• Ask The Pro

    Ask the Pro: Aaron Martens

    This week, Aaron Martens discusses co-angler etiquette, preferable color combinations for baits in both clear and muddy water, and some advantages of fishing with line with little or no stretch.

    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: Hi. I was wondering if you could help me narrow down some good color choices for spinnerbaits, plastics and crankbaits? With all the different colors out there, it is hard to choose. It would be nice to have two recommendations for fishing clear water and two for dirtier water. Thanks for all your time and your help.
    - Dave Rogalski, Winona, Minn.

    A: Two colors I like to use for clear water are glimmer blue and salt and pepper (with one other color used as an accent, such as blue or green). For dirtier water, your two best bets are chartreuse-blue and white. Good luck.

    Q: With so many different fishing lines out there, it seems like there is a different purpose for each and every type. My question is this: What is the difference between stretching and nonstretching line? Braided and twisted? What are the advantages of each line, and what kind of line do you prefer?
    - Hank, Indianapolis, Ind.

    A: Some people believe that lines with more stretch work well with baits where fish tend to come off easily, such as crankbaits. Personally, I always use nonstretching lines because I can get quicker hook sets and maintain better control when setting the hook. I would rather use rods with a different type of action than go with line that has a lot of stretch in it. As for braided line, I use it when fishing in heavy cover, targeting large bed fish or using top-water baits.

    Q: In what type of situation or circumstance would swimming a jig be applicable?
    - Chris Chinn, St Paul, Minn.

    A: Try swimming a jig in shallow water when the water is high or rising. I also like to try swimming a jig in deep water.

    Q: This is regarding angler etiquette: I fished as a nonboater for three years and recently purchased my first boat. At no point during my career did anyone ever ask me not to return to an area or spot. However, at the last weigh-in, one of my previous boaters approached me and asked why I was on his spot. I replied that I must have missed the sign with his name on it. Sure, I have areas that I would prefer to have all to myself. However, my philosophy is that no spot is entitled to be claimed as "my spot" unless the angler has taken me to a spot where the only way to find it is by using a GPS unit. But what are your thoughts on this issue?
    - S.F. Whitt, Huntsville, Ala.

    A: I can understand the boater's angst, but realistically, if it's a different tournament at a different time, nobody has any claim to a previous area. However, one day the same thing will happen to you, and perhaps then you will understand your previous boater’s attitude. In the future, try to be more respectful when dealing with a boater who helped you out in the first place.


    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.




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