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.
As winner of the 1st Hobie Bass Open, Tom Michael received an invitation to the championship. He’s a freshwater angler, a saltwater, an all-around qualified angler with detailed knowledge of various species. With his long history as an angler, and now a kayak angler, he has repeatedly been in the money. Even with a winning reputation, Tom Michael is genuinely a humble and confident person. Immediately you could tell he has been mentally preparing himself for his second Hobie Fishing World Championship appearance.
For the most part Michael had packed up for the flight to the Netherlands, so we had plenty of time to interview him and find out what he is thinking about.
Have you fished freshwater more regularly to prepare for the tournament?
I have. Recently, I have been fishing freshwater tournaments in a local club targeting largemouth bass. Seems like bass and the three targeted species will react very similar to the baits I will be using, so I have been using the techniques I’ve been practicing in the championship. We also have pickerel, a smaller fish in the pike family, thriving in our local lakes. These are the closest fish I have to test my theories and techniques.
Do you have experience with the three target species pike, zander, and perch?
I have never fished in Europe, but we have similar species in the Northern US. Pike and perch are the same species of fish and I have fished for both on Lake Champlain. The amount of time I’ve spent fishing for them was minimal, but what I had learned will help me develop patterns for the tournament. The perch will be the easiest for me to understand because I fish for them just after ice out on the local lakes. Using every minute of practice we are offered will be critical in fine tuning my patterns.
Who is your pick to win the tournament?
Oh boy… Had to choose me to answer that question? (Tom laughs) Well, Daniel Van Der Post has shown that he knows the area and I would say that he has a very good chance of showing up in the top 10. But I really think Steffan Jorup is going to come out and show up in a big way. He is one of those quiet guys that doesn’t say much, but catches fish. We fished alongside each other in last year’s world championship and I saw what kind of potential he has.
Michael is a hard working individual, often times working long shifts, but he always makes time to go fishing. His perseverance and passion is a great asset especially with the amount of traveling to be done in the next week. We are sure to see a different side come out when tournament Day 1 begins.
To learn more about Tom and Hobie Fishing World Championship IV, visit: http://www.hobiefishingworlds.com/.
