ORANGE, Texas — There was just nothing easy about Chris Lane’s win at the Sabine River.
If you watched the tournament live on Bassmaster.com, you probably already know that. But Lane assured fans during the B.A.S.S. Twitter chat that this event was definitely #noteasy. (Note his use of hashtags. Lane is trying to get used to using them!)
“There was nothing easy about that win,” said Lane, when a fan asked him what the easiest part was. “That was the most tired I’ve ever been after an event. There was so much pressure in that tournament, the drive there and back, the rain, and the changing conditions.
“I don’t remember anything easy,” said Lane with a laugh.
Read the full transcript of his chat below, and read transcripts from other pros, including reigning Classic champion Casey Ashley, here.
Keep up with all the pros and news on Twitter by following @BASS_Nation. Follow Sabine champ Chris Lane on Twitter at @ChrisLaneFish.
Welcome to the B.A.S.S. Twitter chat, @ChrisLaneFish! Congratulations on your win!
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Welcome everyone! I’m excited to be a part of this @bass_nation Twitter chat. I’m ready for your questions!
How bad was the water clarity where you were fishing Sabine? How did you overcome the issue?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
It was the clarity after the rain when it got muddy. It was knowing the fish were there and getting 5 bites instead of 25. I had to just stay mentally focused.
I didn’t think about the mental aspect, will keep that in mind. Thanks much & Congrats on the Win.
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Thank you!
Hey @ChrisLaneFish, you like to punch your classic ticket early. How does not having that stress help you? Gonna slay em on G?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I have not actually qualified yet because the rule changed. I’d love to see consistency in the win-&-you’re-in or not in. I’m excited for Guntersville! Everyone that comes to the event is going to have a blast. Giant fish are going to be caught. Some of these guys will catch the biggest fish they’ve ever caught.
Didn’t realize there was a rule change. I will have to look that up. Thanks!
Zackery Hines @ZackeryHines_15
You’ve had a lot of previous success on rivers. What is it about rivers that appeal to you?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I think it’s shallow-water bank fishing and vegetation. That’s what I grew up doing in Florida.
Zackery Hines @ZackeryHines_15
It’s awesome to see you do so well! I’ve enjoyed watching you grow! Congrats again man!!
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Thank you!
Although it was a tough event what was the easiest thing you realized during your win?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
There was nothing easy about that win. That was the most tired I’ve ever been after the event. There was so much pressure for the tournament, the drive, the rain, the changing conditions. I don’t remember anything easy. #noteasy
I figured there wasn’t anything but was wondering if there was. Glad you got the win after all that!! Congrats again
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
Congrats on your win! What is the biggest key factor to success on the sabine?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I think it was staying mentally focused on that final day.
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Knowing that every keeper fish was one step closer to victory.
How does it feel to be snappin’ necks and cashin’ hundred thousand dollar elite series checks?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
It feels fantastic! The 10 years I’ve put into the sport are really paying off!
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
What was the toughest obstacle to overcome when fishing the sabine?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
The rising muddy water.
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
With muddy conditions, what kind of line did you fish with? I use braid often times in murky water
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
50-pound Stren braid. #stren
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
Love Stren!
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
I met you back in 2013, it was a pleasure to char with you for a bit! Hope to see you soon #happyHooksets
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Thanks for your questions! #seeyousoon
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
Being a largemouth type of angler, have you had struggles breaking down a smallmouth bite?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
No, I love catching smallmouth! Smallmouth fisheries are where I’ve won and had some of my best tournaments.
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
I was born to smallmouth fish lake st clair! Love me some smallies!
Congrats on the win @ChrisLaneFish! What was the tide doing doing your best hour each day?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
The hour of incoming and last hour of outgoing were the best. #goodquestion
Thanks! I Live on a very similar tidal fishery. Good luck on Guntersville
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Thank you!
Why do you prefer the 211 over the v20? I’m thinking about a legend.
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
It’s the boat that I’ve run for five years now.
Do you think the winner of the G’ville tourney will have to join the century club to win?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
YES! I think there will be multiple century clubs!
who is your hero in the fishing world.
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Plenty. The ones on the top of my head are Denny Brauer, @ShawGrigsby and Rick Clunn. #theguyswhogotuswherewearetoday
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
What was not successful as far as a bait presentation?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Heavy weight, heavy profile was not successful for me.
Bryan Brasher @Bryan_Brasher Tennessee, USA
Hey, Chris..I know the fishing was good. How were the post-tournament crawfish?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
They were endless. We ate and ate! #yum
Do you like being an underdog? That’s when you tend to do well.
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I don’t listen to dock talk. I think it’s mental & not listening to what everyone expects will happen.
How will G’ville be won? Deep cranking? Grass? Combo of all types of patterns?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I really don’t have a clue. Guntersville is such an awesome lake that it can be won in a bunch of different ways.
Who are your top picks for Guntersville ? How do you think it’ll be won?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Top picks would be @AMartFishing, @GeraldSwindle, Bobby Lane and @Kevin_VanDam.
Will it be won primarily on beds?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
With the first Elite event behind you, what are your feelings toward the rest of the season? Western swing?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I’m looking forward to California! Very seldom do you lead the first tournament and AOY, and now I need to keep the pressure on. #hammerdown
R4ginY3llowM4n @R4ginY3llowM4n
Can you elaborate on your approaches to fishing bass in rivers vs. lakes?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Rivers are mainly going to be shallow, like on banks. Lakes I have a tendency to be out in the center. I’d like to add #rollingdowntheriver. I’m experimenting with hashtags.
What are your thoughts on the new Elite Series rookie class.
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
The field that is put in front of this year is the best of the best. The field just keeps getting tougher. A lot of the rookies cashed a check on Sabine, and I don’t know if I’ve seen that before. Ready for a brothers brawl. Me and Bobby vs. @mattleefishing and @jleefishing
I may not beat you in bass fishing but can beat you in poker.
Joe Carpenter @JoeCarpenter17
Now that would be a great TV show!
You started Sunday near the ramp with no fish but then caught ’em there that afternoon. Why would that happen?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Tides.
What would be your best advice for young anglers who are trying to get sponsors and their career started?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Build relationships and use the relationships that you have. #youneverknowswatching
Saw u in Philly!My friend told me u gave him 1 of your broken rods as a souvenir!That was so nice!Congrats on win!
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Philadelphia was great! Thanks for following the tour!
it was so exciting to watch! We hope you can come back to the Philly area soon! It was a blast!
@ChrisLaneFish was the 1st Elite Pro I ever met and I remember him welcoming me by giving me a tube that I caught a smallie on #GB
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Hopefully I’ll give you some more tubes later on!
I’ll be at Sturgeon Bay for the AOY Championship, I’m sure you’ll be there too! Good Luck this season!
Jennifer Dome King @StellarJennifer
Do you have any fun plans to celebrate your win at Sabine with your family? A vacation maybe?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Not a vacation with four children in cheerleading, gymnastics & basketball, we don’t have time. We will in July!
Aww! That’s awesome!
Thank you for your time, @ChrisLaneFish! And good luck the rest of this season!
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Thanks @bass_nation and Orange, Texas for putting on a fantastic event at the Sabine River, even with the rain!