What Truck, Boat and Outboard does John run?

I currently drive a Toyota Seuoia. My boat is a ProCraft Pro 175 with a Mecury outboard.  I have always run a Motorguide trolling motor.

My Sponsors

I am on the Enigma and Titan Tingsten Pro Staff.

What John does for a living:

I recently retired after 26 years in the Army.  I'm a motorcycle RiderCoach and instruct a couple of classes a month.

What you should know about John:

I'm a life long learner; I have completed two Associate degrees and a Bachelor and I'm very competitive.  I enjoy riding motorcycles as much as I love fishing.

How John started fishing

As a child my dad took me out especially when we visited my grand parents.  My grandfather was a huge fisherman.  It wasn't until I joined the Army did I started learning to use baitcaster and fishing techniques.  After I caught my first 5 pounder on a top water frog I was hooked.

Aspirations or goals with fishing

My aspirations and goals are like every other competitive angler, have a shot to fish the big show.  But now with my son coming up my goal is to help him get there as well.

Favorite way to fish

That is a hard question.  I would have to say my favorite way to fish is slow and methodical.  I love spinning, cranking and top water, but I'm more confident in a worm, jig or spoon bite.  

Most exciting fishing experience

My most exciting fishing experience was winning my first club championship and earning a chance to fish the Bass Federation Nation Championship.

How John preps for a tournament

It depends on how much timeI have before the tournament and when the waters open for pracice (if they close the lake before the tourney). I start by researching past tournaments and jot down some patterns.  I pour over the map and Google Earth looking for what I think will be productive points and flats.  Then I get and fish logging each fish, weather, water condition and temps, lures and depth to eliminate water and establish a pattern. 

Three favorite search baits

My three favorite search baits are Rapala Crankbaits, Chatter/Spinner baits, and a Jerkbait.

Best tournament finish and what you did that day when you were fishing.

My best tournament finish was 12th and missed 11th and a check by .001 of an ounce.  I was a co-angler and I threw a Rat-L-Trap over hydrilla.

Most challenging part of tournament fishing

For me the most challenging part of tournament fishing is having confidence in the decisions I make on the water.

When tournaments don't go my way

I use it as a learning experience.  It means I need more time on the water because conditions always change and if you cannot keep up with changes nothing goes right.

Advice to give to an aspiring tournament angler:

Learn how to conduct thorough research and practice often.

Some shared general bass fishing techniques for people just getting into the sport

Always have a Sinko ready for those short-strikes.