May 19, 2008
Ike on '08 thus far
Don't blink, the 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series is just about half over. The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race is fast morphing into something of serious consequence as each tournament passes. Veteran anglers like Mike Iaconelli know that while plenty of time remains to make a run at the title, the five tournaments that have already elapsed can't be replayed.
We caught up with the 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion as he reflected on the past and present of the 2008 season.
Q: Which 2008 Elite series event would you most like the chance to do over again?
Ike: I'd have to pick the Harris Chain. I like to fish fairly fast, and the Harris Chain just wasn’t the place for that. I’d fish a lot slower if I could do it all over again.
Q: Which 2008 Elite Series do you feel you executed best in, regardless of the final standings?
Ike: I'd say Falcon Lake because I managed the fish that I found really effectively over the course of four days. Sure, it was the biggest slug-fest in the history of pro tournaments, but really I only had four key places where I could catch what I considered 'winning' fish, and none of those spots was much bigger than my Tundra, so I had to be very careful about how I managed what I had found.
Q: Who is the fellow Elite Series angler that has impressed you most this year?
Ike: It seems like Britt Myers has found his groove at this level. He's had a really solid year so far, and made a lot of Top 50 cuts. He no longer has the uncertainty that surrounds rookies. Britt seems comfortable and confident this year.
Q: What tournament town have you most enjoyed staying at thus far?
Ike: Lake Amistad at Del Rio, Texas was pretty awesome. Ish Monroe, John Crews and myself stayed on a houseboat there. You’re literally on the water around the clock, and I just seem to connect with the lake a little better in that unique situation.
Q: What do you consider your best lure thus far in 2008?
Ike: A ¾ oz. Berkley Gripper Football Jig. Except for Florida, that new jig was critical to the success I had in Texas and at Clarks Hill, GA.
Q: What have you listened to in your Tundra the most this season
Ike: I got a Sirius Satellite Radio for Christmas, and I love a station called 'Backspin'. They play old school rap, stuff like Kurtis Blow and Houdini.
