Anglers


Martens

Angler Q & A

Technique strength: Finesse Fishing and Crankbaits

Technique weakness: Probably fishing grass, but I've gotten a lot better over the past few years

Favorite lake or river: I like Falcon Lake. Fishing there makes me feel like I'm fishing many years ago when there wasn’t a lot of fishing pressure.

Least favorite lake or river: The Red River; it beats up your equipment and it’s not easy to navigate.

Favorite bait: Davis Bait Company Shaky Fish. I have more than 30 years of experience with this bait; it’s very versatile, surface to bottom and everything in between.

Favorite fishing knot: I like the UniKnot. It’s very consistent, always pulls tight and right without breaking line.

Started bass fishing at the age of: 13 years old

Started fishing bass tournaments at the age of: 15 years old

Year turned pro: 1994

Do you get nervous before tournaments: Not so much unless it's a tournament where the lake is fishing small and we're going to be fighting for small spots.

Largest bass caught to date: 14-pound, 12-ounce largemouth at Castaic Lagoon (Lower lake) in Southern California

Your most memorable bass fishing moment: I caught a nine-pounder at Table Rock on a crankbait when I needed a miracle. To catch one that big when I needed it was unexpected. That fish put me over the top for the 2004 Angler of the Year title.

Your biggest bass fishing influence (person): My mother, she took me fishing and fished tournaments together in Southern California. We learned together and she kept me on the water.

If you were not a professional bass angler, what would you be doing: So many things. I think it would be some kind of a sport; I’ve always been athletic and love doing things involved with fitness.

What question do most people ask you the most: What type of knot I tie.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you while fishing: Fell in the water during a tournament. A competitor was running a five mph zone and I was upset about it, when turning to see how it was.

As a boy, what did you want to be when you grew up: A fisherman

What is the biggest obstacle you face as a professional angler: This year is going to be tough without my family being on the road with me. We've always traveled together, and they won't be this year; it's going to be tough.

How have state conservation programs and bass angler fish care affected bass fishing across the nation: It's done pretty well considering the amount of pressure, but I still think that we could do a whole lot better. After we go through a lake and show how good it could be, the fans follow and a lot of fish get taken out. We could do a lot better.

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Latest Blog Post

Aaron Martens: Feeling Better

Posted on Monday, June 04, 2012 by Aaron Martens | Posted in Major League Fishing

It’s been a strange year for me so far. I couldn’t do a thing right during the first three (Elite Series) tournaments, and then all of a sudden I was in a position to win at Douglas Lake. Read More