This week, Carl Svebek discusses optimum seasons for jerkbait techniques, entry level leagues for amateur anglers and which rods work best with which baits.
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Q & A with CARL SVEBEK III
Q: When is the best time to use a solid jerkbait? My guess is that the optimum time is in early spring and fall. Is that a correct assessment?
- Julius, Peekskill, N.Y.
A: My best experience with a jerkbait has been in the spring. I usually base how fast I work the jerkbait by the temperature of the water. The colder the water, the slower I will retrieve. The fall season is my second favorite time to use a jerkbait. During fall, I usually try to concentrate around drops and points. I know that last fall, while at Lake Champlain, I threw a jerkbait most of the time and caught a lot of fish around humps. So, in general, I would say that your are correct in your assessment.
Q: I know most people say that you should use a fiberglass rod for crankbaits, but how about for top-water baits like a Sammy or a Pop-R? Also, is it better to throw all treble-hook type lures on a fiberglass rod or a graphite rod? Regarding this presentation, what type of action do you prefer?
- Jon Moss, Danville, Va.
A: When throwing a top-water, I fish with a medium heavy graphite rod. I throw a Falcon 6-foot, 6-inch medium heavy rod. This rod works very well with most top-waters on the market today. It is also a stiffer rod which, in my experience, works well for hook ups. Usually I wait until I can feel the fish to set the hook. However, with this technique, you will need to be patient. I hope this is helpful on your next top-water outing.
Q: Hi, I am a 21-year-old bass fisherman and I recently have become interested in tournament fishing on an amateur level. Since I don't have a boat, I was wondering if you had any good advice on how someone with limited income could begin as an amateur and successfully convert to the pro side?
- Anthony Ford, Florence, Ky.
A: Anthony, without a doubt you need to join FLW Outdoors and get involved in the Wal-Mart BFL circuit in your area. Over the years, more and more pros and non boaters have come up from the ranks of EverStart and BFL level circuits. You will learn a lot and, at the same time, have a chance to win some money. In many instances you can find someone on the pro side to pre-fish with heading into the tournament. This will better prepare you for what to expect once the tournament begins. If you have some success on BFL level, I'd then start looking at the EverStart Series. EverStart tournaments offer a little bit better competition, however, they are more regional. Go to flwoutdoors.com for information on any of these circuits. Best of luck!
Q: I have a bet with my fishing partner that the co-angler is not permitted to carry a handheld GPS unit when fishing with a boater in your tournaments. He says you can, and that the pros can't stop you if you want to log their fishing spots. I disagree. I did not see anything in the rules. However, if it is allowed, how do the boaters feel about the guy in the back of the boat logging their fishing holes? Is this kosher or just unethical?
- Larry Cruce
A: According to FLW Outdoors rules, there is nothing which prevents the non-boater from bringing along a GPS unit. However, the sportsmanship issue is another matter. Anglers on both the boater and non boater side must represent the sport the best they can to help our sport continue to grow. In short, my suggestion would be to ask the pro first if you plan to bring a GPS unit along. If he or she would rather you not bring one on board, I’d honor that request. I hope you win your bet!
Carl Svebek III of Siloam Springs, Ark., continues to be a rising star on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. A popular angler among fans and fellow competitors alike, Svebek has now racked up over $225,000 in career earnings at FLW Outdoors events over the past seven years. Svebek currently boasts four top-10 finishes on the FLW Tour, including a strong sixth-place finish at the FLW Tour Championship in 2000. During that same year, he was also chosen to compete in the high-profile ESPN Great Outdoor Games. In total, Svebek has 10 top-10 tournament finishes in all FLW Outdoors events including the EverStart Series, Texas Tournament Trail and Wal-Mart BFL. His FLW Tour sponsors include Ranger Boats and Land O'Lakes.
