BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Mike Iaconelli is part fisherman, part entertainer. He can barely separate the two. In his second B.A.S.S. Twitter chat, the Delaware River champion talked about what lures to use in the fall and how to fish tides — as well as the fancy shoes he bought his wife with his winnings and his favorite Public Enemy song. And, he mentions that he recently got to autograph a baby. Yes, a baby.
The Twitter team at B.A.S.S. used Skype to talk to Iaconelli, who was at home with his wife, Becky. Several of the photos you’ll see in the transcript are ones we took of him on the screen. He even shows off his webbed feet to the camera.
If you participated in Iaconelli’s first B.A.S.S. Twitter chat nearly two years ago, you’ll remember that he answered so many questions that Twitter shut down his account. After a little finagling with Twitter on the part of Toyota and B.A.S.S., Twitter didn’t shut Iaconelli out this time, so we had a full, uninterrupted chat.
Below is a transcript of the chat in its entirety. You can also read transcripts from Twitter chats with other pros here.
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Welcome, @mike_Iaconelli, to the B.A.S.S. Twitter chat, and congratulations on your win!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Wazzzzzup?! Ready for your questions!
What are some “must have” items you keep in your boat at all times?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
1. Scent, like Berkley gulp spray bottle, 2. Culling equipment, always worried about ounces, 3. Gorilla glue comes in handy for a lot of different situations.
There was some talk of having an unpegged weight being a +ve at the Delaware. How do you decide to peg or not to peg?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
That’s a good question. In thick cover, I peg & in sparse or no cover, I’ll leave the weight sliding.
What’s your favorite lake to fish in Texas?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
There so many good ones, I’ll give you 2. 1 Falcon & 2 Lake Fork. Sabine not at the top of my list.
This is what @mike_Iaconelli says he’s spending all his winnings on. #forbecky pic.twitter.com/2CWw6yvqNn
Mike in Buffalo @MikeFretthold
But how do you rig that up??
Nice choice, love the colour.
HONEYBUNNCREAM @HONEYBUNNCREAM
U MADE ME FAMOUS ALL OVA YA PAGE & THE NEWS WITH U AND YOUR TROPHY I was your security teams supervisor miss ya
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Man, that’s super nice! Miss you, too! I couldn’t think of a more beautiful lady to hold my trophy!
Bass Fishing Tips @BassFishnTips
Question 1: If limited to 5 rod/reel combos to fish entire season, what would they be?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
1. 7-foot medium-heavy casting rod, 2. 7-foot medium casting rod, 3. 7-foot fiberglass cranking rod, 4. 7-foot medium action spinning rod, 5. 7-6 heavy action casting rod
Best tips for fishing docks through the fall
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
In fall, I tend to do better on docks that are in creeks. I try to target docks that have black floats on them. They attract more heat, which attracts more algae, which attracts more shad and baitfish.
What do you prefer to catch more largemouth or smallmouth?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Easy. Smallmouth. I call them brown and green, and I loooooove smallmouth. Brown ones any day of the week.
Sweet, man, mine too! Nothing like fighting a big brown back!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Plus, I live with a largemouth — Becky!
But Becky sets up your tent and all…. 🙂
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
She does set up my tent. I couldn’t operate at all on any level if it wasn’t for Beck.
Dave Mercer was so excited. What did you say to each other if anything. He is a friend so happy for him and you on the win
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It’s hard to explain but it was the most exciting, energetic event, and @FactsofFishing grabbed it and ran with it. He did a great job taking that energy and elevating it. He was as hoarse as I was afterward.
I can only imagine.
Hey @mike_Iaconelli I do pretty well fishing lakes. But fishing the Ohio River really has stumped me. Any advice?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It’s a tough place to fish. Downsize your baits. Like the Delaware River, it’s important to use smaller baits.
Awesome. Will try that. Great job on the Delaware and love the podcast too. I’ll be going Ike next time I hit the river.
If you wasn’t fishing pro what else would you be doing?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I would be a disc jockey. Love spinning records! Entertaining and making people happy would be a good gig.
Do you have a way to tell what the water clarity is like from aerial images?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Yes, in aerial photographs clear water looks black. The year I won the Classic, I found the winning spot on an aerial map at home before I even left for the event.
Go to lure in medium stained water?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Vibrating jig is a versatile lure. That vibration will help them find it. One to get is the Molix Lover.
Thanks brotha tight lines!!!
Can you grow the beard back?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Beck says no. But in No Shave November, I’m going to start growing it and not stop till the Classic. Sorry, Beck.
Mike says he’s got this for the time being. pic.twitter.com/ToIw2McVdj
Congrats on the win boss. Deserved that one!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Thank you very much!
What are your tactics for finding river and lake fish during this difficult transition time from Summer to Fall?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Two answers: Baitfish becomes the most important factor in the fall. Find them first. On grassy lakes, the grass starts to die, and fish start to transition to hard targets, like rocks & docks.
Thanks Mike! Got it, mimic the baitfish on hard cover.
Favorite creature bait for small lakes in nj.
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I have two: creature baits that are slender, like the Berkley Devil Spear, and ones that have a lot of action, like the Berkley Pit Boss.
How did you make it to the bass masters? What steps did you take to become a pro?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Take your time and go through the levels. Level 1 join a local Nation club, Level 2 fish state and regional level tournaments & Level 3 move up to the Opens and keep at it.
How did prefish go on lake St Clair?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Well i’m not fishing it, but good luck to the Open Series contenders.
We thought we saw your truck during prefish….and thank you.
Congratz on the win at the Delaware, loved meeting you at Champlain and wish you the best! pic.twitter.com/YW1PwoFSdE
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I remember you for sure! Great meeting you as well.
Aaron Lee Jakub @aaronleejakub
Mike, how many elite events would you like to see in the 2016 season?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
The more the merrier. The year I won AOY, we had 11 pts events. I would like to see a lot of events throughout the year and different seasons.
#1 XM station for road trips? The Highway?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Mine is BackSpin (46 on XM) old-school hiphop. What’s yours @mattleefishing? Liberace?
Hahahaha XM 44 Hip- Hop Nation. When I’m not feeling quite so gangster you might see me on XM 16 The Highway. You’re more Run DMC. I’m more Tunechi.
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
That’s weird.
@james_hall_bass and I have strikingly similar tastes on music. Hey Mike! We can’t all be “normal” #turnup
Kids these days… Smh pic.twitter.com/QEcQC8OxiH
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
Mike, welcome to #basschat! Always been a huge fan of yours, and you helped me become the angler i am today! Pleasure meeting u
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Thanks! Appreciate that!
What do think about Lake Amistad? What’s your favorite memory from there?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Amistad is one of my two favorite lakes. I caught the biggest bass of my life in practice – a 14-1. Also, during a tournament, I caught a 12-13 and I threw up right after. I was so excited!
With all the pressure you had how did you persevere and win? How is the family celebrating? A toast to Beckie and her dedication.
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
When there is a lot of pressure and i’m backed into a corner, I do better. Party every night from now until Christmas.
I bet, you deserve it:-) hard work,long hours and dedication.
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Beck says thank you for the toast!
It takes a special lady and family
What’s your way of finding fish in the fall (oct-nov) when fishing smaller waters? Question coming from Philly!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Bait! The fish are congregated around bait in the fall find the bait. Also, look for incoming water or feeder streams
Dominic F. Turcott! @Dturcott27
In cold water bassfishing what is a generic go-to technique to catch bass?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
A suspending jerkbait. In coldwater you want a bait that sits still. I use a Rapala Husky Jerk — twitch it a few then let it sit.
Also a S. Jersey fisherman here. What’s ur favorite public jersey water to fish?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Manasquan Reservoir in Central New Jersey and obviously the Delaware River and its tributaries!
What goes into your pre tournament meals?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Food. Honestly, they’re real simple. A breakfast sandwich before launch, then a lot of high protein, small snacks throughout the day. PB&J on the way to weigh-in.
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
Awesome time meeting you last year! pic.twitter.com/800mY5pqrI
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Dom! Dom! The Dominator!
Matt Kamalsky @DownIslandLivin
What plastics do you like to throw on a shakey head?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I like a straight-tail worm, but only the ones with a flat side. I like the @BerkleyFishing Havoc Bottom Hopper.
What do you think Ike? pic.twitter.com/mGR0f2ySyH
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I think Jim Carrey is my twin! I’d like to have Jim Carrey’s money!
Mike is offering a new Jim Carrey pose. pic.twitter.com/gbRqds2iOx
You and me both bud! Nice work on dumping water on my boy @lazy_ike (aka Greg Huff)
LET ME SHOW YA SOMETHIN’!
Bill Jutz Jr @Billybill314JRB
What’s your favorite or go to bait in tough conditions when a tourney is on the line?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
When it gets tough in a tournament situation, it’s finesse fishing. Shaky head and a drop shot are the two techniques to use when things suck.
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
Out of the newer Abu Garcia rods that have come out over the past 4 years, what one was the most impressive?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
The new rod I’m using this year, the Verocity, is phenomenal. The second one is that I’ve been working on a brand new Ike Series of rods, and that’s what I’m going to be using moving forward.
What are your favorite fall baits for the creeks?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Spinnerbait, without a doubt. Shad-colored, Molix. Also a shallow diving Rapala crankbait, like the DT-6. Also, a soft plastic jerkbait, like the @BerkleyFishing Havoc Jerk.
Besides knowing the tides, what do you think is the most important factor to consider when fishing tidal rivers?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Besides the tides it would be the current and how the fish position in relation to the current! I fish current seams. When the current hits an object it creates a seams and that makes a backswirl. Those are the best to fish.
Jon Gillotte @Gizzyalllotte69
When fishing docks during the summer, what’s your go to bait?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
My first one is a jig, which is great when the fish are big, active and biting. A shaky head when it’s tougher.
I fish lake Lanier. Best lure for fishing this fall? Topwater or deep water?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I like to fish shallow as that water cools off so topwater, walking style bait like the Rapala X Walk Blueback Herring.
Awesome thanks! Will keep ya posted and hopefully have pics of some lunkers to share soon!
hey Ike if you and kid got in a fight who would win?
hey Ike if you and kvd got in a fight who would win?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
If it’s a kid or KVD they’re going to win – I’m going to curl up in a ball and hide. I hate confrontation.
What’s your Favorate top water bait
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
A Rapala X-Pop because it pops and walks. Very unique.
What’s your favorite frog setup?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
7-foot, 4-inch medium-heavy casting rod, an abu garcia revo rocket and 15-pound Spiderwire braid!
Thanks for the photo at Cayuga!! pic.twitter.com/XC0d4StcGh
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Great meeting you! Thanks for letting me sign your baby.
Was at ur big Delaware River win covering 4 Glou City News, VERY clear that your family & fans are so imp’t to u!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Over the past 16 years there were times I thought I would leave the sport, but they kept me in. It’s pretty special!
To quote a great fisherman: NEVER GIVE UP! Your family, fans and South Jersey are all pulling for you!!!!
Is wacky worm the greatest way to catch bass or what?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
YES!!! It’s pretty good, when they are not biting anything else, they will hit the wacky worm
Bass Fishing Tips @BassFishnTips
Question 2: If limited to 5 lure types to fish entire season, what would they be?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
My Top 5 would be a jig, crankbait, shaky head worm, vibrating jig, and a topwater
favorite song/band?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Fav band @PublicEnemyFTP fav song Fight the Power
That purple accent on your jig seemed to help. Is that a Delaware River thing or will you take that other places and why?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Both! It’s definitely a Delaware River thing. The crawfish have purple on them in that river. But, it can be used in other waters – pay attention to colors of crayfish.
What is the thing that you see most often that separates weekend anglers from great tournament anglers?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
The ability to figure out patterns. tour guys analyze how they caught the fish and figure out how to do it again and again. They figure out the puzzle and read #bassmaster magazine pic.twitter.com/QBzMQ4SE7M
Thanks for the reply Mike, and thanks for the follow! Can’t wait to watch you fish in the Classic!
Any idea if they are going be any tournaments on Lake Wylie Sc? If so you going to enter?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Not on the 2015 schedule. But that’s an amazing lake in the Carolinas, and I’d like to fish a tournament there again.
You comin to the Montgomery Alabama area anytime soon? Need an Ike fix down here!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
We’re not coming to Montgomery, but we’ll be at Guntersville in the Spring of 2015.
“I need a drink for the rest of this chat. Mmm, good moonshine.” — @mike_Iaconelli pic.twitter.com/OG7iCdcSO9
Do they make that moonshine in South Jersey or is that a @BASS_nation exclusive beverage?
I hope that’s good Tennessee corn you’re drinking there. 😉
What do you do with all of your old rods/reels? How can the average joe, score some of this ‘game used’ stuff?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
We do have a lot of memorabilia on my website – http://www.mikeiaconelli.com We’ve also started an organization called the Ike Foundation where we donate old equipment to youth fishing groups.
What is your go to bait for clear water pressured largemouth?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I would use my two finesse techniques – shaky head or a drop shot.
What’s your go to lure when fishing a new body of water?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It would be a crankbait b/c I can cover so much water. It’s a transmitter lure I can learn about the lake contours.
What is the best tide to bass fish on the Delaware river?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Easy. It would be the last two hours of outgoing and the first hour of incoming. The lowest water you can get.
Mike, can you share your favorite Jig/pattern for fall fishing rocky bottom lakes in the northeast? Thanks bud!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Favorite jig is now the new jig I’m designing with @crewsmissile, a Missile Jig. My favorite technique is a crankbait so it will deflect along the rocks. I want it to swim as deep as or deeper than the water I’m fishing so it will hit them.
Hi Mike! Do you have any plans to come back to WV anytime soon?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It’s been years since I’ve been there, but I’d love to go back. New River is one of my favorites.
Well, we’d love to see you come back. I met you when you were here last time, we talked for over an hour and got some autos!
Does @BassUniversity give military discounts?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
We do. Military, youth and B.A.S.S. members get a discount.
Kevin O’Shea @OSHEA_canyousee
Mike, local suburb Philly kid. Fishing my first tourney with my uncle, Lake Wallenpaupack, October 12. Any tips?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Love that lake! Fish for largemouth in the willow trees up lake, chartreuse spinnerbait with chartreuse blades.
Kevin O’Shea @OSHEA_canyousee
Thanks so much!
What’s the best way to thwart an angry beaver attack in a canoe?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
You need to slap the water. If you have a paddle in the boat, that’s preferable. Slap it, and it intimidates them and they will go away. I used this technique a lot when I was a single guy in bars.
Thanks bro @PBowolick pic.twitter.com/CJ5rAYNI00
Mike, do you have a pre-tournament routine you stick to? To get yourself mentally prepared.
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Yes. Not as much a ritual as it is preparation. I try to be very organized for each event. I create boxes for each one. Also, map study. I’m really big on that. I order maps, especially if I’ve never been there.
Any help you can give me with fishing light line on my spinning reel instead of braid? I break line during my hooksets. Thanks
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Go to a lighter action spinning rod. From medium heavy, go to medium or medium light. Also, use a looser drag.
Thanks!
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
Mike, what is the most versatile style of softbait on the market to use in most conditions or ways to fish?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
It would be a soft plastic stick bait – Berkley Flat Dawg – you can rig it 80 million different ways!
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
And a big CONGRATS on the elite series win in front of the home crowd! #iLIKEike
Dominic F. Turcott! @Dturcott27
Next seasons #bassmaster elite series schedule has been announced, what one are YOU excited for?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Upper Chesapeake Bay, it’s close to home and it is a phenomenal tidal fishery. Really excited about that one.
What is your go to bait for clear water pressured largemouth?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I would use my two finesse techniques – shaky head or a drop shot.
This is what @mike_Iaconelli wears when he’s not in a tournament. pic.twitter.com/JmoyxbmtUQ
Are you going to target largemouth or spots at Hartwell?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Both! I think you’ll need mainly largemouth to win. The spots are big enough there that they can supplement your catch.
Favorite hobby other than fishin?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I actually love gardening, and I also am collector of antique ink bottles.
“I like collecting old inkwells like this one from the 1880s.” — @mike_Iaconelli “Boring.” — Becky pic.twitter.com/5RRvHaQusl
Fishing with Dom! @fishingwithDom
Thank you for always being my inspiration to #NEVERGIVEUP In everything i do. @BASS_nation
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Wow, that’s awesome. Thank you. It’s a great motto to live by in every part of your life.
Ike what’s you goto color?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I have two: Green pumpkin or straight black.
How was long pond? Did you fish the graveyard. You should stay at #castleislandcamps sometime with the family great place great times
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Long Pond was great! Fishing was great – the entire state of Maine is beautiful. It was my first time in Maine!
2015 Elite schedule is out. Which event stands out most to you?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
The Upper Cheasepeake Bay and going back to Thousands Islands.
Matt Kamalsky @DownIslandLivin
What plastics do you like to throw on a shakey head?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I like a straight-tail worm, but only the ones with a flat side. I like the @BerkleyFishing Havoc Bottom Hopper.
2009 event on Lake Jordan in Wetumpka, Alabama was CLASSIC! You are why I fish! Thank you for being SO cool!
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Thanks Big D! Keep fishing!
Got to meet you too! pic.twitter.com/0jsAy5t3mT
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Haha! I totally remember that hat!
Do you keep in touch with your canine friend from Grand Lake?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
We exchange cards once or twice a year Christmas cards and Valentine’s Day cards. I write him a nice note & he sends me a paw print back.
Pooch be like <<< pic.twitter.com/KsPfQnylqu
When drop shotting do you prefer a inline swivel or a hook with them built in? (and why)?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
I use both. The swivel to the hook I use in shallow or stained water. In deep or clear, I use the VMC SpinShot.
What’s your opinion on the elites coming out west?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Good question! I think the lake has gotten better since we were there last. I’m excited! I think it needs to be a part of our schedule more often. They’re amazing fisheries.
Can’t wait for you guys to all get out west! And fish havasu!
Mike, what are the biggest largemouth, smallie, and spot you’ve caught, & how long did you breakdance for each 1?
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Biggest largemouth at Amistad. I didn’t breakdance, but I did yell a lot. Biggest smallmouth was at Lake Erie Open in practice. I yelled till I was blue in the face but nobody heard me. Biggest spot was at a Lake Martin Invitational.
“I want fans to know that I’m part fish. I even have webbed feet.” — @mike_Iaconelli pic.twitter.com/XGrelyqV8u
Thanks, @mike_Iaconelli, for joining us on the #basschat! We’ve enjoyed Skyping with you.
Mike Iaconelli @mike_Iaconelli
Thanks to all the fans for joining in this chat! The next Ike Live is Sept. 9 at 9 p.m. ET with Greg Hackney and Bryan Bickell!
Thanks for the #basschat. Never give up!