No matter where I go or what I’m doing it seems like a lot of the questions I get are similar. That tells me that what anglers want to know is pretty close to universal so I thought I’d put the five most common questions into this column.
Keep in mind, though, that these are my answers. Other guys might tell you something very different, and I’ll never say they’re wrong.
What Bassmaster Elite Series tournament are you looking forward to the most?
I am really excited about all of them. I like to fish competitively at the highest levels so they all attract my attention. However, there are two that really excite me when I stop to think about it.
The first one is the Huk Bassmaster Elite at Upper Chesapeake Bay presented by Mossy Oak. That one will be all about revenge. My performance was horrible when we were there in 2015. I finished 88th. I’d really like to get even.
The other one is the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Oahe. It’s the unknown. I hear the fishing’s good, and it’s supposedly untapped. Sign me up for more of those events. They are a true test for a professional bass angler.
What boat will I run this year?
I’ll be fishing out of the new Bass Cat Lynx powered by a Mercury Verado. The thing about boats and motors is that you have to find a combination that works for you. This one is perfect for me, and I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t be for anyone else.
One of the things I like the best about it is all the extra room it gives me. When you spend as much time in a boat as I do you appreciate that. It allows me to carry more tackle. You never know when you might need something.
Tell me more about the Reverse Shimmy Rig?
The Reverse Shimmy Rig is a Texas rig using my Missile Baits 48 Worm. But, I don’t use a worm weight in front. I insert a 1/32 ounce nail weight in the tail. This gives my straight tail worm a unique look.
This question normally comes after a seminar on the tank. The anglers have a chance to see how different this rig looks. It shimmies and glides backwards as it falls. I actually thought about not talking about it, but…
What new baits are coming from SPRO and Missile?
This is one I don’t want to talk about too much. This is a very competitive business. But, I will tell you we have something coming from SPRO that’s not a crankbait.
As far as Missile Baits is concerned, we have three projects in the works. One will make for happy times for Ned Rig junkies. The other is in the drop shot category. And Mike Iaconelli and I are working on a new jig as well. We hope to debut it at ICAST this summer.
What knot do you tie with fluorocarbon?
When I am tying directly to a lure or to a piece of terminal tackle I use the San Diego Jam knot. I have been using it for more than 15 years. It is extremely proven. It’s in the Uni knot family, but it’s easier to tie. I use four wraps — not the usual recommendation of seven — on all line sizes from 5-pound Sunline Sniper that I use on small finesse baits all the way up to 25-pound Sunline Shooter for flipping.
Ish Monroe mentioned the San Diego Jam in a recent column he wrote. Click here to see what he had to say. There’s an excellent how-to video along with written instructions on how to tie it at Netknots.com.
I use a Palomar with braid.
Those are the five questions I get most often. If you have others, don’t be shy about posting them. I’ll answer them if I can.