Dale Bowman, longtime Sun-Times outdoors columnist, escapes for new adventure

After nearly three decades of entertaining readers at the Sun-Times, Dale Bowman bids farewell. His journey as an outdoors columnist began with a mix of luck, timing, and genuine passion for storytelling.

The Moment That Sparked It All

In 1997, during the Bulls’ championship run, Bowman was on a trip to Cleveland when Jerry Krause unexpectedly took his call and started talking about fishing. Bowman began typing right away, capturing one of his finest columns to date.

“Sports editor Bill Adee framed it as a gift for Krause’s office at the Berto Center.”

Early Influences and Credibility

Bowman credits three key threads for shaping his career. Jerry Krause’s conversation gave him credibility in sports circles. The Palmisano brothers at Henry’s Sports and Bait tipped him about an Illinois-record brown trout before social media made such news instant. Ken Schneider and Carl Vizzone introduced him to hidden spots in Chicago and northwest Indiana, as well as to everyday locals who gave his work authenticity.

Inside the Sun-Times Sports Circle

“Krause said he hated Jay Mariotti, a Sun-Times sports columnist, so much that Krause and Jerry Reinsdorf would not talk to the paper.”

Despite the tension, editors like Dan Cahill sometimes asked Bowman if he still had Krause’s number for a quote. Though Krause always declined to comment, their chats about fishing and shows continued privately, reflecting a friendship built beyond sports headlines.

Author’s Summary

Dale Bowman reflects on a 30-year Sun-Times journey shaped by chance encounters, fishing tales, and authentic Chicago connections that built his legacy in outdoor journalism.

Chicago Sun-Times — 2025-11-01