What Truck, Boat and Outboard does James run?

2021 Phoenix 921 Elite with and 250 Pro XS Mercury and I pull it with a 2021 F150 4X4

My Sponsors

At present I am sponsored by P-Line, Kistler Custom Rods, Abu Garcia, Spike-it, VMC Hooks, Rapala, All in Tackle, Herlong Ford Edgefield, SC, and Nines Optics

What James does for a living:

Auto repair shop owner

What you should know about James:

I'm retired from the US Air Force with four combat deployments to the Middle East.

How James started fishing

I started fishing at a very young age with my parents. I started tournament fishing in 2006 with a small christian club in Augusta, GA.

Aspirations or goals with fishing

I want to be a mentor to some young person wanting to tournament fish and to promote the sport of Bass fishing.

Favorite way to fish

I love to fish in the late fall.

Most exciting fishing experience

Fishing for smallies at Dale Hollow, a bad storm was coming up but I was on fish. I stayed until it started lightning, caught a 6 pounder just as the lightning struck a tree next to me. I loaded up and flew back to the camp site only to find my tent and all my camping equipment had been taken by a tornado.

How James preps for a tournament

Study maps and do lots of online research.

Three favorite search baits

Crank, fluke, spinner

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

Most challenging part of tournament fishing

Learning to slow down

When tournaments don't go my way

Learn from my mistakes.

Advice to give to an aspiring tournament angler:

Never give up, as Ike would say

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

What ever feels right to you. I started  worm fishing but dont be limited. That held me back.