Alton Jones Blog
The Elite Series angler offers another perspective from the inside
By Alton JonesFebruary 21, 2008: Alton's prayer for the Classic
"Dear Lord,
Practice is over, my hooks are sharp, all my baits are tied on and my rods are ready. My strategy is set from 'plan A' all the way down to 'plan C'. Now I'm just waiting, just watching the clock. I've worked the entire season to make it to this one event, now it's here. No more time for preparation, just waiting for the kickoff and for the game to start.
This is one of the longest nights in professional fishing. Right now the entire field has aspirations of being the Classic Champion, including me. Tomorrow that dream will die for at least half the field.
It is at times like these that I must affirm that my foundation set on something other than just bass fishing. A bass fisherman is what I am, but it's not who I am. If I let my fishing define who I am I will ultimately be disappointed and my world will collapse.
My true identity is in Jesus Christ. It is only through YOU that I can find lasting peace and true satisfaction. Please grant me wisdom as I fish and give me good decisions on the water. I pray that you will give me a victory in the Classic! But, Lord, may your will be done, not mine.
Lord, I ask that you calm my nerves and give me the courage to trust completely in you. You are in control. You have my best interests at heart. Whatever the outcome, may You use it for Your glory!
Thank you for loving me. Thank you for creating me. Thank you for my family. Thank you for the many gifts you've placed in my life. I pray that you will keep all of us safe on the water tomorrow. I pray that you will use me this week for purposes that go way beyond just fishing.
These things I pray in Jesus' name, Amen!"
— Alton
Philippians 4:6-9
February 4, 2008: Doubly Prepared for 2008 Elite Season
This is preparation week at the Jones household: It's always hectic trying to get ready for the Bassmaster Classic and the Elite Series season, but this year we have an extra measure of preparation and anticipation.
My son turns 16 in April, which makes him eligible to fish on the co-angler side of the Elites, and he has entered the seven events that fall after his birthday. We're all very excited and he's a little bit nervous.
While I've been readying my equipment, he's been scavenging through my "leftovers" and has put together a pretty nice arsenal. He's been pre-fishing from the back of my boat for several years now, so he should be able to settle right in once he gets past the first-tournament jitters.
We'll be paying his entry fees but it's not going to be a free ride. Any money he wins will first go to repay the fees, then he can keep the rest. He's going to be cleaning boats for some other pros on tour, in order to earn some gas money for his partners.
This is a great opportunity for him, but it will be a challenge as well. Once he gets off the water, he will have to complete his schoolwork, which means he'll likely be up past 10 p.m. most tournament nights (he is home-schooled). He's been doing this for the past 5 years during practice, so he knows what he's up against.
It is a great blessing to be able to have my family travel with me full-time and I am cherishing these years with my kids before they head off to college.
I'll be back in a few days with a Classic pre-fishing update. Eph 2:8-10
— Alton
January 3, 2008: Holiday Recap
In my younger days I'd have spent every waking moment on the ski slopes, but I'm realizing it's a bit riskier at 44 than at 24, so we only skied two days, and I took it VERY easy.
(I kept wondering what it would be like to fish the Bassmaster Classic with a cast on my leg. Luckily I won't have to find out.)
We found sledding to be a fun alternative to skiing and dug out the old runner sleds that I used as a boy — and my kids went nuts. My family's house is on a seldom-used dirt road with a downhill slope almost 2 miles long. When I was a child, I'd go a few hundred yards, then hike back up and make another run. I never sledded all the way down, because I knew I'd have to pay the price by walking back up. But my kids have cell phones, so they sled all the way down to the gate, then call us to come pick them up. Being a sled-lift operator is definitely an underpaid job.
With all of the snow the mule deer really flooded down out of the high country. We always see lots of wildlife at Christmas, but this year it was especially easy to spot all kinds of different animals; we actually had a mature doe walk up six steps onto our wooden deck and peer through the sliding glass door at us, perhaps hoping we would send some leftovers her way. At one point she was nose-to-nose (through the glass) with our Labrador Retriever, Sandy. Amazingly enough they both remained calm.
Next week I'm headed out to guess where — yep, Falcon. I've got lots of people I need to take fishing during the off-season, so why not take them somewhere the fishing is really good. It makes me look like I'm better than I really am. I'm sure I'll have some pics for you in my next blog article.
Until then, may God bless each and every one of you and may His peace and joy fill your life in 2008! John 3:16
— Alton
December 7, 2007: Scouting Falcon Lake
This past week I went back down to Lake Falcon to continue my preparations for the upcoming Elite Series event there. Little Alton flew down and fished with me for three days. We spent one of those days on Falcon followed by two on Sugar Lake in Mexico.
It's only a 15-mile drive across the border to Sugar Lake and it's the first time I've ever taken my own boat into Mexico. I was a bit nervous crossing the border but it was much easier than I expected; My Spanish is pretty good, but I've learned that the best policy is to always just say "no speak" when they ask you questions. They checked out my paperwork and passport and then sent me on my way.
What a fabulous lake! I was surprised at how big it is. I'm not sure of the exact acreage, but I'm guessing that it's about the size of Lake Fork.
The locals were telling us that the fishing was "slow"... I'd hate to see what it must be like when it's "good." Sugar definitely has the best average quality of any lake I've fished in North America. It's every bit as good as El Salto, Huites, or Agua Milpa (three other hot Mexico lakes).
Just take a look at the short video clip and you'll see what a slow morning at Sugar Lake is like! Proverbs 16:11
— Alton
November 22, 2007: I am thankful!
Here's just a little bit of what we'll be doing:
• My youngest daughter (she's 9) wants to try shooting a deer, so we'll probably spend some time in the stand. She got her first one last year.
• Eating — we have some great cooks in our family!
• I'm taking my cousin fishing at O. H. Ivie Reservoir, weather permitting. On holidays, I morph into a fair-weather fisherman.
• Watching football is mandatory, not elective. Part of the family went to the University of Texas and part to Texas A&M, so the Longhorn vs. Aggies game always gets pretty intense. Anything that can be picked up with one hand is likely to get thrown. We've never actually broken a TV, but there have been some pretty close calls.
We're all Dallas Cowboy fans so that game usually brings an end to the hostilities, at least if we win.
• Did I mention eating? At some point I'll pick up some barbecue at Big-O's.
• Shopping — the Ladies always use Friday to shop for things you can only find in a town like Coleman. Their favorite stops include Stevens and Owl's.
• I always try to get in at least a couple of afternoon naps.
I don't take lightly the gifts that God has put into my life and I am very thankful.
A few specific things that I am thankful for
• I am thankful for my loving wife, Jimmye Sue.
• I am thankful for our 3 wonderful children.
• I am thankful for my parents and for my in-laws, too.
• I am thankful for the time that I spend fishing with my son.
• I am thankful for fishing!
• I am thankful for each one of my sponsors.
• I am thankful that I live in the United States of America.
• I am thankful for the soldiers who provide our freedom.
• I am thankful for the rain that we got here in Texas this year.
• I am thankful that the Dallas Cowboys are winning again.
• I am thankful for my dog, Sandy.
• I am thankful that God cares about me and that He hears my prayers.
• I am thankful that Jesus Christ died on the cross and saved me from my sins.
What are you thankful for?
— Alton
"O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His loving-kindness is everlasting."
— 1 Chronicles 16:34
November 7, 2007: Casting a lifeline
How do pros spend their time during the off-season?
Some of the most popular answers include deer hunting, fishing, and spending time with family. But more than just a few Bassmaster Elite anglers also spend some time helping others, and this week I'm hosting my annual charity event, called "Fish with the Pros".
This year we'll have five pros (Brent Chapman, Matt Reed, Ben Matsubu, Todd Faircloth, and yours truly) who will be taking a total of 10 guests fishing to benefit Lifeline Youth Services of Fort Wayne, Ind. We fish on highly exclusive private lakes, like those Bill Dance fishes. The fishing is always out-of-control good.
Two years ,a guest in Mark Davis' boat caught his first bass ever... a 12-pounder (yes, a TWELVE-pounder!), with a 1/4-ounce lipless crankbait, using 8-pound test line, on a spinning rod, while learning to cast.
That night at dinner, the rest of the guys asked him what he caught it on and he said "Um... it was some little silver thingy".
(Clearly I don't think he realized the significance of what he had just accomplished.)
One of the unique things about this event is that it's not just fishing with the pros — it's getting to know them on a deeper level.
We'll spend two full days as a group, with our guests enjoying fishing, meals, and evening activities together: The camaraderie is certainly one of the things that I like most about the event.
But the very best thing about "Fish with the Pros" is it gives us a chance to help some children that really need our help. Lifeline takes care of kids that are in tough situations, some have been abused, some abandoned, but all of them need some investment into their lives. Lifeline doesn't simply treat symptoms — they believe in changing lives by changing hearts.
I've seen some of the lives that have been changed and I'm proud to be just a small part of such a great organization.
If you'd like more info about Lifeline check out their website at www.LifelineYouth.org.
That's all for now. I'll be back with another article soon. James 1:27
— Alton
October 8, 2007: Food for thought between tournaments (PART TWO)
(Actually, I only mentioned this so I could brag about catching a 10-pounder on each of three consecutive days. Wow, what a fishery! Record will fall at Falcon.)
When I think back to each stop on the Elite Series, there's almost always a much-loved restaurant that comes to mind. I want to share with you my favorites from stops three, four and five from the 2007 season.
If you have any suggestions, or if I've missed some great food please drop me a comment.
Clarks Hill - Augusta, Ga.
I love to eat at hibachi-style Japanese restaurants and Augusta just happens to have one of my favorites. Miyabe Japanese Steakhouse gives you a lot of food, and man, is it good. I like the filet mignon with shrimp combo. The meat is always tender and tasty, but their dipping sauces make the meal.
Lake Guntersville - Guntersville, Ala.
If I had to pick an all-time favorite tour restaurant it would be Top-O-the-River in Guntersville. Little Alton and I usually split the "World's Largest Seafood Platter" and it's a job for both of us to cram it all in. Manager Jeff Barnes is actually a former Bassmaster Tour angler and it's always good to reconnect with old friends.
High-Rock Lake - Greensboro, N.C.
By the time I finish the whole season you'll certainly realize just how much I enjoy oriental cuisine. And when I go to Greensboro it's all about PF Chang's. We ate there twice this go-around. It's always fun to get six or seven anglers and their families together and have a PF Chang-feast! We always let our server "surprise" us and make all of the menu selections. I haven't been disappointed yet!
Stops seven, eight and nine coming soon. Thanks for checking in! Eph 2:8-10
— Alton (your favorite fishing food critic)
September 20, 2007: Food for thought between tournaments (PART ONE)
One of the things that I enjoy about our travels on tour is getting to experience different fare across the country. Each region we visit seems to have its own unique specialty and flavor. For example, the mid-Atlantic is well known for its steamed crabs, while Texas is proud of its Tex-Mex cuisine.
This will probably be a bit different than your average pro bass angler blog entry, but today, I want to give you my "must list" on where to eat when you fish at the various places we visited this season on the Elite Series. I'll tackle the first three Elite stops today, and follow up with the rest soon.
Lake Amistad - Del Rio, Texas
The absolute BEST Tex-Mex you'll ever put in your mouth is at Don Marcelino's on Hwy 90, right in the center of town. They have an appetizer that is basically nachos with chorizo (sausage) and cheese that's greasy but great. Then go for the Plato Mexicano for the grand finale.
California Delta - Stockton, Calif.
My favorite restaurant at the Delta wasn't in Stockton, but rather San Francisco. Yep, you guessed it, Chinatown! The Far East Café on Grant Street is the tastiest Chinese food I've ever eaten. Over the years, I've tried a number of their entrées and it's all good, but my very favorite is the beef chow mein. Lots of great food, and a reasonable price guarantee that I'll return every time I visit the Bay Area.
Clear Lake, Calif.
I'm really stumped on this one. I probably just never found the right restaurant, and listing Burger King didn't seem appropriate. If any of you have any tips on where to eat on my next trip to Clear Lake, please leave a comment — and I'll be sure to give it a try.
Enough about the food for now... We're en route to Augusta, Ga. for the Skeeter Owners' tournament on Clarks Hill. What a great experience! Any Skeeter owner can enter the event. Most Team Skeeter pros will be there and all contestants are entered to win a chance to fish with us in the "shoot out" on Sunday morning. If you are in eastern Georgia or western South Carolina this weekend, please come by Wildwood Park and say hello.
Goodbye for now. John 3:16
— Alton (your favorite fishing food critic)
September 6, 2007: Elite Series 2007: Final Thoughts
While preparing for Toho, I've been spending a lot of time reflecting on the 2007 Elite Series — not just on my season, although after the tournament I certainly want to share some of my thoughts with you on that, but rather more on the position professional bass fishing has attained, and where it may be going from here.
Fishing seems to be maturing into much more of a mainstream sport than ever before. I can remember times in the not-too-distant past introducing myself as a bass pro, only to have a response like "what's a bass pro?" or "does that mean you're too lazy to get a real job?"
But now, the reaction is usually something like "WOW, I've seen you on TV!". We are truly gaining credibility among the general public.
BASS and ESPN certainly are not perfect, but I must applaud their efforts to keep our sport moving in the right direction. I believe their intentions are sincere in trying to build integrity into every aspect of the game. Each Elite Angler has QUALIFIED for their position on tour, unlike other trails. And next year, all of the Elite Series pros will be able to compete each and every tournament day from their own boats for first time in a long time.
I am, however, glad one thing has remained unchanged in pro bass fishing: the positive role models that are so visible among this group of men and women. You don't have to look far to find good sportsmanship, integrity, character, and honor. And to me, that is the most admirable quality we have, and the best way we can serve.
As all of these dynamics (and others) blend together, I believe bass fishing is on the verge of really tapping into promotional dollars from corporate America at a whole new level.
How will that change us? Where will we be in 5, 10, or 15 years? I can only guess.
But I do know when we look back at our past, we will continue to be amazed at how far we've come.
May God bless each of you! Acts 4:12
—Alton
August 27, 2007: Man, these guys are good!
During my 18 year career as a professional BASS angler I've usually been able to analyze the day 1 stats to figure out what it would take to earn a check. Lets look at a typical event and I'll tell you how it used to work. 50th place gets paid after 2 days, so lets say the person in 50th place had 14 pounds after day one. Double that weight, subtract a pound, and that will usually get you pretty close to what it should take to earn some $$. In this case that would be 28-1=27 so I'd guess that close to 27 pounds would get paid.
At a really good event the weight might actually double, and at a rare GREAT event you might even see day 2 weights go up a little bit. But I've never seen weights increase as much as I have this year on the Elite Series. At most of our events this season you could take day 1 weight, double it, and throw it out the window.
I've been pondering this all year and at first I just chalked it up as a testament to some of the great fisheries we've been to. But it's not just happening at the legendary bass waters. It's occurring at virtually every stop, including the tough ones. So there must be more to it. Has the bar been raised? I believe it has. It is my opinion that the Elite Series anglers are indeed the best in the world. They can learn from successes and mistakes on day one, make the necessary adjustments, fine tune techniques, switch areas if needed, and then go out and whack 'em on day 2.
It used to be that only about half the field really had a fighting chance, but now every single one of these anglers has the capability to win. And keep in mind, they're not just doing it on their home water. They can go anywhere, anytime, under any conditions and duplicate this feat. I'm amazed and you should be to.
— Alton
August 17, 2007: Farewell to the Majors
I've got mixed feelings about the upcoming Legends event at Lake Dardanelle, Ark.
On one hand, I'm really really sad to see the Majors go by the wayside; I felt like the old E-50 format was a great move forward for our sport, and now it's gone. These "majors" must not have been so "major" after all. But as far as big money events for the Elite Series, at least we still have… ummm… uhhhh… well, actually, we just don't have one anymore.
The Classic is certainly a big money event, but you can't really call it an Elite Series event — because there are several other ways to qualify for it, too. I think we need at least one crowning tournament for the Elite Series, perhaps a tour championship event. We'll have to wait and see what happens, but my guess is that when something new surfaces, our entry fees will be on the rise again.
On the other hand, I'm really excited about fishing there. I've done well at Dardanelle before, and the increased current flow on the Arkansas River should provide good fishing, even in August. I expect to see both shallow and deep water patterns excel there, although I think it will be won deep. Illinois Bayou, the location of the 6-hole course, is perfectly suited to deep water structure fishermen, whereas the rest of the river should set up nicely for shallow water river rats.
Thanks for checking in, and I'll be back at the end of practice for an update.
— Alton
August 13, 2007: Algebra pays off
What do you do when you've got one Elite Series event left and you're right on the bubble for the Classic? You dust your brain off and muster up some memories of long-lost statistics and math classes to try and figure out just what your chances are and what you need to be shooting for. All you junior-highers that are wondering if you'll ever use what you're learning, here's proof positive that you will (unless you're KVD, because he's always too far up in the standings to need it).
It's looking like the Elite Series will work down through 37th place for Bassmaster Classic qualifiers this season. Right now 37th place has 1799 points after 10 events. So for the season you need to average about 180 points per tournament in order to be in that last spot. When you multiply that out through the 11th event it should take about 1979 points to be the last man in.
I currently have 1830 points and will need to earn at least 149 points at Toho in order to qualify. That means that if I finish in 61st place or higher, I should make it.
I'm not sure how to apply all of that prognostication is because I'm going to go out and try to catch as much as I can and finish as high as I can just like I do in every event. But at least I know I stand a fighting chance. Hope is a wonderful thing!
But I have a much greater hope and anticipation in my life than just making the Classic. I know that God always provides EVERYTHING that I need, whether I make the Classic or not, so my trust is in Him, not in myself. I just need to realize the difference between wants and needs. He sent His Son Jesus to save me, and that's the greatest need I've ever had!
—Alton
Acts 4:12
August 4, 2007: I'm a bass-a-holic
We spent the off-week in the Williamsburg, Va., area doing some really neat things. But I am a little bit worried about how just single-minded I can be sometimes. Maybe at least a few of you can relate to what I'm talking about.
On Monday, we went to Jamestown Settlement, which was the first English-speaking permanent community in America. We walked through the museum, the fort, and the Indian village. We got a glimpse of just how difficult life was for those earliest American settlers. I was fine until we went to the shipyard. Once onboard the Godspeed, a 17th century sailing ship, my mind began to wander. "Are there any bass this far downriver in the James?" I wondered. Did Captain John Smith ever catch a bass? How could I possibly be thinking about bass fishing in a historic place like this?
On Tuesday, we took the kids to Busch Gardens. Surely among the thrill and excitement of some of the world's most extreme roller coasters my mind will stay away from fishing. Did you know that from the bridge that crosses the lake at Busch Gardens you can look down into the clear water and see sunfish. I had to linger on the bridge and peer a bit deeper into the shade just to see if I could spot a bass. I just can't seem to escape. Bass follow me everywhere I go (except at Lake Erie).
Wednesday surely would be safe. We planned a sightseeing cruise to view the US Naval Shipyards at Norfolk, VA (all saltwater). Now that was a fantastic tour. It really makes me proud to be an American when I see the might of our military armada. Watching sailors onboard the vessels reminded me of the sacrifice made by so many to secure the freedoms that I enjoy. I am so grateful to them. I was awestruck looking at the nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers, destroyers, and Nimitz-class atomic super-carriers. Then it happened again. I was wondering just how long of a trolling motor shaft you'd have to have for the "Harry S Truman", and if any of our boys ever try to fish from deck, and if so, what kind of fish they catch. Do they have any super advanced electronics that will someday be on the console of my Skeeter? There was no escape!
Finally, I just gave in to the notion that I am indeed a hopeless Bass-a-holic. Actually a hopeful bass-a-holic. But I'm certainly a much more grateful bass-a-holic than I was before.
Potomac River preview coming — May God bless each of you!
— Alton
Mark 1:17
July 29, 2007: Oneida Update
Well, I tried the great practice at Erie and the poor practice at Oneida, but neither one seemed to work. So maybe I better try for a mediocre practice at the Potomac. At Oneida I did have a couple of big fish miss a Zell Pop that probably would have made the difference for me. I was getting 40-50 bites a day on a twitch bait and a drop shot but they just weren't the size that I needed. It's really hard to switch techniques when you're getting that much action. I've never had so much fun finishing 45th in my life. We have a week off now so we're heading to Williamsburg, Va for a vacation. I'll let you all know how that's going as the week progresses. Until then, may God bless each of you.
— Alton Mark 1:17
July 25, 2007: A time for fun
So what do the pros do on an average night before a tournament? Well, honestly, most evenings are spent preparing tackle, re-spooling line, and pouring over maps. But there's always time for "other" stuff too. Especially at the majors when takeoff isn't until 8 a.m.
This just happens to be one of the anglers 32nd birthday, so this evening abunch of us got together to have a little celebration. We had pizza andwings, after all this is New York.
There are a bunch of us that travel in RVs and it's kind of like our ownsmall community at each event. Since we are away from home for so manymonths at a time we have to make every place we visit as much like home as we possibly can. Time spent together in a social setting is much needed andlots of fun.
The highlight of the evening was the frisby throwing. It's amazing what you can learn about a fisherman from watching him play frisby. Chris Lanealways throws to the person the farthest away. Jeff Reynolds wants to make a "trick" catch behind the back or under the leg. Edwin Evers quietly makesa perfect throw every time. Keith Allen stays with it until the last guy goes in. And Steve Kennedy always tries to intercept everything that is thrown to anybody else.
I'll have an Oneida update for you soon, so check back. In the meantime, may God bless you.
— Alton Acts 4:12
July 23, 2007: I got a rock
Did you read my previous blog entry? Did you catch the part about how some of my best practices have turned into some of my worst tournaments? Well, unfortunately, I once again proved that theory at Erie. Luckily, my practice at Oneida is not going nearly as well, so maybe the event will go a bit better.
Tough tournaments always cause me to pause, reflect, and refocus. What's really important? Hudson Faircloth (Todd Faircloth's 2 year-old son) really helped me realize where my priorities need to be. Yesterday afternoon he came up to me and said "Alton, I've got something for you". He reached into his pocket and pulled out a rock that he'd picked up off of the ground and with a big smile he handed it to me. Several other young children were watching, and they all picked up rocks off the ground and brought them to me.
At first I felt a little bit like Charlie Brown, but then I realized what a great expression of the heart that gesture was. Leave it to a child to remind you of what's really important in life. I have family and friends who love me and care about me. And I think that's just really really cool.
By the way, I'm carrying a small bag of rocks in the boat with me for the rest of the season.
— AJ
July 18, 2007: Lake Erie practice summary
Practices like this really scare me. I've had one of the best scouting sessions I've had in a long, long time. Funny how historically some of my greatest pre-fishing can turn into difficult tournaments. That's why I'm scared, because these were 3 great days of pre-fishing! My son, Little Alton, caught his lifetime best smallmouth, a 6.2 pounder.
Basically, I had 3 goals coming in: 1.) Find some BIG smallies, 2.) find some good smallies not too far from take-off, and 3.) find some good fish in the river just in case the wind prevents us from tackling Lake Erie. I accomplished all 3 of these goals and feel pretty good about whichever option I have to use. My best spot is about 65 miles away, and the wind likely won't let me try that one, at least not for a few days. If I could do well enough to make the finals, that would be a killer place to finish out on.
The forecast is calling for some pretty stiff breezes, changing directions a couple of times during the event. So I'm sure that by the time it's all said and done, I'll need to use up absolutely everything I've found.
More updates coming soon — Thanks, and may God bless each of you!
— Alton Jones
Mark 1:17
July 15, 2007: Who is Alton Jones?
Do you ever wonder who these pros that write the blogs really are? What are we like off-camera and off the water? What's our background? What's important to us? What is our true purpose in life? Well, I wanted to use this entry to answer some of those questions, because they are important to me too.
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and my grandfather (Papa) taught me to love fishing. We fished together almost every weekend from the time I was 4 or 5 until I graduated from High School, mostly in small private lakes. He was primarily a crappie fisherman who fished for bass occasionally. When I'm not on the tournament trail I still love to fish for crappie and bluegill. There's an element of relaxation in pan-fishing that you just don't get in tournaments, and I miss that sometimes.
I met my wife, Jimmye Sue Jones, at Baylor University and we were married in 1985. We now have 3 children, ages 9, 12, and 15. They all travel with us to each tournament and we home-school the kids. My son got his drivers "learning permit" in May and he's already driven in 15 different states. That's probably some kind of record.
Family is VERY important to me and Jimmye Sue, and that's why we go to the extra expense and effort to stay together all the time. I consider it a great blessing to have them with me throughout the season. Whether I catch fish or not, I have 4 smiling faces that are happy to see me when I reach the docks at the end of a tournament day!
That's a pretty good summary of Alton Jones, but there is one more very important thing I want each of you to know about me. I am, above all, a follower of Jesus Christ, and I have devoted my life to Him! A professional fisherman is what I am, but it's not who I am. God gives each of us a unique sphere of influence where He can use us. For me it's being a pro fisherman. Beyond the competition my goal is to demonstrate God's love to those I come in contact with. I can see God's hand in every aspect of my life. I'm a work in progress, both on and off the water.
Anyway, that's a little bit about who I really am. I'll be posting a pre-fishing update on Lake Erie in a few days. Thanks for taking the time to read this and may God bless each of you.
— AJ
July 11, 2007: Champlain practice
They say that preparation is more important than game day, and that is certainly true of bass fishing.
Decisions made during the three days of official practice usually choreograph how and where I'll spend my fishing time. I don't know if I've ever put in more fishing hours in a three day period in my life.
I was on the water each morning by 5 a.m. and off at around 9 p.m. I'm really feeling those 16 hour days too. But tomorrow the adrenaline will overcome any lingering fatigue.
At Champlain smallmouths will do well, but they usually can't win. You've always got to have some kicker largemouths so I've spent my entire practice chasing green fish. I'm committed to one area and we'll see how it turns out. There is an aggressive bite going on, but the average size seems to be down just a notch from last year.
It always amazes me how a cold front always happens to move through after practice, but before the tournament begins. So we'll have totally different conditions to deal with than anything we've experienced thus far. I've heard a rumor that the National Weather Service is going to start monitoring the BASS Elite Series schedule to help them develop more accurate long-range forecasts.
I'll have another entry soon, so be sure to check back!
— AJ
July 9, 2007: Fired Up!
You might think that it would be hard for a bass pro to get excited about a fishing trip. After all, I fish over 20 tournaments each season and spend somewhere around 200 days per year on the water. But right now I'm pumped! I'm in the motor home en route to the "Northern Run" Elite Series events and I just can't wait to get it started.
One thing I'll say for sure about the Elite Series is that the schedule keeps it fun, and the Northern Run is guaranteed to please. My most difficult decision for the next few weeks will be deciding whether to go for a big bag of largemouths or a livewell full of giant smallies. Life's tough, ain't it?
Shallow? Deep? It really doesn't matter because Champlain, Erie, Oneida and the Potomac are all loaded. Every morning when I wake up I have to pinch myself twice just to make sure it's real!
Check back in and I'll keep you posted as the Northern Run progresses. May God bless each of you!
— Alton Jones
Mark 1:17
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