Ask The Pro

Ask the Pro: Aaron Martens

This week, Aaron Martens discusses techniques for river fishing, how to land lunker bass on Tennessee waterways and optimal situations for using Carolina rigs.

If you are interested in participating in future columns, submit questions along with your full name and address via e-mail to askthepro@jacobsinteractive.com.

Q & A with AARON MARTENS


Q: I fish a lot of banks and shorelines targeting falling limbs and trees. I usually pitch a jig or a crawdad on spinning gear. I catch a lot of medium-size fish, but not that many big ones. My friends tell me move back into deeper water, but I’ve never caught as many as when I’m fishing the bank. Any pointers?
- Terry Tate, Chattanooga, Tenn.

A: I have the same problem fishing lakes in Tennessee and other surrounding states. I don’t think there is anything wrong with your technique or approach; I just think there are not that many big bass to be caught because not enough people are practicing catch and release. The ones that are there are hard to catch because of so much pressure. However, I would suggest that you try a Kinami Flash instead of a jig. If you want to fish a jig, try working it slowly through deeper cover.

Q: I am going to be fishing a tourney next month on the Ohio River. The problem is that I have never fished for bass on a river before. What technique and baits should I use and why? I figure the air temperature should be somewhere in the 70-degree range. Also, would it be better to fish in tributaries? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
- Hank, Indianapolis, Ind.

A: Tributaries are good to fish when the bass are spawning. If the bass have already spawned, fishing the main-river current is your best bet. My No. 1 suggestion is to use a crankbait. Try a Megabass Deep X 200 or a Norman’s Little N in shad or chartreuse colors. You might also try a drop-shot rig.

Q: Is there ever a bad time to fish a Carolina rig?


- Paul Wolfe, Abingdon, Va.

A: There’s never a bad time to throw a Carolina rig, but it’s not always the best rig for catching bass. There are other rigs that may work better, like the drop-shot. Try it, but don’t get stuck on it.

Q: I will be fishing a heavily wooded lake in northeast Mississippi in a few weeks. My question is this: How do I get a crankbait or buzzbait in heavy cover without getting hung up every time? Also, what techniques do you use to haul in big bass from the bottom?
- Daniel Sullivan, Guntown, Miss.

A: Daniel, I have three words for you: Spiderwire, Spiderwire, Spiderwire.


Known as one of the best drop-shot anglers in the business, Aaron Martens is arguably one of the most consistent anglers on the FLW Tour today. Hailing from Castaic, Calif., Martens' laid-back demeanor, friendly personality and environmental consciousness have made him one of the tour favorites among fans and competitors alike. However, it is his fishing ability that places him among the nation's top pros. With over $390,000 in tournament winnings in FLW Outdoors events since 1998, Martens has amassed five top-10 finishes and has two top-20 appearances the last three years in the FLW Tour standings. He won his first FLW tournament at Wheeler Lake in June 2003. Due to his vast fishing experience on the West Coast as well as his history of success fishing in the South and Northeast, Martens can legitimately claim to be one of the most versatile and knowledgeable members of the FLW Tour.




RELATED ARTICLES ::