Anglers


Iaconelli

Angler Q & A

Technique strength: My strength is what I call power fishing, which is using fast-moving baits -spinnerbaits, cranks, jigs, etc. - to cover a lot of water and elicit a reaction strike. But my second love is finesse fishing, using light line and small baits to catch bass when the fishing is super tough.

Technique weakness: Deep water

Favorite lake or river: Lake Champlain

Least favorite lake or river: Wherever a lake’s been drained

Favorite bait: Favorite is probably a jig, close second is a shaky-head worm

Started bass fishing at the age of: 11

Started fishing bass tournaments at the age of: Right out of high school

Year turned pro: 1999

Do you get nervous before tournaments: I wouldn’t call it nervous, but I still get butterflies. Ask anybody that competes, you’ll probably hear that they get excited, anxious, and they’re visualizing the first six-pounder.

Your biggest bass fishing influence (person): Within the fishing realm, it’s probably Rick Clunn. I admired things he was doing in the sport, the recognition of seasonal patterns.

If you were not a professional bass angler, what would you be doing: Through high school, I was a disc jockey. I enjoyed that. It’s a way to entertain people.

Largest bass caught to date: 14-pound, 1-ounce largemouth at Lake Amistad

Most memorable bass fishing moment: I have two. The first is catching my first bass ever on an artificial lure. I was 11 years old, and I caught about a 2-pounder on a Rapala 9S Floating Minnow. That one explosive topwater strike got me hooked on bass fishing for life! The second is catching the winning bass in the last few minutes of the 2003 Bassmaster Classic. That one fish changed my life and forever etched my life motto of "never give up!"

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Latest Blog Post

Michael Iaconelli: The Most Exciting, Energizing Fishing

Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2012 by Michael Iaconelli | Posted in Major League Fishing

This is pro bass fishing in a whole new light.  My grandmother used to love to watch the X Games. I asked her why. She said she watched because it was exciting. Read More