of the 2004 tournament season and won a trip to El Salto Lake in Mexico. The trip was for two anglers, but he wanted to take three of his good friends. The nice guy that he is, he split the money for the tickets four ways with Bob Boyd, Walt Austin, and Chris Woods and headed for El Salto. The fishing foursome had a great time and it ended up being the bass fishing trip of a life time.
Haroutunian grew up trout fishing with his parents who loved the outdoors. As he got a little older and could fish on his own, he started fishing ponds for bass. When the bass tournament craze really picked up in the early 70s, he had a neighbor who owned a bass boat and it only took one ride in that boat and he caught the bug.
Like many pro anglers today, he started fishing in the clubs and team events. Looking for a higher level of competition, he started fishing the West Coast Bass draw circuit as a pro in the 80s and had some success winning a half dozen draw tournaments.
Continuing to fish the team and club circuits, Haroutunian scored Angler of the Year titles in both the club and the team events and won a pick-up truck at one of the year end team events.
Haroutunian has been fishing the WON BASS events for the past eight years, five as a AAA and the past three years as a pro. His favorite water is the Delta and his least favorite lake is the one closest to his house, Lake Millerton.
When not on the water, he enjoys spending time with his new wife and the best man at his wedding, Bob Boyd along with his wife. "Bob Boyd gave me a ride home from a Shasta tournament and we laughed all the way home, we have been best friends ever since," said Haroutunian.
Mike is a steak and potatoes kind of guy that enjoys listening to country and oldies music. His favorite movie is Grease. Haroutunian is sponsored by Mercury, his wife, and his business, Valley Fire Extinguisher Co.
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