Reese challenges anglers to be versatile

Skeet Reese says that being versatile is of utmost importance for anglers.

With Skeet Reese, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Multiple times during his first B.A.S.S. Twitter chat, fans asked him for advice on what lures to use, what to look for and how to catch big bass.

And every time, he told them ‘it depends.’

“My whole career is based on versatility,” said Reese to one fan. “You throw whatever will catch them at the time.”

Reese answered more than 70 questions in only 35 minutes during the chat. The transcript is below, lightly edited for spelling and clarity.

Get his advice from dozens of fan questions below, and view previous Twitter chat transcripts here.

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

 

Bassmaster ‏@BASS_nation

Welcome, @SkeetReese1 to our Twitter chat! Fans, submit your questions now with hashtag #basschat!

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Welcome! Bring on the questions!

 

John Naughton ‏@JohnnyBasssss

Is there any kind of warranty on your line of wright and McGill rods?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

There’s a limited one year warranty, so if you have an issue definitely contact Wright & McGill.

John Naughton ‏@JohnnyBasssss

Thank you!

 

Nick Spantgos ‏@Be_The_Extreme

Go to bait in water less than 5 feet? Both moving bait and plastic?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Havoc Pit Boss, Lucky Craft LC 1.5

 

Tony Arno ‏@Tonester5

What’s been toughest for you lately?? Consistency, Keeping Positive, etc…

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Hah, that’s a tough question! Consistency in catching fish is always the hard part.

 

Joe Nelson ‏@Red_Fletch7

Will bass stop mid-spawn if water temps drop or do they continue on through?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

If they haven’t dropped eggs then I think they’ll pull back out. If they have, I think they’ll stay.

 

blaine freeman ‏@b_free1730

How do you think Kelley Jaye is doing in his first year in the elites? He is good friend of mine that works hard

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I really like Kelley Jaye. He’s a great guy, and I think he had the worst luck anyone could have on the Alabama River. I thought he might win it. He’s a good fisherman and will do good on tour.

blaine freeman ‏@b_free1730

Thanks Skeet! Yep, he is a jerkbait specialist.

 

Dillon Taylor ‏@D_Taylor4

If you could go back in time would you still stick with bass fishing as your career?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Absolutely! 100%.

 

Mac McBroom ‏@Drumclog

You can only have 1 Lucky Craft lure. What would you choose?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I’d choose the LV-100.

 

Zach Meadows ‏@zsmeadows

If you were fishing Smith Mountain Lake within the next few weeks, what would be your game plan?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

My guess is fish have gone deep, so fish a 10-inch Havoc Federale worm & a football jig on deep structure

 

ShitBassFishermenSay ‏@Crazybassangler

Do you wish there would be more @BASS_nation events out west? & would other anglers be at a disadvantage #ClearWater

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Yeah! I’m waiting for the day @bass_nation will come out West!

 

Creecy ‏@adamcreecy

Why are oxbows along the Mississippi River full of Cypress Tress, but you dont see many Cypress’ on the actual river?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I don’t have the right answer, but I’m guessing it’s because the oxbows have been there long enough to grow without current.

 

Brad Wessling ‏@TreeOfMil

Do you ever get tired of fishing. (Mentally I mean)

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

No. At the end of the season, I go fish for salmon, steelhead and tuna just for fun.

 

Peyton Cockrell ‏@PeytonCockrell

If the Bassmaster Classic ever returns to the red river what would your first emotions be?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I would think I gotta go find the winning fish!

 

willie the kid ‏@Williedunn01

How do I start my bass fishing career any tips

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Go back to #1 priority: Catch fish and win. That’s the best scenario. Then learn how to market and promote yourself.

 

hunter goad ‏@Hunter_Goad

What steps and how did you become a professional angler? And what was your most memorable tournament?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I started fishing tournaments when I was 14. It took a lot of tournaments to get to where I am.

Winning on the Harris Chain of Lakes is pretty high up there.

 

Jake Archer ‏@Coach_Archer10

What do you think about the YUM baits yum dinger?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I’ve never fished one, so I don’t know.

 

PD Swanepoel ‏@pd111

When are you coming out to South Africa? You have a lot of fans here!

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I actually do want to go. I’ve heard the fishing is incredible. Scheduling is the hard part.

 

Reginald Skinner ‏@regskinner

When’s the worst time to use braid?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I would say when you’re fishing gin-clear water, and the fish are really spooky.

Reginald Skinner ‏@regskinner

Thanks, Skeet. Follow on ?, so stained water braid almost anytime?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

When I’m fishing worms, jigs, or topwaters, I use braid and fluorocarbon leaders.

 

Reginald Skinner ‏@regskinner

Are crankbaits the defacto go to bait? Or are they for lazy guys?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Rogue fishing is for lazy guys; crankbaits are great for covering water & locating fish.

 

Matt Leicester ‏@MedicMatt23

Hey Skeet, love your rods, use them all. What things would you most consider when buying your first boat?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Finding a boat that fits your price point. Get the biggest boat you can afford.

 

Tristen ‏@T_rodriguez1122

Best conditions for crankbait?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

My favorite kind is postspawn and when you have a little bit of wind blowing on ledges and offshore structure.

Tristen ‏@T_rodriguez1122

Thanks!

 

Robert Rainey ‏@hhracing26

Hey Skeet! If you had the chance would you like to redeem yourself on Lake Jordan?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I thought Lake Jordan was good to me, it was the Alabama River that was a little rough. But I got some redemption!

 

Matt Leicester ‏@MedicMatt23

My buddy has a drop shot question for you. What size spinning reel would you recommend for drop shot (i.e. 2000,4000)

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I prefer the smaller reel, so I’d go with 2000 or 2500 spooled with Berkley NanoFil.

 

Dominic Turcott ‏@Dturcott27

Skeet, where did you get the idea from when you designed the havoc wide load?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

The Wide Load came from an original design by Benno Heune.

 

Jackson Adams ‏@jacksonadams24

Would you rather throw a Arbogast Jitterbug or Heddon Spook as a top water?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I’d go with the Spook. It’s proven that the walking bait is best in most situations.

 

Jackson Adams ‏@jacksonadams24

What is the thinnest line that can be used on a baitcaster?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

10-pound is as light as I go.

 

Helen Northcutt ‏@HelenNorthcutt

Hi, Skeet! Congrats on your win at West Point – any plans for your spending your winnings?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

The IRS gets a lot of it! (chuckling)

Bass Fishing Tips ‏@BassFishnTips

Amen to that… They need to party after all…

 

Sammy Kay, Jr. ‏@skayjr

What do you look for on the map when you are on unfamiliar water?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Based on the time of year we fish, I trick to pick one area that has potential and learn it!

 

john smith. ‏@B00gieNights

Maurice Thompson said you were break dancers back in the day…any truth to this..? lol

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Well, yes, I used to dance a lot back in the day.

 

Adam McCollum@AUadam

So, @BASS_nation is @SkeetReese1 a dog or cat person and what is his favorite color?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I’m not a dog person, and I have a cat. So I guess I’m a cat person. And yellow’s my favorite color.

Adam McCollum@AUadam

Thank you, Skeet!

 

Clay Bryan Beene ‏@ClayBeene3

What is your go to lure this time of year?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Whichever one is going to catch me a fish!

 

Christian King ‏@Christian_GKing

What is your favorite bait in real hot weather?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

It depends on what type of fishery I’m on. It could be a drop shot, flipping or topwater depending on the lake.

 

Tristen ‏@T_rodriguez1122

What was your favorite lure as a kid, why?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I remember fishing a Browning orange jig on Spring Lake and catching them!

Tristen ‏@T_rodriguez1122

Awesome!

 

Spotmonkey ‏@sptmnky

I go fishing with the kids for bluegills and I get stinky fish hands. What soap do you use?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

My pants!

 

anaeli frankie ‏@FrankieAnaeli

What type of line do you use for 20 plus feet crankbaits? And for flippin?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Deep cranking: 10-pound Trilene 100% fluoro. Flippin’: 25-pound Trilene fluoro or 65-pound Spiderwire.

 

Matt Leicester ‏@MedicMatt23

We know you love the swimbait. If you couldn’t throw it, what would be your next go to?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Whatever’s gonna catch a fish! I’m not a specialist. My whole career is based on versatility.

Matt Leicester ‏@MedicMatt23

You are the first angler to say that. Awesome that you adjust style. Thanks for answering my Q’s. Good luck for #AOY

 

zack ‏@hofecker40

How hard is it to become a pro?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

It’s easy! Just gotta catch fish. If you catch fish, everything else takes care of itself.

 

anaeli frankie ‏@FrankieAnaeli

Are bass shallow or deep in the summer, in other words when its 105 degrees outside?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

That depends on what you’re on!

 

TheBassPunk ‏@TheBassPunk

On a school of fish, you are only catching the small ones, Should you stay or move? U know big ones are there.

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Either let the school sit & reposition or change your lure selection & presentation.

TheBassPunk ‏@TheBassPunk

Thanks Skeet, Best of luck at the #DietMtnDew Mississippi River Rumble #PowerPole

 

Dominic Turcott ‏@Dturcott27

When jig fishing what do I take into consideration when selecting a trailer?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Depends on if the water is cold or hot. Hot water more action – cold water less action.

 

Brad Myers ‏@ksdeerhunter1

Is Boyd still pissed you stole his idea of colored shoes after he won the Classic!

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Hah! That’s crap. He was way after me. I had them before him!

Brad Myers ‏@ksdeerhunter1

HAHA! I was with Big Dave when he busted on you about it in Florida a few years ago!

 

Tristen ‏@T_rodriguez1122

Best conditions for throwing a shaky head?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

High pressure, post-front.

Tristen ‏@T_rodriguez1122

Awesome, thanks skeet!

 

Rob O ‏@RattleTrap_Rob

Hi Skeet, what is your fav way to fish the Cal Delta? Tnx for the #basschat!

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Flipping.

 

Dominic Turcott ‏@Dturcott27

Favorite method to fish?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Whatever method works to catch bass!

 

John Naughton ‏@JohnnyBasssss

What is your favorite bait to drop shot during the summer?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I’d go with a 6-inch Havoc Bottom Hopper, green pumpkin

 

Dominic Turcott ‏@Dturcott27

What are the benefits to berkley trilene 100% fluoro?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

The line sinks, better sensitivity, and harder for the fish to see in the water.

 

Pat KasQ ‏@_GoodOleBoy_

How do you feel about Elite guys mentoring College teams? A college-side tourny of the elite events would be nice

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I’d like to think I’m one that pioneered that! I think it’s a great idea. I sponsored the Oklahoma State team with tackle and went to speak with them.

Pat KasQ ‏@_GoodOleBoy_

I think it’s awesome you do that, wish we had someone doing that with us at LSU! Talk one of your friends into it!

 

Corbin Evan Huxley ‏@NibrocyelxuH

I’m looking at getting a new rod and reel combo what is the best for jigging?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

My football jig worm rod is the best all-around jig rod.

 

Brad Wessling ‏@TreeOfMil

Who’s the most fun to drink with on tour

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

No comment. That could open a can of worms right there!

 

Dominic Turcott ‏@Dturcott27

Preferred gear ratio for heavy flippin?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

It’s 7:1. As fast as you can get.

 

Bass Fishing Tips ‏@BassFishnTips

From @mattyh3000 … What is your top goal for this year, and what is your take on kayak fishing frenzy. Thanks

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

My goal: win Angler of the Year. And kayak fishing is awesome. It’s an affordable way for people to get out & fish

 

Dominic Turcott ‏@Dturcott27

What is the most challenging body of water you hace ever fished on the elite series?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I think Sabine was pretty tough this year! It was a grind. It was the toughest one I had in a while.

 

Tristen ‏@T_rodriguez1122

When would you suggest throwing a shaky head? I just ordered your spinning rod meant for it. What line would you suggest?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

You can catch ‘em on a shaky head year-round. I use 10lb Berkley NanoFil & 8lb Trilene 100%fluoro leader if needed

Tristen ‏@T_rodriguez1122

You’re giving great advice, thanks for the #basschat!

 

Brian Campbell ‏@BrianC1977

Assuming that you could only afford one primo swimbait, and lived in Alabama, what would you buy?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I’d say a 5-inch Havoc Sickfish

 

Jackson Adams ‏@jacksonadams24

Would you rather throw a Arbogast Jitterbug or Heddon Spook as a top water?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I’d go with the Spook. It’s proven that the walking bait is best in most situations.

 

Jackson Adams ‏@jacksonadams24

What is the thinnest line that can be used on a baitcaster?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

10-pound is as light as I go.

 

Helen Northcutt ‏@HelenNorthcutt

What’s your strategy going into the Mississippi River event?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Right now, I don’t have a strategy. It’ll be based on water levels once we get there!

 

Dominic Turcott ‏@Dturcott27

Ever think of fishing an FLW tour for a year?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I actually did fish FLW for one season a while ago, but no desire to go back.

 

John Naughton ‏@JohnnyBasssss

What’s your favorite way to catch suspending largemouth?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

It depends on how deep they are.

 

P.J. Pahygiannis ‏@Bassfishinboy

What’s the best way to weed through 8-11 inch bass, without catching nothing at a lake that turns out 6 pounders?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Change your technique and look for new water.

 

P.J. Pahygiannis ‏@Bassfishinboy

How would you fish a flat lake that has no structure, islands, ridges, and cheese mats on bank in shallow?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

If there’s no offshore structure, the bass will be related to the grass. A frog would be good if there’s cheese.

 

Chris Mitchell ‏@cfmitchell21

Staying on the line subject regarding flipping how do you decide between braid and fluoro?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

If I’m flipping grass, I go with braid. If I’m flipping wood, I fish fluorocarbon.

Chris Mitchell ‏@cfmitchell21

Thanks for the reply….I know you are being bombarded with tweets and questions!

 

Bass Fishing Tips ‏@BassFishnTips

If limited to 5 rod/reel combos and 5 baits to fish entire season, what would they be?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

For rods: Flippin’ Stick, Crankbait rod, Drop shot rod, Swimbait Carolina rig rod and my Football jig worm rod. For lures: Havoc Pit Boss, Lucky Craft LV100, Berkley Bottom Hopper, LC 1.5 and 4.5-inch Havoc SickFish.

Bass Fishing Tips ‏@BassFishnTips

Thanks for the answer, Skeet, and have a great remaining season!

 

Dustin Swartzmiller ‏@dswartz_413

When fishing a new body of water, what is the first thing you do to try and put yourself on fish?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I usually pick a section that I think has potential & learn one area & move on from there

 

Dominic Turcott ‏@Dturcott27

What style of jig skips best?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Arkie Head

 

Dominic Turcott ‏@Dturcott27

When fishing tubes or jigs, what is the equation to pick the proper weight for the depth?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

You want to pick a weight that gives you the right feel without being too heavy.

 

Forest Bunch ‏@fblackhawk

What advice would you give to someone looking to catch their first bass and is limited to only fishing from the banks?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Fish a soft plastic worm and instead of casting out into the middle, cast along the shoreline if there’s grass.

Forest Bunch ‏@fblackhawk

Thanks for the advice!

 

Chris Mitchell ‏@cfmitchell21

In an effort to save $ and space as a co-angler what is your best all-around spinning rod from W&M?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Probably the Senko Shaky Head rod.

 

anaeli frankie ‏@FrankieAnaeli

I never fish by the dam at falcon lake cause too many people fish there…why did you rely on fishing there?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Well, I didn’t plan on relying to fish there. I went there to fish a morning bite and was catching big ones.

anaeli frankie ‏@FrankieAnaeli

Right across the dam there’s a structure of rocks with huge drop offs..average fish of 8-9 pounds only..no one was there day1-4

 

Matt Sweeney ‏@DaSween67

What would you look for when fishing a river system without much structure and has stained water.

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Look for current breaks, so a rock outcropping or a point that creates current breaks, underwater rocks, sandbars

 

Learjetter ‏@learjetter

Skeet, you ever fished a Phenix rod? Just bought one from #tacklewarehouse for Braid/Carolina Rigs, feels great!

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I owned one Phenix rod when I was 14 or 15 years old, and that was a long time ago!

 

Jackson Herod ‏@JacksonHerod

Favorite topwater lure?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Lucky Craft Gunfish

 

kate dattilo ‏@kate_dattilo

What advice do you have for a female entering the tournament world?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Don’t be intimated by the other guys. If you’ve got the passion to become a competitive angler, focus on the fishing

steven priest ‏@lordofthepunks

Yes Kate, don’t be “intimated”. Lmao…

kate dattilo ‏@kate_dattilo

It’s not that I’m intimidated but I feel like alot of men don’t take us seriously in the sport!

steven priest ‏@lordofthepunks

I take you serious, just thought the typo was rather funny…

kate dattilo ‏@kate_dattilo

Oh wow I didn’t even catch that.

 

Tristen ‏@T_rodriguez1122

So you prefer micro or normal guides?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I prefer micro guides, they cast farther.

 

Dominic Turcott ‏@Dturcott27

How are you anticipating the classic next year?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Haven’t thought much about it yet but it should be incredible fishing

 

Austin Wright ‏@Austinwright98

What do you usually look for on the map when you’re on unfamiliar water?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

It depends on what time of year and what type of fishery.

 

Keith Rudiger ‏@KeithRudigerSA

Thanks for promoting the skeet reese crankbait rod, since ive been using it my hook set has doubled the fish on the boat!!!

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Nice! Glad to hear it!

 

Robert Rainey ‏@hhracing26

Looking back when you first started out was there a “aha” moment where it all clicked, and if so, what was it?

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

It was my first year on tour, ’98, it was the worst year I ever had & I realized I tried to fish like the locals. So the next year I fished my style & had the opportunity to win Angler of the Year.

 

ShitBassFishermenSay ‏@Crazybassangler

Explain how you cut costs when you travel for tourneys.

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

I think the most common thing is rooming together. Plus, run a Mercury at 4500 rpms. It saves a whole lot of fuel.

 

Matt Cronin ‏@croninmatt14

When fishing a river with little current where’s do smallmouth like to hold when not in their normal spots? Thanks!

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

If it’s postspawn, they’re always relating to current.

 

Bassmaster ‏@BASS_nation

Thank you @SkeetReese1 for joining us today, and thank you, fans, for all your questions!

Skeet Reese ‏@SkeetReese1

Thank you to all the fans for joining on the @bass_nation chat! I hope they follow me throughout the rest of the season! Thanks for all the cool questions!

Matt Cronin ‏@croninmatt14

Good luck Skeet! Thank ya!

PD Swanepoel ‏@pd111

Thanks for your reply!!