Lane ready to defend his title

Reigning Classic champ Chris Lane answered fan questions live, right before his trip to Tulsa.

Chris Lane has a lot going on.

The reigning 2012 Bassmaster Classic champion leaves tomorrow for Tulsa, where he will defend his title. He just got back from two tournaments in Florida. He and his brothers are busy preparing for the launch of their new business, LB3 Outdoors, and he’s working with his hometown of Guntersville on an app that will help anglers on the world-class fishery — and will also be helpful during the 2014 Bassmaster Classic on those waters. He’s also getting ready for a full season ahead, which begins only a couple of weeks after the Classic.

But the pro has been enjoying his time as the crowned king of bass fishing, and he’s just looking forward to more. He told his fans that and more today during the B.A.S.S. Twitter chat. See photos of his visit here.

Below is a transcript of the chat, lightly edited for spelling and clarity. You can also check out Twitter chat transcripts from other pros, including Mike IaconelliKevin VanDamAaron MartensBoyd DuckettJonathon VanDamTodd FairclothBrent ChapmanRandy HowellIsh MonroeBrandon PalaniukJeremy Starks and Alton Jones.

Keep up with Twitter chats, tournament news and bass fishing advice by following B.A.S.S. on Twitter at @BASS_Nation.

 

 

B.A.S.S. @BASS_Nation

Welcome, @ChrisLaneFish ! Thanks for joining us today, when you’re leaving for Tulsa tomorrow. Fans, he’s taking questions now.

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Thank you for all the support over the past year, it’s been a fantastic year! Looking forward to your questions

 

Marty Ballard ‏@Saints859

What’s your go to lure or technique anywhere you go?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

If there’s grass, fish the grass. If there’s not, hit the shallows.

 

hunter goad ‏@Hunter_Goad

Good luck to you at the classic! What’s gonna be your go to baits ?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

A Luck E Strike stickbait

 

Rutgers U Bass Club ‏@RU_Bassfishing

How did your practice go out on grand lake?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Practice didn’t go very well because I wasn’t there. I didn’t practice this time.

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

I’ve fished there before and really look forward to getting out there. I’ve been practicing on Guntersville!

 

Rutgers U Bass Club ‏@RU_Bassfishing

How has life changed since winning last year’s @BASS_nation Classic?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

I have been able to give back to my family everything that they have put into it for the past six years!

 

Rutgers U Bass Club ‏@RU_Bassfishing

Chris, whats your best flipping outfit to get those bassquatches out of thick cover? Line, rod, reel, and bait

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

7-6 All Star rod, Revo SX, 65-lb Stren Sonic Braid, heavy hook, 1oz weight, prototype Luck E Strike Fast Lane bait

 

Z Alexander ‏@Z_Pkent

If you could only use one technique/bait in a tournament during the summer what would it be and why?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

It would be a Fast Lane tube because you can fish it deep, shallow or in-between.

 

Gary Hanson ‏@mgaryhanson

Favorite Early Spring Lures for Bass, plastics, topwater, cranks, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits ???

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Soft plastic for early spring because the fish are ready to move shallow and they’re still a little lethargic.

 

Fishin’ Outrageous ‏@TeamFOfishing

What one rod goes on the boat deck everytime your out? Or the bait you have the most confidence in?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

A 7-2 All-Star rod with a Revo reel with 15-lb. Stren mono. The bait would be the new Luck E Strike Fast Lane baits

 

Fishin’ Outrageous ‏@TeamFOfishing

How’s it feel to have that bullseye on your back as the defending champ Knowing everyone is after you?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

It makes me want to work that much harder

 

Connor Edmonds ‏@bassinNC

If you weren’t fishing, what job would you want to have?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Sales. I would want a sales position at B.A.S.S.

Joe Rinaldi ‏@JRinaldi99

What’s the biggest factor in finding productive grass in tidal fisheries like the Potomac?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Hit it at high tide, that will create the opportunity to find fish that aren’t there at low tide but are at high tide

 

Fishin’ Outrageous ‏@TeamFOfishing

You’re in the first group in Fantasy fishing with some HEAVY HITTERS! Should I pick the defending champ?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

The decision is yours. But I feel good about starting the year out on Grand Lake, a place I have done well before.

Fishin’ Outrageous ‏@TeamFOfishing

Thanks a lot Chris! Wish you the best in 2013 good luck at the classic! You’ll be on my team!!

 

Peyton Cockrell ‏@PeytonCockrell

What were you first thoughts at this moment last year? pic.twitter.com/GdBCXYmL

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

I did it for my entire family & friends & every kid who’s inspiring to be a fisherman & coming up from grass roots

 

Sam ‏@Sam_Cudmore_4

Hey chris… big fan of yours:) I was wondering what sort of things you do to prepare for a tournament in the summer?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Thank you for the support! During the summer, I prepare for flipping in shallow water lakes. In the deeper lakes, I prepare for schooling fish.

 

Jim Scott ‏@MuddyBass79

What is your plan of attack for Grand, starting out

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

My strategy will be to determine the water temperature. It’ll be a crucial factor.

 

Corey Locker ‏@CoreyLocker

If you we’re to not have any electronics on your boat . What is some things you would do and things you’d look for

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

You learn to read shoreline, how steep banks are/how far they come out. Use rod tip or heavy weight to judge depth

Corey Locker ‏@CoreyLocker

What’s your jerk bait rig look like ?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Usually 6-8 to 7-foot rod, a soft-tip rod, with 10-lb. line with a Revo reel

Corey Locker ‏@CoreyLocker

I’ve been looking for a good jerk bait job from Abu Garcia . Do they have one ?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Yes, but I’m not familiar with the Veritas. I fish with the All-Star rod, the big crankbait series would be good.

 

Jeffery Smith ‏@koolerthenafan

Did you discover or try a different technique during the off season?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

I practiced w/ a jerkbait & fishing cold temps. Those 2 things were something I needed to be more comfortable with

 

Landon Tucker ‏@thebassfreak

How do you feel about this season?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

This season will take a lot of work. There are 4 or 5 events I haven’t been to.

Landon Tucker ‏@thebassfreak

Well good luck dude. @JTodd_Tucker is gonna be hot this year!!

 

Marty Ballard ‏@Saints859

All time favorite body of water and why?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Lake Guntersville, because of the amount of fish it has & the way it fishes. Plus the town is so welcoming!

 

Justin Phillips ‏@nousdefiones_jp

What do you throw to catch a limit when’s it tough? Or are you always hunting big fish?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Shaky head is a great way to catch a limit. Points mean the world in a tough tourney & catching 5 fish is always a great way to start. If the big fish aren’t biting, I’d rather have 5 than one.

Justin Phillips ‏@nousdefiones_jp

Thanks Chris. Good luck this season and I’m looking forward to seeing the new clothing line!

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Thanks! Be sure to check out our LB3 Outdoors at the #bassmaster Classic expo!

 

Randall Rogers ‏@Randy520

What has been the biggest change for you since winning the classic

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

The amount of publicity I’ve received. In airports, tackle shops, gas station, driving down the road, people notice me.

 

Todd Blanton ‏@FightinNole

Chris, who do you feel is the biggest threat on Grand this year?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Edwin Evers, Mike McClelland and Jason Christie. Weather conditions will play a huge role, and locals have the advantage there.

 

Noah Blackmon ‏@noahblackmon

How would you go about winning a tournament this time of year? Bait, location, bottom type/contour, etc.?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Depending on where you are there are a lot of choices. Here the fish are moving shallow. I would focus on the spot where they stage before moving shallow. That will get you near the big females.

 

Connor Edmonds ‏@bassinNC

What technique have you started to dial in on since you’ve been in the Elites?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

The drop shot and the jerkbait, due to the fact that we fish a lot of clear water.

Connor Edmonds ‏@bassinNC

Was it a tough transition from a flippin’ stick to a drop shot rod?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Yes! There is a monumental difference between the two. From line size, to feel, to the way you land a fish.

 

Matt Kamalsky ‏@DownIslandLivin

When do you use a flouro leader when using braid and when don’t you?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

I throw a fluoro leader on braid when I’m throwing spinning rods. Otherwise, I don’t use it. Except in saltwater.

Matt Kamalsky ‏@DownIslandLivin

Do you ever use braid when flipping soft plastics or jigs when you aren’t flipping matted grass?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

All the time!

 

Connor Edmonds ‏@bassinNC

If you weren’t fishing, what job would you want to have?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Sales. I would want a sales position at B.A.S.S.

 

Joe Rinaldi ‏@JRinaldi99

What’s the biggest factor in finding productive grass in tidal fisheries like the Potomac?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Hit it at high tide, that will create the opportunity to find fish that aren’t there at low tide but are at high tide

 

Eli Hale ‏@eli_hale

#1 rod and reel combo you’ve ever used?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

It would be a Revo SX 6.3:1 with a All-Star Carolina rig rod (with Stren fishing line and Fast Lane baits on the end)!

 

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Everyone – I wanted to let y’all know the Lane family has put together a clothing line geared for the outdoors and enjoyment!

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

The clothing line will debut at the 2013 Classic. Purchase of a T-shirt will enter you to win a fishing trip w/ one of the Lanes!

Chris Jackson ‏@CJacksonFishing

Congrats on the clothing line. Looking forward to seeing it

 

Jim Scott ‏@MuddyBass79

Do you like using Jerk Baits early in the season

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

I do. I have learned to have confidence that a jerkbait will provide the size of bass you need to do well in an event

 

Sam ‏@Sam_Cudmore_4

Thanks:) how do you practice for a tournament? Do you start shallow and then move deep until you hit them?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

I prepare for an event based on water temp & time of year. I will allow the fish to guide me the rest of the way

 

Connor Edmonds ‏@bassinNC

What technique have you started to dial in on since you’ve been in the Elites?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

The drop shot and the jerkbait, due to the fact that we fish a lot of clear water.

Connor Edmonds ‏@bassinNC

Was it a tough transition from a flippin’ stick to a drop shot rod?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Yes! There is a monumental difference between the two. From line size, to feel, to the way you land a fish.

 

Zach Meadows ‏@zsmeadows

What is your favorite setup for throwing a frog, and when is the earliest time of year to start?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Start when the water hits 58 or warmer. 50-pound Stren Sonic Braid on an All-Star Flipping Frog Rod and Revo MGX 7:1

 

hunter goad ‏@Hunter_Goad

Mostly flipping at the classic? or what cover will you be looking for?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Not planning to flip but if conditions set up to flip, I will be encouraged. I’ll be looking at docks & willow trees.

 

Tyler Meadows ‏@GTylerMeadows

Who would win a wrestling match between you and bobby?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

We have tried that a few times, and usually the one who starts it ends up the winner. We’ve both won and lost!

 

Adam Smith ‏@AWsmithBassman

I fish the rock river, IL. big but no backwaters. fast current Any tips for bigger bites? I catch a lot of shorts.

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Try a bigger size bait and maybe go a little deeper.

 

Jim Sexton ‏@James_Lynn

Chris who would you put on your 5 person Fantasy Fishing team for the Classic?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Jason Christie, Edwin Evers, Mike McClelland, Bobby Lane & the kid from Auburn @wmattlee

 

Marc Henderson ‏@bassmonkey1975

What’s your go to bait? And why

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Fast Lane prototype tubes will be hitting the stores soon. I promise you they will catch fish.

Marc Henderson ‏@bassmonkey1975

Cool

 

Kenneth Gobble ‏@kengobble

Which events this year do you think play better to your strengths and which event do you not look forward to?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

I look forward to them all! The ones that will fish to my strengths are the Sabine River, the Alabama River & West Point Lake because I can get into the shallow waters and work hard to catch fish.

 

Gus Chavira ‏@GusChavira

Whom do you fear most fishing against you in the same area you find a good fish? Guy that makes you look over your shoulder?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Bobby. We fish so much alike. Knowing he’s fished that area, it would hurt me to fish that area.

Gus Chavira ‏@GusChavira

I thought you might say that. Thats kind of cool and challenging at the same time.

 

Corey Locker ‏@CoreyLocker

When you’re having an “off” day what are some things you do differently to get a bite

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Sometimes you just turn around in a circle & then go back to what you were doing & refocus your mental attitude

Corey Locker ‏@CoreyLocker

That’s definitely something I’ve learned from our couch this last year! It plays a big factor . Thanks

 

Marty Ballard ‏@Saints859

You’re allowed 3 baits on a lake you’ve never seen. What would you choose?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

A Luck E Strike jerkbait, an RC2 and a couple packs of Fast Lane baits.

 

Zach Meadows ‏@zsmeadows

If you had to throw one bait during the month of March, what would it be and why?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

During March, I would get packs of the new Fast Lane baits because fish are spawning.

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

If you put the bait near them while they’re spawning, you’ll catch fish. Slower is better.

 

Cole Campbell @Cole_Campbell10

Smallmouth or largeheads?

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Largeheads! But smallmouth are fun to catch.

 

Bassmaster‏@BASS_nation

Fans, thank you for joining us today. @ChrisLaneFish we appreciate your time! Best wishes over the next two weeks.

Chris Lane Fishing ‏@ChrisLaneFish

Thank you for participating & be sure to check out LB3 Outdoors. Prepare for some exciting news to be announced at the Classic!