BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Just three days ago, Skeet Reese put himself in the winner’s circle for the eighth time in B.A.S.S. history after moving up from the second-place spot.
And if you have paid attention to Reese’s stats on Guntersville, you weren’t surprised.
Reese posted a runner-up finish there during the Elite Series event in 2009, went back a year later and won it, and last weekend, he stayed in the Top 12 every day after a 50th-place start on Day 1.
Reese answered questions from fans about his big win and about the upcoming tournament on his home waters — as well as how yellow and black became his ‘theme’ colors. Below is the full transcript. You can read transcripts from other pros here.
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Welcome to the B.A.S.S. Twitter chat, @SkeetReese1, and congratulations on your big win!
Thanks! Wins are hard to come by, so when you get on they’re pretty special!
Congrats Skeet. Did you practice time play a role in your win?
Yes, we have 3 days of practice & everything I learned in practice, I eliminated. So I learned what not to do.
What baits played the biggest factor in your win?
19 of my 20 fish came on a 7-inch Basstrix swimbait. The other came on a Berkley Havoc Slop Craw.
Favorite soft plastic company? And favorite style creature,worm, etc.?
@BerkleyFishing Havoc, and I like the Pit Boss. It’s a fish-catching machine!
Skeet, What kind of structure/cover were you concentrating on?
There were two patterns: laydowns and grasslines in 5 to 9 feet of water.
What was it like winning on G-ville a second time? And how confident are you going into Sacramento and havasu?
It was freakin’ awesome! It was such a different tournament though. In 2010, I was catching 100-200 fish a day. This time it was more like 10-12 keepers a day. Big difference. I’m not overly confident. I have no preconceived notions of how the events are going to unfold. It’s going to be a different situation on the Delta with 3-4 hours of running time. I’m not feeling any different than any other event.
Wow that’s nuts! Why is it the elite series doesn’t do the delta very often And have they ever had an event on havasu
Most of the guys on tour don’t want to travel out here for financial reasons. This will be the first Elite on Havasu.
Ah makes sense. Thanks for answering and I’m a huge fan and you’re my hero on the water! Tight lines!!
Thank you! I’m honored.
Going into sunday what was your confidence level for putting together a winning bag?
I didn’t go out there expecting to win, but knew how I was going to fish. I had a game plan & was able to execute it.
Christian Rodriguez @crodriguez__15
What color chatter bait and trailer do you recommend for fishing a place like the delta?
Skeet Reese @SkeetReese1 Apr 15
In the spring, the fish are keyed on bluegill, so the Brett Hite special, green pumpkin ChatterBait with green pumpkin Sick Fish trailer. During the shad spawn, white and chartreuse would be better.
Christian Rodriguez @crodriguez__15
Thank you! OKdo you know we’re they carry the products at?
You can get them from Dicks Sporting Goods online!
Christian Rodriguez @crodriguez__15
OK thank you very much I’ve meet you before at the cal expo I was with Liberty high school fishing club !
What’s your tip to make fishing financially easier for someone wanting to make a living doing it?
Catch a lot of fish and win! The key to success is catching them. Once you can do that then you can build a sponsorship portfolio.
What’s the MPG on your truck? I guess 5.
I get 10. And it holds 210 gallons of fuel. I fill up where the big rigs fill up.
Jennifer Dome King @StellarJennifer
Hi @skeetreese1! What other stop on this year’s trail are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to the St. Lawrence River. It’s been in the back of my head. The St. Lawrence is an incredible fishery where we get to catch great smallmouth.
In stained water, would you throw a swim jig with a swimbait trailer, or just a swimbait?
Probably go more toward a swim jig. It depends on what type of cover is available.
Thanks, Skeet. Congratulations!
Christian Rodriguez @crodriguez__15
What would be a good trailer for the chartreuse white Chatterbait?
I either do a white Rocket Craw or Split-Tail Trailer.
Christian Rodriguez @crodriguez__15
OK thank you.
Congratulations on the win!!! what would be you choice for a chatterbait trailer?
The Sick Fish and I also do a @BerkleyFishing Rocket Craw.
FishShotsPhotography @TheBassPunk
Easier fishing with the lead or chasing down the leader? #bassfishing
I think it’s easier chasing the leader as long as you’re in striking distance. If you’re in the lead there’s more pressure on you. But I don’t mind fishing in the lead!
Any special plans for your tournament winnings?
Only to pay Uncle Sam! And, other than that, I haven’t gotten that far!
What is your favorite flipping bait?
The Havoc Pit Boss.
Jennifer Dome King @StellarJennifer
If you could fish any lake in the world for fun, what would it be?
I’d love to go to South Africa to fish for bass. And, I’ve heard Cuba has giant bass.
Where on the lake did you get your best results this past week?
Sebile Creek was my most productive spot. I also caught some in Town Creek.
I love your spinning micro guide rods, except the one that fell off my boat this past weekend! #Doh
Dive in and get it! Or go buy another. That doesn’t hurt my feelings either.
How was Big G different this time than a few years ago?
This year was based around the spawn. In the past, it was all postspawn.
How familiar are you with the Sacramento River? Do you consider it your home water?
Yes. Between Clear Lake and the Delta is where I cut my teeth on tournament fishing.
Skeet, I believe you were the last (and only) person 2 win back 2 back on the Elites. Think you have a great shot in the river?
All of us there have a shot! My odds are as good as anyone going into the event.
R4ginY3llowM4n @R4ginY3llowM4n
Congrats! on G’ville. How do you plan to attack the Sacramento River and what stages to you anticipate the bass to be in there?
The tide will play a big factor. Next week is when I’ll sit down & write down my tide schedule. Conditions will dictate how I’ll want to fish. All stages, pre, spawn and postspawn. We’ve had an early spring.
Any fishing superstitions?
No bananas in the boat. I’ve got a cup that I got from Japan that’s my good luck charm.
How do you think the drought will affect the Sacramento River tourney?
It won’t affect us this time. But come fall, it could be a different story.
Why did you choose yellow/black color scheme? Also should all competitors wear bright yellow pants at BASS events?
No, they should not wear the bright yellow pants. Not everyone can rock them. I went to a champions boat meeting in 1998, and I saw a boat that had a yellow stripe. The next year I got my boat with a yellow stripe, and it grew from there. I never knew it would turn into a brand.
Who should I put on my fantasy fishing team for Sacramento?
My number one pick is Jared Lintner. He’s a hammer on the Delta. He fishes there more than anybody!
Thank you for joining us @SkeetReese1 and good luck on the Sacramento River!
Thanks for your questions! I’m hoping I can win another one, so we can do live Twitter chat again! And, I’m looking for all kinds of good ju-ju for the Sacramento event!