Tough call - especially the earlier guy as some of us are not as "historic" as you Pail
Then? No idea, all we know are the big names of the day, Woolner, The Mad Russian, plus all the guys we never heard there names on...
Best today? Could throw a few names out there certainly. Stetzko is probably one of the best, his record speaks for itself.
Best I personally ever fished with? Nolan, no doubt in my mind...