Mike Iaconelli is known for breaking things — rods, most notably. But today, he did what no one expected: He broke Twitter.
Twitter occasionally calls into effect the “update limit” to manage traffic and will temporarily shut down the ability to tweet for someone it feels has tweeted too much. Iaconelli hit that limit today after a solid hour and a half of answering fan questions live, during the B.A.S.S. Twitter chat.
The questions were constant throughout the chat, and if Twitter hadn’t shut him down, the personable pro might still be answering his fans. (Note the abrupt ending to the chat in the transcript below.)
Fans asked him about his rise to fame, advice for fishing certain bodies of water at this time of year and questions about the upcoming season. Throughout the chat, B.A.S.S. staffers talked with him via Skype and tweeted photos of him. (Enjoy his hat-changing act.)
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 Kevin VanDam, Aaron Martens, Boyd Duckett, Jonathon VanDam, Todd Faircloth, Brent Chapman, Randy Howell, Ish Monroe, Brandon Palaniuk, Jeremy 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.
We’ve got @mike_iaconelli on Skype right now. He’s about to start taking your questions! pic.twitter.com/KLxX1eAJ
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Folks at home, folks at home, very excited to be here. Welcome to the fans.
Who were ur first sponsors out of jersey, and how did u get into the elite series?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
A dual question! My first sponsors were my family, they supported me.
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I worked my way up the ladder and fished through the B.A.S.S. Nation.
Do you like a lipless crankbait or a jerkbait more for late winter/early spring?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Those are my Top 2 picks. If I had to pick 1, I’d say a lipless because it’s a sinking bait so I have more control
Any new shows for the upcoming season from you?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
We’ve got one were working on called GoingIke, get a sneak peak on http://goingike.com !
Any way I could fish with you sometime?! That would be a great opportunity for a huge ike fan!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Yes! In fact, if you go on http://Bassmaster.com we are running a Fish with Ike sweepstakes!!
Awesome man!! Thank you!
What was your deciding factor on turning pro?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It was more of my performance that dictated my turning pro. It was always a dream of mine, but I’m a realist, too.
Ike, everyone says “time on water” is key to success. What would you deem is the most important success factor OFF the water?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
That’s a great question. For me, it’s not getting away from fishing off the water. The minute I knew I made the Classic, I started thinking about that tournament. You can do things off the water to prepare like research, I use fishidy.com for good research.
Jonathan Davis @skeetereater19
Frustrated mike! Had a tourney last weekend and after 3 warm days the cold front hit and shut down my pattern. Slowed down. No help
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I know what you’re talking about! There’s 2 things I remind myself. 1-thicker-The fish will get into thicker cover. Second, when a cold front comes in, I go deeper. I’ll go out deeper to refind those fish.
How many 5 pound smallmouth have you actually caught in #Champlain?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
1,752 over 5 pounds, and I’ve got it right here on my calculator. You gotta go there to believe it.
Do you prefer cats or dogs?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I’m a dog person. My wife has a dog that spends time here when we’re not traveling.
What is your favorite color (general purpose, not for baits)?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
My favorite color right now is red. Caliente. Very hot!
Iaconelli, for winter bass what is useally the best color patterns to go to?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Without a doubt, it’d be a shad-based pattern, white or pearl, even if your fishery doesn’t have shad.
What’s your favorite revo?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
My favorite REVO is the REVO Premier. You can get in a slow reel and a fast reel. I like the options.
What is your favorite live bait to use when fishing for fun?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Plain ol’ night crawlers, but I dont use live bait a lot I use a Berkley bait called Gulp. It’s like using the real thing
Same here. I’m a huge fan of gulp. Thanks for responding!
Hat change, says @mike_iaconelli 🙂 pic.twitter.com/yKP42DBt
@BASS_nation @mike_iaconelli I like it, looks like what I wear almost everytime I go fishin pic.twitter.com/gv8Le0Dg
How many of a certain lure is enough? Do we really need nine of same crankbait in all depths?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Have a crankbait that reaches every depth you’re going to fish. You want that crankbait to hit the bottom. You always want the crankbait to go as deep or deeper than the water you’re fishing.
What is your favorite color combination when using baits with skirts?. I.e.. Jig with a blk,Brn,gp..
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Has been and will always be black and blue because it imitates a crawfish that molts its shell.
Dude! 1 rod, 1 bag from grocery store with “tackle”, 1 pond…what rod, what’s in the bag?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
My grocery bag is going to have a shaky head worm in it, 3/16 oz VMC rugby head, and green pumpkin 6-inch straight tail worm like a Berkley Havoc bottom hopper… and 7-foot medium action Abu Garcia spinning rod and 8-pound fluorocarbon line.
Any advice for a non-boater on bass fishing in the Philly/South NJ area from now to spring?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I fished as a nonboater for years and a finesse soft plastic always caught fish for me.
Thanks Ike!! Good luck in the Classic!
A lot written bout cold front fishn but not much on those tuff high pres. Days. Were baro. Is real high. Whats your approach
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Besides going deeper or thicker, I go to finesse fishing or the opposite, power fishing (bigger baits fished fast)
Good luck in the classic Ike!!!!!
Ask him how many practice days he has had on grand and how he feels about his classic chances.
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I’ve had 4 full practice days. I feel good about my chances. Cold weather fishing definitely fits my style.
Good luck man. I’ll see you out there. Plan on following u around on day 1.
Scotty ‘Bud’ Melvin @ScottyBudWZUU
Give us 2 or 3 things to do so we don’t get line twist on our spinning reels. Thanks.
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
1. When spooling the line, make sure line is coming off counter clockwise.2. never overfill your spinning reel. Leave an 1/8-inch exposed. 3. always use your hand to close the bail
What advice do you have for up and coming anglers to make it full time?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Fish as much as possible, as many diff’t types of water you can & learn every diff’t bait/technique you can learn.
What is your favorite way/lure to catch them on the Potomac?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Flipping grass is the #1 way to catch them on the Potomac. Devils Spear by Berkley is a good one to use
Another hat change! pic.twitter.com/B1BoXVGL
Which event do you feel you have the best chance of winning this year
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
All of ’em! No, I’d say it’s one of the smallmouth venues-Thousand Islands. I’ve fished it a long time.
Maybe you will get one this year. Met u at a gas station at pickwick couple years back. Go get em
Mike, what is your favorite jig trailer?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I use 3 types depending on the action. A doubletail grub, I throw a Havoc called The Deuce – lots of action!
What are your thoughts on major league fishing?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It’s exciting because it’s a new style of tournament. I like that it’s getting more people to watch the sport.
I agree, do you think it’s the future?
What’s your favorite Texas lake to fish
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I like Texas in general, but if I had to pick one, it’s Falcon. Best lake in the world, hands-down.
This guy has tons of hats pic.twitter.com/pdwWVsR8
I asked Kevin the Same question. What did you think about the All Star Event on ShelbyVille. 2 lakes 12 people?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I love the format. It’s very exciting and showcases the sport. That tourney was tough. A lot of people down the event because we didn’t catch many fish, but that’s fishing.
What do you enjoy doing just as much as fishing?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Just as much as fishing … spending time at home with my family.
Phil Anastasi Jr @PhilAnastasiJr
Mike, When is the earliest in the season to start throwing a frog in So. New Jersey?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
As soon as that water temp hits 48 degrees or above, you can potentially catch one on a frog or other topwater.
Phil Anastasi Jr @PhilAnastasiJr
Thanks Mike, Best of luck this Year!!
And now, @mike_iaconelli is wearing a mask he made of a friend’s face pic.twitter.com/EgoTGbc3
Fishing a club tournament in CA, & the fishin is from shore. It’s stocked w/ many trout. what’s the best tactic 4 big smallies?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Fishing from the bank, I’d use a swimbait. Use a smaller swimbait than what everyone else is throwing.
Hey @mike_Iaconelli huge fan, only 1 spinning setup for finesse – M or ML and what brand/type line & lb test? Thx!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I would use medium because it’s versatile. It would be 8 lb Berkley Trilene fluoro because it gives better action
Awesome thanks Ike! Looking fwd to meeting you at the Suffern fishing show next month, good luck this season!
Do you listen to music to get pumped before a tournament? If so whats your favorite song to get ready
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I love music, but not nec. right before tourney. My fave is one I co-wrote, Never Give Up. You can buy it on iTunes.
What to do with a 22 year old that wins local tourny’s and can fish but needs to learn humility?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
There’s a fine line between confidence and being full of yourself. Get him out of his comfort, fish different areas.
Good deal I will show him your advice! thanks
What’s your favorite revo?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
My favorite REVO is the REVO Premier. You can get in a slow reel and a fast reel. I like the options.
It appears a bass has eaten @mike_iaconelli ‘s head pic.twitter.com/XZwENCaD
lol no way not Ike lol!
Jonathan Grummer @JumpinJon1523
I guess #basschat is over since the bass ate @mike_iaconelli Wish I #basschat eariler 🙁
More bass hat photos … pic.twitter.com/0YcfbfYk
He’s seriously answering your questions with a bass on his head. pic.twitter.com/5VIbvsr6
haha this is making my morning!
Mogul @stoolpresidente called 2006 line break catch “Most Athletic Fish Play” did it deserve an ESPY?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Yes. I think I should have gotten an ESPY, an Academy Award and an Oscar all rolled into one.
When fishing from feb-april what are the 3 main things a shore fisherman should focus on to locate and catch bass
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Figure out where the fish will spawn, and connect back from there because this is the prespawn to spawn period
Being a South Jersey native as well, what tournaments/advice can you give me to getting started?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Three things: Learn techniques & baits you’re not good at; join an organized fishing club; think about the business side.
Next time you’re in the area and have some time, tweet me and let’s go out fishin somewhere. Show me spots around here!
Do u like the live scoring in MLF or the traditional weigh ins more?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I like them both. They’re both exciting. I don’t like one more than the other.
Me and my partner @Frost_2 watch the clip of #NeverGiveUp before every tourney, love ur passion for the sport
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Thank you!
Nick Holland @RealNickHolland
Mike, what is your favorite season and time of the day to throw a top water frog?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
My favorite season is postspawn (may-july) and favorite time of day is when the sun is highest in the sky.
What size fish do u actually consider a big fish?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Any fish that’s a keeper, to me, is a big one!
What is ur favorite 7’6″ medium heavy baitcasting rod
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It’s an Abu Garcia Veritas. I use it for spinnerbaits, vibration baits, when you’re closer to the cover
You r my favorite bass fisherman keep it up !
Hey Mike, I’m heading down to FLA this weekend from Boston for some fishing. Any advice for chasing lunkers? Thx!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Use a really big black and blue jig thrown around emergent vegetation. That’s where those big females stage.
What is one piece of advice for a beginning co-angler?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I would say try to fish something different than your pro is fishing. Be conscious of what your pro is fishing!
Have u ever been to anger management class?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I have not but my wife would like me to enroll in a class! Seriously, but I am working on my anger management.
what type of boat in your opinion sits highest up in the water, to get back in the shallower waters?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
That’s a hard one to answer. I drive a BassCat and it is really good in shallow water, add a hydraulic jack plate
Steve Schoffstall @steve_anb788
Would you rather fish Toho or Kissimmee in the winter
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Both are good lakes. In winter, I’d say Toho because it has the most emergent vegetation.
Getting into bass fishing. What 4 rod and reel combos would you recommend? Trying to cover all my bases
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Four rods: two casting: a 7-foot med-heavy and a 7 1/2-foot heavy with a low-profile reel, 7.1:1 gear ratio. 2 spinning rods: 7 foot med and 6 1/2 medium-light action with 20-size spinning reel on both. I’d go with Abu Garcia!
Taylor swift or miranda lambert whos hotter
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Miranda Lambert! Too many breakups for Taylor Swift, I ain’t got time for that.
lol
How can I start tournament fishing without a boat?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I started tourney fishing without a boat. First, join a club. Second, fish the @bass_nation Opens as a co-angler
Richard Moschella @RichieMoschella
Hey mike… what a good line pound test to fish finesse baits with
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I finesse fish with line between 6 and 10 pound test. If I had to pick one, I’d go in the middle for 8 lb test.
favorite way to fish Gunnersville Lake Mike?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I like to fish the outside edge of vegetation. On Guntersville, that happens in about 10-12 feet of water.
What’s the minimum hp motor on a bass boat you’d recommend for competing?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
The minimum I’d recommend for bigger tournaments is 150 hp. Most of us started with 150s and that was plenty of hp
Best line for spinning, then baitcasting, monofilament, fluorocarbon or Braid?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
For spinning and baitcasting it’s fluorocarbon because it’s dense and it sinks. It means better action to the lures.
Hey Ike, any recommendations for fishing northeast rivers for smallmouth at below 40 degree temps?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I use a tube jig, it’s really versatile. It can imitate baitfish or crawfish!
What do you do different to catch big fish over a limit? or vice versa
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I use a bigger bait. The theory is big bait = big bass and it’s true. So I’ll go to a big bait.
Richard Moschella @RichieMoschella
What are your top 2 topwater baits to use
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
My favorite two are a popper and a walking bait. A Rapala X Pop and the walking is a Rapala Skitter Walk.
Richard Moschella @RichieMoschella
If you get the chance… check out The Reel Deal…. New Jersey’s only fishing show at http://RichieMoschella.com and on youtube! We had Bill Decoteau on and would love to shoot a show with you! Our show airs on cable access tv in north jersey!
ShipFlwFishing @ShipFlwFishing
What’s your favorite way to catch all those 5lb bass at Champlain
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I’ve caught big smallmouth with a giant spinnerbait-a 1-oz chartreuse spinnberbait with small chartreuse blades
what knot do you tie with flurocarbon line
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I tie one knot, an improved clinch knot because there’s less burn with that knot when you cinch it down.
Ever had a day on the water where nothing went as planned? how’d you bounce back from that?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Yeah! Almost every day! I can’t remember the last a day of fishing went as planned.
Squeezing this plastic brain, @mike_iaconelli said “Everyone needs a brain that toots.” pic.twitter.com/gjtEt3VH
More stuff to go in your barn someday? Along with your velvet painting “All this from fishing”? 🙂
Favorite crankbait?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Rapala DT series because you can easily figure out what depth of crankbait to throw
I love my DT’s. I got some of your old school colors
Rapala DT is Ike’s favorite crankbait pic.twitter.com/Yf68kUVK
Excited to see you fish the Classic – good luck! Do you think there will be a home lake advantage? How r u feeling
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Thank you for the confidence! Winter style fits my fishing. Home lake advantage sometimes hurts more than helps.
Do you throw spoons occasionally when competing? If so what kind?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I do throw spoons. I throw structure spoons, it’s bigger concave-style, in the summer when they’re off deep water. Or a more traditional, slab spoon when the fish are really deep & I need a vertical presentation, such as in winter.
How many tattoos do you have, and what’s your fav one?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I have on either arm arm, one on my ribcage, and a huge one on my back. The one on my back is my favorite. It’s not finished after 6 years & 50-60 hours. I got the bass jumping on my right arm after winning the 99 Nation Champ.
I think these new sonars are taking away from the strengths anglers had, going deep when you know not all fish are deep.
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
That’s a great point. Sonar is so advanced, but it will never replace your natural instincts.
Being in the army and a college student.. I have limited time, tips on how to get the big fish in tournaments?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Get a big jig and throw it in the deepest cover you can find! Big fish are always in thick cover or deep.
Thanks! i usually throw jigs. when in doubt i will drag the jig.
Do you have any tournaments close to the Midwest? Would love to come see you fish in person or even fish with u!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I think the closet is the Bassmaster Classic in Tulsa or the Elite event at Lake St. Clair. Come out! Jump in my boat!
Does the length ones mustache translate to fishing success?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Absolutely! I like to change my facial hair like I change lure colors. You gotta keep giving the fish a fresh look!
Did Hackney ever give u that spanking?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
No, he didn’t.
Christopher J Smith @corona_24pk
‘If that was my kid I’d give him a Spanking”LOL
What’s the best hat for fishing in late winter in Alabama?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It’s called a lumberjack! A woolly with long ear flaps. That would be my choice for fishing in AL in the winter.
Go to pre-spawn bait?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Suspending jerkbait on secondary points, real good pattern for all over the country.
What’s your favorite soft plastic to flip on beds?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It’s a bait by Berkley Havoc called Devil’s Spear. I would use straight white!
Awesome, thanks man. Great meeting you at the Potomac in June of ’11. Hope to see you there or SML soon!
The Berkley Devil’s Spear is fave for flipping on beds @vabassinbill pic.twitter.com/P5eSs3oV
The devil spear does work with that dealy tail action!!
Awesome, I love the devil spear. Thanks guys! #basschat rocks!
What kind of jerkbaits would work best in deep stained water?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
In really heavily stained water, I wouldn’t use a jerkbait. It’s strongest in clearer water. If it’s lightly stained, use a bright color to help attract the fish. Down Deep Husky Jerk by Rapala in clown color
When will Berkley come out with spinnerbaits or chatterbaits?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I don’t know the answer to that, but I’ve been using Molix spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. They’re an Italian company
When is a good time to fish ledges and what lures do you like using when fishing them?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
During two extremes, winter and summer. Deep diving crankbait more in summer, really big football jig more in winter.
The Insipid Prophet @InsipidProphet
Ike, you are my hero. Can you offer some advice for winter fishing on a budget? What are the essentials?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Use a grub! It’s an easy technique to fish and it catches the heck out of winter fish!
ShipFlwFishing @ShipFlwFishing
What do you think about pure fishing getting rid of legends who have created some of the havoc products.
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I’m sad to see those guys go because they’re my heroes, too. Sometimes it’s the reality of the business.
What is your favorite way to fish Gunnersville in the early spring and what baits. Thanks you are my favorite!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I fish in front of the spawning flats & target early season grass. Use a lipless crankbait & a vibrations jig.
chaz sanders @ChazKsanders904
Hey Mike, I live right near the St.johns river. What do you usually like to throw when your on the St.johns?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
If I had one bait to pick, it would be a Texas-rigged junebug straight-tail worm. It catches fish no matter what.
You’re the man Ike! I gota meet you someday, how should I do that? (not spending a ton o money)..I can get in icast, that good?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Enter the sweepstakes to fish with me athttp://Bassmaster.com ! It’s called the Fish With Ike contest.
How do you feel about college fishing? Any advice for a college angler that wants to make it as a full time pro
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I think college fishing is amazing! I wish they had had it when I was in college, it is an important step.
What hook do you use when flippin the Devil Spear?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I use an oversize flippin’ hook. I helped create that bait to fit an oversize hook 5/0 VMC heavy duty flipping hook
How do you feel about college fishing? Any advice for a college angler that wants to make it as a full time pro
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Fish as much as possible, learn all baits and techniques. Get a degree in something that relates to the fishing industry – marketing, pr, business!
Bass on Champlain or trout in the Poconos?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
They’re real close, but I’d go with bass in Champlain.
TheFishingRadar.com @thefishingradar
I’m sure @VTbasser would agree
What advice do you have on getting sponsorships
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It’s all about one thing: If you can help a company sell more products, you can get sponsors.
Thanks for the reply mike, I hope you can answer my other questions, I know your a busy man if you cant. Good luck this year
When did you realize you had what it takes to make it to the pros?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
The first year I turned pro (1999) I won the 2nd event and that was a turning point for me! I realized I could hang.
How big was the bedding fish I watched u fish for for 2 hours on Green Bay day 1 of the tourney?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I never ended up catching that 4-pounder. It would’ve been a game changer! Thanks for bringing up bad memories!
What’s your favorite lure/line for cold and clear water this time of year Mike?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Fluoro because it’s invisible and a drop shot with a small plastic work would be good for deep clear, cold water
Thanks Ike ill try it out this weekend!
What baits do you like to throw in pre spawn and spawning season?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I fish the deepest, most vertical break areas of that part of the lake that I’m fishing.
What’s your “go-to” lure that you cannot live without?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I’d say my go-to lure is a shaky head (versatility) or a jig (big fish bait).
Where’s your favorite place to fish in Wisconsin
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
The Madison Chain of Lakes. I thought it was a neat lake, how it’s set up, & has largemouth & smallmouth
Nice!! Mine has got to be the Peshtigo River. Chuck full of big Smallies.
What weight do you think it is going to take to win the Classic this year?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It’s going to be a great tournament. I think it will probably take 18 pounds a day to win.
Do u like the live scoring in MLF or the traditional weigh ins more?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I like them both. They’re both exciting. I don’t like one more than the other.
Me and my partner @Frost_2 watch the clip of #NeverGiveUp before every tourney, love ur passion for the sport
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Thank you!
How do you feel about the A-rig
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I like the A-rig & we should follow the state law. If the state allows it, we should be able to fish it.
Couldn’t agree more . Thanks Mike and good luck at the classic
Larry McCausland @larrymccausland
Being a father of 3 myself, how does your children handle you being on tour?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
That’s been the hardest part of my career. You find ways to make it work. It’s unnatural to travel that much, but they handle really well. They get that’s my job.
Do you prefer a tournament that’s a slug fest or tougher conditions?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Tougher conditions, all the way! I like catching ’em, but I like the challenge of a tough event, for sure.
Mike, what’s the biggest spot, smallmouth, and largemouth you’ve caught, tournament or non?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Spot: 5-6, Lake Martin; Smallmouth: 6-6, small public lake; Largemouth: 14-1 Lake Amistad during tourney practice
have you ever considered the possibility to come and fish in Monterrey Mexico? cause you have a lot of fans right here!!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Absolutely! I would love to fish there. I’ve had the opportunity to travel through fishing, and it’s great!
What’s your favorite lake in NJ to fish?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Manasquan Reservoir in Central NJ. It’s a neat lake & has a lot of diff. forms of cover that you don’t always see here
Hey Mike, You planning on fishing the James River Open this summer?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Yes, I’m registered for all the Northern Opens, and my plan is to be there.
When you have problems getting number 5 in the boat, what’s your go to bait of choice?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Without a doubt, finesse fishing with a shaky head worm! That’s a real easy way to put #5 in the boat.
Dalton Engstrom @DaltonEngstrom
Would you rather fish for smallmouth or largemouth? Why?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I’d rather fish for smallmouth because they fight a lot harder.
Why do you choose Abu Garcia?? Btw you the man Mike!!!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
The Abu Garcia Veritas is great rod. It’s sensitive and is a great price.
How much time would you spend on a 6 pounder sight fishing when she doesnt leave but will not turn on the bait?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I have about an hour rule for bedding fish. If she doesn’t bite within an hour, it’s time to move on.
Mike, who did you look up to growing up in the fishing word and what made you keep pushing when you thought all hope was lost?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
A lot of the guys are still in the sport today: Gary Klein, Denny Brauer, Rick Clunn. They’re just three. Your drive keeps you going. Your passion and your drive!
My wife @MrsDorroh is a fan of urs an new 2 fishing,says shes incapable of catching bass,give her some encouragement?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
You CAN catch bass. The biggest thing is patience, not getting overwhelmed by needing it to happen quick. Throw a soft plastic stickbait and take 5 minutes bringing it back in & you’re gonna catch a bass.
You’re the man Ike…thanks a lot!
Thanks!
Is braid ok to throw a football jig in 15ft of water.?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Braid is ok, but a better choice is fluorocarbon. The dense line gives better action & it has a bit of stretch.
My dream is to become pro, I graduate college in May, what should be my first step?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Join a local fishing club. Learn different baits & water conditions. Don’t be satisfied. Start soliciting sponsors now.
Thanks, Mike, you’re the man.
Mike broke Twitter! Twitter will no longer allow him to tweet because he’s reached his limit. We’ll post the transcript later today.
Thank you everyone for sending your questions. And thank you, Mike, for spending time with your fans today!
From @mike_iaconelli Thanks to all the fans. And I like breaking stuff. I break rods and reels, so I’m happy I broke Twitter!