If you have the time to read, these are some answers to the questions I am asked a lot.  If "yinz" want to know something, don’t be shy- email me! 

How did you “get into" fishing?

My large extended family looked for inexpensive ways to entertain the kids, and they would often plan fishing outings. My mom and aunt were the avid anglers of the bunch! We’d pack up coolers and roadtrip to southwestern PA lakes!  While the kids mostly fished with worms for crappie, perch, and bluegill, the grown-ups would fish for pike, musky and bass using "shiners" or the occasional lure.  My competitive nature was formed at an early age.  My mom and aunt would hold their own mini-tournaments by announcing that whoever caught the first fish, the biggest fish, the most fish (or whatever else they dreamed up) would win a dollar.  It was on! My “lucky rod” was a 80's model pocket fisherman that we found at a yard sale, with a "lucky" pink cork bobber. I swear I cried when I lost that bobber after getting tangled and Dad had to cut the line!  During my teenage and college years, I fished less often, usually with my aunt and/or mom, but got sidetracked with my studies and rockin’ and rollin’ in bands.  When my aunt bought a camper a few years ago next to one of my favorite lakes, my fate was sealed.  I started throwing lures for bass.  When I caught my first 19- inch bass on only the fifth cast I had ever made with a lure in my life, I was "hooked" and quickly abandoned those nightcrawlers and crappies! I truly believe my love of fishing stems from my parents taking me and having patience with me when I was little, so I urge you to take a kid fishing!

So, what kind of boat do you have?

Actually, I don't have a boat (unless you count a jonboat). I fish as a co-angler ("from the back of the boat").  A lot of clubs/ tournaments invite co-anglers (riders) to join.  It is a great way to learn different techniques while trying out tournament fishing to see if you like it.  You probably will!  I do plan on getting a boat when either 1) my finances allow or 2) I win one. Whichever comes first!

What is your favorite lure?

Well, I guess that would be whatever is catching fish for me at any given time!  As I learn a new presentation, technique, or lure, that usually becomes my new favorite for awhile.  Generally, I have a few “go-to’s”, all of the soft-plastic variety:  shaky-head jigs with a trick or shaky-tail worm, tubes, and rigging worms wacky.  I am still getting comfortable with hard baits.

Where is your favorite place to fish?

Big Yellow Creek/ Yellow Creek Lake, Penn Run, PA- I have so many fond memories of fishing there, and I have hooked a few monsters there both from the shore and from a jonboat.  It is where my Aunt Jody and I fish together, and she is my “bestest” fishing buddy and friend! You should see some of the huge fish she's caught!

What's the biggest fish you ever caught?

A bass that was officially measured? 18.5 inches- 3.7 lbs.  (Hey, that's not bad for PA!) But I have caught bass ranging from 19-21 inches that I estimated because I didn’t have my measure-er with me!  (I do have witnesses- I swear it's no fish tale.) I have also caught pike and catfish bigger than bass, but I don't count anything but bass anymore!

How did you find a club to join?

I used this new technology tool called the Internet! J  Seriously, I searched on the internet.  You can look up your state’s B.A.S.S. Federation and inquire, or look at the messages boards on various websites. Start with my links page.

Weren't you nervous at first?

Yes, I was nervous and couldn't sleep at all the night before my first tourney. And I was embarrassed the first few times I got snagged, tangled, hung up or backlashed- sometimes all at the same time.  But then something happened- I saw that everyone got snagged up, too, at times- no one is immune.  Trying to make that perfect pitch into that perfect 5-inch spot between three tree branches from the back of the boat is a risk you gotta take for a chance of reeling in the big one- a risk that is taken by many pros, amateurs, and weekend warriors all the time and accomplished successfully by the best.  I’m still learning, but so far, I’ve never been made fun of and a lot of times, the boaters are willing to retrieve tackle and line (translation: money), as long as it wouldn't spook fish or otherwise interfere with the gameplan.   

How much stuff do you take on a boat/ what do I need?

I usually take four rods (because for me, more than that becomes too cumbersome), one tackle bag, one USCG- approved lifevest is a MUST, one small “personals” bag (for polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, lip stuff, aspirin, TP, ID/ money/ license, and camera) and a small cooler if there isn’t one on the boat or it is full. Added plus when you can dump your cooler contents into the boat cooler and have one less thing taking up room. You should wear/ take raingear, too- even if you don't think you'll need it. (Keep in mind, though, as you peel off layers, you will have clothing to store and carry.) Take a change of clothes to keep in your car. (You never know when you might need them.)  I have a permanent checklist that I go over before I leave the house/ hotel. Regardless of what I take on the boat, I always try to leave the boat with no evidence that I was ever on it- that means cleaning up my garbage, cut line, lures, etc. and offering to help out in anyway I can.  No one will want to draw me if I leave a big ol’ mess on their boat!

What do you do when you’re not fishing?

I have a full-time job that fortunately has good benefits and vacation!  I also play bass guitar and sing karaoke. I am also a master bargain hunter, as well. If fishin’ ain’t your thing, I can show you how to find the best deals ever or take you on a thrift-store extravaganza!

What don’t you like about fishing and tournaments?

Two things:  First, rainy and/ or cold weather.  Second, getting up early- which is a problem!!! I usually set two alarms and have an additional back-up plan so I am positive I'll wake up.

I want to start fishing or join a club.  What can I do?

Investigate, ask questions, search the ‘net.  Use the sites and forums on my links page.  Email me, I’ll be happy to give you some advice!  Just be warned- you might become obsessed and spend every waking moment thinking about fishing, and every sleeping moment dreaming about fishing (and spend every last cent you have on fishing tackle)!  But, I promise-  you won’t be sorry!!

So...what is "yinz" anyway???

"Yinz" is the Pittsburgh equivalent of "y'all", "you's guys", or the grammatically- correct plural (collective) "you".  For example, "Are yinz going fishing today?"  If you really want to sound like a Pittsburgher, you can add "n'at" to certain phrases, which means something like "etc.".  For example, I might ask a few friends, "Hey, are yinz going fishing today?  If so, I gotta go to Gander and pick up some hooks n'at."  (If language or geographical differences interest you, which it might if you travel the country during tournament season, visit http://www.pittsburghese.com/ for some other Pittsburgh gems or to translate your favorite phrase into Pittsburgh-ese!)