20 Questions With Cliff Crochet

Here's an updated inside look at the Cajun Baby, Cliff Crochet.

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We recently caught up with Pierre Part, La., pro Cliff Crochet, and we talked about life, family and the sport of bass fishing. He shared some interesting perspectives about his humble beginnings and where he fits into the Bassmaster Elite Series. Enjoy this recently updated and personal look into the life of the one and only Cajun Baby.
We recently caught up with Pierre Part, La., pro Cliff Crochet, and we talked about life, family and the sport of bass fishing. He shared some interesting perspectives about his humble beginnings and where he fits into the Bassmaster Elite Series. Enjoy this recently updated and personal look into the life of the one and only Cajun Baby.
<b>Where are you from, originally? (with his wife Sara)</b><br><br> Pierre Part, La.
Where are you from, originally? (with his wife Sara)

Pierre Part, La.

<b>How did you get started in bass fishing?</b><br><br> With my daddy, we’d fish around the house when I was a kid.
How did you get started in bass fishing?

With my daddy, we’d fish around the house when I was a kid.

A baby Cajun Baby. Cliff Crochet grew up around the water, and it's easy to see that his passion for fishing has been grounded since his early days.
A baby Cajun Baby. Cliff Crochet grew up around the water, and it’s easy to see that his passion for fishing has been grounded since his early days.
At 14 years of age, he was into catching whatever was biting, but he was also developing a love for largemouth.
At 14 years of age, he was into catching whatever was biting, but he was also developing a love for largemouth.
By the age of 16, he was getting largemouth bass figured out.
By the age of 16, he was getting largemouth bass figured out.
Here's Cliff in 2003 with a nice pair of bass.
Here’s Cliff in 2003 with a nice pair of bass.
In 2006, Cliff won the Louisiana B.A.S.S. Federation State Championship, which was a huge turning point for him. At this point, he knew for a fact what he wanted to do with his life.
In 2006, Cliff won the Louisiana B.A.S.S. Federation State Championship, which was a huge turning point for him. At this point, he knew for a fact what he wanted to do with his life.
<b>Who were some of your earliest fishing heros?</b><br><br> Probably Mark Davis. When he won the Classic in 1995, that's when I was really getting into fishing ... and reading <em>Bassmaster</em> Magazine. Tommy Biffle, as well. The guys who were making their careers in the early '90s and are now veterans — those guys.
Who were some of your earliest fishing heros?

Probably Mark Davis. When he won the Classic in 1995, that’s when I was really getting into fishing … and reading Bassmaster Magazine. Tommy Biffle, as well. The guys who were making their careers in the early ’90s and are now veterans — those guys.

Getting to know other anglers in the Elite Series has been one of the best parts of competing at this level, said Crochet. “I’ve got a lot of great friends here.”
Getting to know other anglers in the Elite Series has been one of the best parts of competing at this level, said Crochet. “I’ve got a lot of great friends here.”
<b>Do you have a job outside of fishing?</b><br><br> I was a deputy sheriff for a long time, but my fishing career had really taken off, and in 2013 I finally took the plunge into fishing full time.
Do you have a job outside of fishing?

I was a deputy sheriff for a long time, but my fishing career had really taken off, and in 2013 I finally took the plunge into fishing full time.

<b>When did you realize you had “made it” in the bass fishing industry?</b><br><br> I don’t think I’ve made it yet. I believe there are several things that need to happen for an angler to have “made it” as a pro. No. 1 is longevity, having competed at the top level for quite a few years. No. 2 is winning a major title. The Bassmaster Classic and Angler of the Year can certainly indicate you’ve arrived, but winning a couple of Elite events would help solidify that as well. And third, you have to become part of the landscape of the sport, not just a flash in the pan. I’m working on all of those things, and I feel like I’m accomplishing some of it, but I’ve got a long ways to go to claim that I’ve “made it.”
When did you realize you had “made it” in the bass fishing industry?

I don’t think I’ve made it yet. I believe there are several things that need to happen for an angler to have “made it” as a pro. No. 1 is longevity, having competed at the top level for quite a few years. No. 2 is winning a major title. The Bassmaster Classic and Angler of the Year can certainly indicate you’ve arrived, but winning a couple of Elite events would help solidify that as well. And third, you have to become part of the landscape of the sport, not just a flash in the pan. I’m working on all of those things, and I feel like I’m accomplishing some of it, but I’ve got a long ways to go to claim that I’ve “made it.”

<b>What’s the biggest bass you’ve ever caught? Where did you catch it?</b><br><br> I’ve caught two really big fish during tournaments. The first one was a 10-2 on Falcon Lake in 2013, and in 2014 I caught a 10-5 on the St. Johns River. But the funny part is, neither fish won me big bass of the tournament. I will tell you this, when you hook a fish of that caliber, you’ll know it’s a giant.
What’s the biggest bass you’ve ever caught? Where did you catch it?

I’ve caught two really big fish during tournaments. The first one was a 10-2 on Falcon Lake in 2013, and in 2014 I caught a 10-5 on the St. Johns River. But the funny part is, neither fish won me big bass of the tournament. I will tell you this, when you hook a fish of that caliber, you’ll know it’s a giant.

<b>What do you love most about bass fishing?</b><br><br> I love being outdoors and the competition.
What do you love most about bass fishing?

I love being outdoors and the competition.

<b>How big a part does luck play in fishing?</b><br><br> Luck has some part in fishing, but I think it’s the preparation and mental focus that is key to staying alert and staying in it.
How big a part does luck play in fishing?

Luck has some part in fishing, but I think it’s the preparation and mental focus that is key to staying alert and staying in it.

<b>If you could travel anywhere to pursue any sort of outdoor sport, what would it be and where would you go?</b><br><br> Wow, that’s a fun idea! When we going? [laughs] I’d love to hunt ducks in flooded timber and shoot as many as I legally can! Kind of like what’s available in Arkansas. But, I’d also love to shoot a big whitetail buck in the Midwest, but not at a long distance, I’d want it to be a close encounter. Honestly, there are so many places I’d love to fish or hunt; it’s really hard to nail down a specific destination.
If you could travel anywhere to pursue any sort of outdoor sport, what would it be and where would you go?

Wow, that’s a fun idea! When we going? [laughs] I’d love to hunt ducks in flooded timber and shoot as many as I legally can! Kind of like what’s available in Arkansas. But, I’d also love to shoot a big whitetail buck in the Midwest, but not at a long distance, I’d want it to be a close encounter. Honestly, there are so many places I’d love to fish or hunt; it’s really hard to nail down a specific destination.

<b>What is the best advice you’ve received in your career? Hardest lesson to learn?</b><br><br> My daddy taught me about how important it is to hustle and give 100 percent, setting goals and staying focused. The hardest lesson has been a recent one for me. It’s easy to make excuses when things are tough, and it’s easy to keep going when things are going well, but to keep going and push forward when things are challenging is a difficult lesson to learn. You just gotta keep your chin down and make the next cast.
What is the best advice you’ve received in your career? Hardest lesson to learn?

My daddy taught me about how important it is to hustle and give 100 percent, setting goals and staying focused. The hardest lesson has been a recent one for me. It’s easy to make excuses when things are tough, and it’s easy to keep going when things are going well, but to keep going and push forward when things are challenging is a difficult lesson to learn. You just gotta keep your chin down and make the next cast.

<b>How important is a manly beard?</b> <br><br> While I don’t wear one all the time, I think at times it’s very important! I want my beard to look like Hank Williams Jr.’s, just the way he used to wear it in the late '80s. Big, but not too big, well kept, but not too well kept — still kinda scraggly. I’m a grown-ass man and when I do grow it out, my beard makes me happy. By the way, if Hank Jr. wants to go fishing sometime, he should consider this a formal invitation!
How important is a manly beard?

While I don’t wear one all the time, I think at times it’s very important! I want my beard to look like Hank Williams Jr.’s, just the way he used to wear it in the late ’80s. Big, but not too big, well kept, but not too well kept — still kinda scraggly. I’m a grown-ass man and when I do grow it out, my beard makes me happy. By the way, if Hank Jr. wants to go fishing sometime, he should consider this a formal invitation!

<b>What is your greatest strength as a professional angler?</b><br><br> Power fishing. Anything shallow or aggressive—moving baits especially.
What is your greatest strength as a professional angler?

Power fishing. Anything shallow or aggressive—moving baits especially.

<b>What is your greatest weakness as a professional angler?</b><br><br> Versatility and deep water.
What is your greatest weakness as a professional angler?

Versatility and deep water.

<b>What are we doing right as a sport?</b> <br><br> Getting kids and new anglers into fishing is a growing thing, and I hope it continues to grow. It’s also great to see many high schools and colleges creating opportunities for kids to fish, and even compete. I love to see our sport growing this way!
What are we doing right as a sport?

Getting kids and new anglers into fishing is a growing thing, and I hope it continues to grow. It’s also great to see many high schools and colleges creating opportunities for kids to fish, and even compete. I love to see our sport growing this way!

<b>What could we improve on as a sport?</b> <br><br> I think tournament fishing gets pushed too much. I love tournament fishing and I know a lot of anglers out there who do also, but I think that overshadows the guys who just like to be on the water. There is nothing wrong with that approach and I think as an industry, we could work harder on promoting that guy and his style of fishing, because that’s where we all came from!
What could we improve on as a sport?

I think tournament fishing gets pushed too much. I love tournament fishing and I know a lot of anglers out there who do also, but I think that overshadows the guys who just like to be on the water. There is nothing wrong with that approach and I think as an industry, we could work harder on promoting that guy and his style of fishing, because that’s where we all came from!

<b>What is the biggest mistake you see from casual or weekend anglers?</b> <br><br> Not attacking cover aggressively. I see a lot of guys only make one or two casts to a specific piece of structure before moving, but I’ve learned it may take repeated casts to make a fish bite—sometimes 8, 9, 10 to 12 casts to the right piece of structure.
What is the biggest mistake you see from casual or weekend anglers?

Not attacking cover aggressively. I see a lot of guys only make one or two casts to a specific piece of structure before moving, but I’ve learned it may take repeated casts to make a fish bite—sometimes 8, 9, 10 to 12 casts to the right piece of structure.

<b>If you could only fish one lure for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why? </b><br><br> A 1/2-ounce flipping jig in a black/blue/brown color combination. It would have to be trailed with a Luck-E-Strike Live Motion Craw in green pumpkin or Okeechobee craw pattern. You can do a lot with that set up; swim it; crawl it; it’s good in cover; open water; dark and clear water; wood; rock; grass and both largemouth and smallmouth will eat it.
If you could only fish one lure for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?

A 1/2-ounce flipping jig in a black/blue/brown color combination. It would have to be trailed with a Luck-E-Strike Live Motion Craw in green pumpkin or Okeechobee craw pattern. You can do a lot with that set up; swim it; crawl it; it’s good in cover; open water; dark and clear water; wood; rock; grass and both largemouth and smallmouth will eat it.

<b>What has been your greatest accomplishment in the fishing?</b><br><br> Two things. 1. Qualifying for three Classics. That’s a big deal by itself because it is the Super Bowl of fishing—I know that term gets thrown around a lot, but it really is. Just being there to fish at that event is … well, hard to describe … I’d say it’s a dream come true for sure. <br> Second, making it to the Elite Series is one thing, but sticking around is another thing. Being able to continue to compete on this level is a big accomplishment for me! I’m never satisfied, though, but I am thankful.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in the fishing?

Two things. 1. Qualifying for three Classics. That’s a big deal by itself because it is the Super Bowl of fishing—I know that term gets thrown around a lot, but it really is. Just being there to fish at that event is … well, hard to describe … I’d say it’s a dream come true for sure.
Second, making it to the Elite Series is one thing, but sticking around is another thing. Being able to continue to compete on this level is a big accomplishment for me! I’m never satisfied, though, but I am thankful.

<b>If you could only win one, would it be the Angler of the Year title or a Bassmaster Classic championship? Why?</b> <br><br> Yes, to each! This, and all of these answers have changed for me over the years as I’ve grown as a man and an angler. I think the Angler of the Year title is more respected in our sport than any other. But, the Classic is a tough title to ignore. I think the Classic is the golden ticket for me, and many other anglers. Man, this is a tough one… It almost feels disrespectful to choose one over the other. But, there are guys who have won one and not the other, some that have won both, and many who are are sure capable of winning both, and they deserve each. But, I guess if I had to pick one, I’d go with the Classic, but again, that’s not to discredit the AOY title at all!
If you could only win one, would it be the Angler of the Year title or a Bassmaster Classic championship? Why?

Yes, to each! This, and all of these answers have changed for me over the years as I’ve grown as a man and an angler. I think the Angler of the Year title is more respected in our sport than any other. But, the Classic is a tough title to ignore. I think the Classic is the golden ticket for me, and many other anglers. Man, this is a tough one… It almost feels disrespectful to choose one over the other. But, there are guys who have won one and not the other, some that have won both, and many who are are sure capable of winning both, and they deserve each. But, I guess if I had to pick one, I’d go with the Classic, but again, that’s not to discredit the AOY title at all!

<b>What keeps you motivated to keep going and continue reaching for new goals?</b><br><br> My family, of course, but also seeing other people do it. Guys like Mark Davis, Tommy Biffle, Dean Rojas and Greg Hackney. Seeing that it can be done.
What keeps you motivated to keep going and continue reaching for new goals?

My family, of course, but also seeing other people do it. Guys like Mark Davis, Tommy Biffle, Dean Rojas and Greg Hackney. Seeing that it can be done.

During the final regular-season event on Lake St. Clair, Crochet made the decision to leave the tournament early to be with his then-pregnant wife Sara who was experiencing some early delivery signs. That’s a fine example of Crochet’s character and how he maintains his priorities. Please meet the Cajun Baby’s baby, Ben Michael Crochet.
During the final regular-season event on Lake St. Clair, Crochet made the decision to leave the tournament early to be with his then-pregnant wife Sara who was experiencing some early delivery signs. That’s a fine example of Crochet’s character and how he maintains his priorities. Please meet the Cajun Baby’s baby, Ben Michael Crochet.
<b>When it’s all over, how do you want people to remember you</b>?<br><br> I want to be remembered as a good fellow who did it the right way and left the sport with more than when I came in.
When it’s all over, how do you want people to remember you?

I want to be remembered as a good fellow who did it the right way and left the sport with more than when I came in.

Thanks Cliff! We at Bassmaster wish you the best of luck in the 2016 season, and especially with your growing family!
Thanks Cliff! We at Bassmaster wish you the best of luck in the 2016 season, and especially with your growing family!