We asked the six USA competitors some questions just before they fly to the Netherlands for the Hobie Fishing World Championship IV. The competitors are on the edge of their seats waiting for their chance to compete against some of the top kayak anglers from around the world. Are they prepared? What can we expect from these top anglers? Find out what they said when we interviewed them before the tournament starts.
Elias Vaisberg, winner of the Kayak Fishing Classic in Jamaica Bay, New York, finds himself just days away from fishing in his first Hobie Fishing World Championship. What can we expect from an East Coast angler targeting 40 lb striped bass and fluke? What I hadn’t realized is Elias is experienced in catching pike. This changes everything! Although he doesn’t frequent pike laden waters, he has fished pike enough to have a solid game plan going into the tournament.
Vaisberg broke down his thoughts over the phone just before he set out on his normal work shift. Along with packing and spending time with family and friends, like all the competitors Vaisberg continues through his week in anticipation of what is to come.
What kind of pattern are you going to be testing on the practice day?
I am going to try some of the deep water structure that might be holding bigger fish. I’m used to fishing wrecks and steep channels for saltwater species, and I think these fish will be associated to structure also. But I also might fish shallower especially for pike. There are times that I’ve caught pike in skinny water and some good sized fish too.
How do you feel about the tournament rules/structure?
I really like that the tournament is formatted around three species instead of one. Skilled anglers will have to consider catching all of the species in order to win and that to me proves whether someone has earned a win. I am happy that there is a practice period and three days to compete. Foreigners are under a severe disadvantage since most of the competition has never fished in Europe. Even if an angler doesn’t hit the right pattern on Day 1 there is still a possibility that they could find a really good area and catch big fish.
Do you think that having everyone using the exact same kayak is fair?
That is really going to even the playing field. Although I like to fish from the Mirage Outback, having everyone using Pro Angler 12s is giving each competitor the same speed, stability and drift speed. Dialing in my electronics will be one of the first things I do on navigation day and practice day. I feel confident that the angler who comes out on top has been fishing on the same level as I have.
Vaisberg is anticipating a tournament that will be on a much different level than he is used to. With a large lake and plenty of fish holding structure, it is likely that anglers will not be fishing near an area he is locked in on.
To learn more about Elias and Hobie Fishing World Championship IV, visit: http://www.hobiefishingworlds.com/.
