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.
Winner of the 2013 IFA Championship, Steve Lessard is no stranger to professional kayak fishing tournaments. Many would agree that his levelheaded and well thought out fishing style makes him an especially tough competitor. Tough enough to be in the money 5 times in 2014 with first place finishes! But that is in the United States… Can Lessard bring the heat in the Netherlands fishing for 3 species that he has little experience with?
An excited Lessard generously answered a few of our questions while packing for his approaching journey, and finding ways to bring an arsenal of rods.
How does tournament participation improve your odds of placing in the top 10?
Constantly competing in tournaments can make you a better angler in general. What it truly teaches you is how to fish effectively under pressure. Working through the tough times and staying on a pattern that you are confident is working is critical to winning any tournament. I’ve also learned how to manage my time more efficiently. Normally I fish in one-day tournaments, but even with three days to compete in the World Championship I will fish each day like it is the only day I have to fish.
What species are you most likely going to focus on?
Everyone I’ve spoken with says Zander is the most difficult to catch. They are the most finicky; they’re moody and very sensitive to weather changes. Based on this feedback I’m assuming that I should target them and find out what makes them tick. I do have a plan to figure out all three species in the least amount of time. I’m going to use dual species lures and techniques that might catch pike and zander, zander and perch simultaneously.
What is your biggest hurdle to overcome?
My biggest hurdle is the two rod limitation. This is tough for anyone who uses multiple rigged rods in tournaments in order to cut down on retying time. Both Justin Carter and I are used to having five rods with different lures and technique specific. But now we are limited to two rigged rods at one time according to local fishing regulations. In order to overcome the time consumed from retying, I will lay out several lures to switch out quickly.
I could sense Lessard was contemplating his tournament strategy as we spoke. He is especially well thought out and calculated, almost scientific. If he is able to understand all three species by the end of practice day, we can expect to see an impressive performance.
To learn more about Steve and Hobie Fishing World Championship IV, visit: http://www.hobiefishingworlds.com/.
