Gerald Swindle has been playing this game a long time — 24 years in fact — and his two Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles, coupled with 19 Classic appearances prove he could make country music legend Kenny Rogers proud with his wit for knowing when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.
Friday, on Day 2 of the Simm’s Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Fork, Swindle plans to hold ‘em after smashing a 29-pound mega-limit from one magical little spot.
“To leave would be a gamble,” reasons the Team Toyota angler. “This lake is fishing way too small to think that running to different areas is a good idea, when I know I’ve got a spot that’s holding quality fish.”
The hilarious Alabama pro says he found the little honey hole in practice and caught a few good fish off it. He says he knew it had potential, but didn’t think it’d be a 29-pound glory hole.
“I had a good practice. I had days when I caught 25-pounds, but that’s not a huge deal on Lake Fork. And again, the place where I caught them today wasn’t necessarily magical in practice. But any spot that gives a man 29-pounds to start the tournament is worth milking for all it’s worth,” he grins.
Swindle says as long as he can get a good bite every hour, he’ll not leave. And his weapon of choice will be a Zoom Ol’ Monster worm on an oversized shaky head, thrown on 16-pound Sunline with his signature series 7’ 6” medium heavy rod from 13 Fishing.
“The thing that concerns me most is the south winds gusting to 30 mph. Spot-Lock technology helps, but it still allows the boat to move a little in strong winds. Boat positioning will be a huge challenge Friday,” he says.
With age comes wisdom, and after 24 years on tour, Swindle knows Friday will be a good day to play the really good hand he’s been dealt and milk it for all it’s worth.
