Co-Angler.com
Interview- 3/20/2005

Co-Angler.com: When did you start fishing?

I started fishing about the time I started walking, literally! I believe I was three years old when my grandmother introduced me to bream fishing. It was all stepping stones from there and seldom would you find me without a rod in hand and a line in the water. Once I'd hung my first bass, the rest became history!

Co-Angler.com: When and why did you decide to start tournament fishing?

I have always had a passion to fish, but it was just this past year that I discovered my even more inner love for competitive bass fishing. I had participated in local tournaments and company meets, (Bass Pro Shops), and had always attended weigh-in events for the more elite trails such as FLW and Bassmasters. I have always been fascinated, and still am, watching the boats take off and return and pondered being an actual angler of that status myself. My journey began with an FLW event last year on 'Ole Hickory, of TN, which I was merely a spectator, and I began mingling with several of the pro anglers during the Wal-Mart Family Fun Zone. I spoke of my love for the sport and eventually, was introduced to the political members of the trail. After interviewing with the FLW representitives, I was invited to fish as a co-angler on an upcoming event. Needless to say, I was hooked, line and sinker, and have fished all tournaments possible thus far.

Co-Angler.com: You have quite a list of sponsors listed on your website. In what ways do the sponsors you listed such as PureFishing, Ranger, and etc. help you reach your goals as a co-angler and what do you offer them in return?

I stand firmly behind all my sponsors who believe in me and encourage me throughout the year. I'm very dedicated in promoting such highly established companies because I trust dearly in their product and use them faithfully. As a co-angler, I may not have the press opportunities for promotions as the pro-anglers may have, (although I have been blessed), so I try to always wear their merchandise as I walk across the stage to weigh-in, I announce the bait I was using during interviews, etc. I'm provided with product and apparel so a lesser expense during my travels has been extremely helpful also.

Co-Angler.com: You cashed your first check of 2005 in FLW competition at Lake Toho where you finished a very respectable 28th and had a top 10 finish at Ouachita FLW Event where you finished 6th. You are currently ranked 53rd and well within grasp of going to your first Jacobs Cup Championship. How does that feel and do you have confidence that you will be going to your first Championship this year?

I was SO extremely blessed and fortunate to have cashed a check on Toho, but I was the happiest woman on the planet to have placed 6th on the Ouachita River!! The adrenaline rush of being onstage the final day of co-angler competition is indescribable! The fact became so clear to me as I was waiting to weigh-in my catch, that I had ranked over 190 anglers and I was possibly on my way to a #1 finish. I am certain I am headed to the Jacob's Cup Championship and I will diligently work extra hard to make sure I'm in the final cut. My confidence has exceeded into a level of success, as I feel ultimately blessed so far this season, but I will remain humble, work hard, and take whatever I'm given with gratitude.

Co-Angler.com: Could you tell us about the your tournaments so far? Did you pre-fish alot before them? Did your practice give you an idea of how you would fish the tournaments?

I try to have a few days practice time before any FLW event simply so I can get a feel for the water, particularly structure, depth, clarity, and temperature. I find it's difficult as a co-angler to pre-fish and become welded to a certain area only to find your pro draw will be doing something completely different than what you had become accustomed to. It's very important while meeting with your pro before the tournaments, that you know exactly what to bring and what not to, for that matter, so you can be best prepared. I personally, don't like to take a lot of rods and tackle with me on the days of the tournament. Less mess is more. I also see a lot of co-anglers who spend more time tying on than fishing - big no, no. I believe a day or two of practice is all I need to feel comfortable. Unfortunately, on my sixth place finish at the Ouachita River event, a death in the family prevented me from pre-fishing at all. The day I saw the water the first time was the day of take-off opening morning. I was very uncomfortable fishing without practice, but was able to make quick decisions and strategically studying the water surrounding me, I had confidence and fished quite well. In saying this, as a co-angler, being prepared is being able to adjust to whatever your pro has planned for the day regardless if you practice ahead of time or not.

Co-Angler.com: Could you tell us how your Pro draws helped you in your success so far and anything specific on what you learned from them?

I believe the success of a co-angler has 95% to do with your draw. Ultimately, a co-angler wants a draw that's "on" fish, but sometimes this is to the disadvantage. If a pro knows that a fish is sitting on a certain structure and they have confidence the fish are there, its almost as if the co-angler is fishing behind a vacuum! I have learned you have to be observant and watch exactly where the pro is casting and try to avoid already fished waters. I learned to not fish with the same bait as your pro chooses. If he's flippin' a jig or tube, perhaps you should flip a baby brush hawg or creature bait, something a bit more finesse. The key is to catch the less aggressive fish that may have passed on the pros lure presentation. The pro has EVERYTHING to do with our success as co-anglers and we must show respect to them above all. My advice is to be courteous to your pro and he/she will reciprocate in return, and I guarantee more fish in the second livewell!