In the course of a year, I interview dozens of people involved in the fishing industry. Some of my favorite chat sessions are with the most successful tournament anglers and those noted as experts in their craft.
And when compiling stories for a multitude of sources, not everything makes print. Let’s face it, a lot more goes into making a champion than can often be fit in a couple pages.
For a while, I wondered what to do with all of that lost information. Occasionally, after briefing through my notes from previous interviews, I’d feel compelled to share my inconspicuous findings.
Today, we’ll begin such an investigation.
What I present to you are strictly quotes. Sure, a little context is thrown in to set things up, but I didn’t want to cloud these tidbits with any additional input. If you’re like me, you’ll read them, think a bit and likely form a unique opinion on how to apply.
That’s the fun part.
Mark Rose on (not) scouting lakes and pre-fishing:
"When you go early and graph, mentally, you eliminate things if (the bass aren’t) there. Even if you try not to, you eliminate those places in your mind somewhat. They never fish the same.”
Luke Clausen on lure action for clear-water smallmouth:
“You need to snap the lure real high off the bottom. In clear water, that’s an advantage because the fish can see it from far away, so you show (the lure) to as many fish as possible. But you need to pause it to let (the fish) get to it.”
And for cold-water largemouth:
“It takes a lot of effort for a cold-water fish to turn and go down to the bottom. Lures that fall real slowly and hang out in the middle of the water column are better. The bass can just suck it in.”
John Cox on being tough on his trolling motor during his shallow-water forays:
“I’ve popped the trolling motor completely out of the mount. The strings (lift cables) break all the time. Let’s see … burn spots in the armature. Cables break a lot. The prop will spin and then not spin. The plastic piece that locks the motor down breaks; that always breaks. And the cables loosen quite a bit. I usually swap motors out two or three time a year.”
Bryan Schmitt on dominating the Potomac River:
“Every tournament I’ve won on the Potomac has always been in a different place. You need to find the freshest thing happening; something that’s not supposed to be happening, but is. Fresh, overlooked stuff is 100-percent key; that’s what I’m always looking for.”
Bryan Thrift on being Bryan Thrift:
“Everybody asks, 'How the hell do you catch them in the tournament when you suck at practice? What’s my answer to that question? I don’t know. That’s why I always say it’s luck. But if I figure it out, I’ll let you know. No, I don’t want to figure it out 'cuz then I’ll look for it and I won’t find it. Don’t write that down.”
Sure, I saved the best for last. I could write a book on Thrift.
But all of these guys are unique, that’s for sure. In upcoming weeks, we’ll check in with more characters, including a few surprises.
(Joe Balog is the often-outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)
