Bull Shoals champ Jason Christie was practicing today for the Bassmaster Elite Series West Point Lake Battle when he stopped for a while to take questions from fans for the B.A.S.S. Twitter chat. While sitting in his boat, he called in to the B.A.S.S. office to hear what his fans were asking. The question at the time was, “Do all pros get along on the Elite Series?”
Fellow pro Derek Remitz saw what looked like Christie dead in the water, calling in for help.
“You OK?” said Remitz, pulling up to him.
“Yeah, I’m good,” answered Christie, laughing. “I’m just doing a Twitter chat.”
Christie said that’s the type of camaraderie the pros on the tour have. If an angler needs assistance, the others don’t hesitate to offer it.
Christie’s fans had tons of questions, but pros take their practice periods seriously, so we had to get Christie back to fishing as soon as possible. Below is a transcript of his chat, lightly edited for spelling and clarity.
You can also check out Twitter chat transcripts from other pros, including Keith Combs, Todd Faircloth, Cliff Pace, Chris Lane, Mike Iaconelli, Kevin VanDam, Aaron Martens, Boyd Duckett, Jonathon VanDam, Brent Chapman, Randy Howell, Ish Monroe, Brandon Palaniuk, Jeremy Starks and Alton Jones.
Keep up with Twitter chats, tournament news and bass fishing advice by following B.A.S.S. on Twitter at @BASS_Nation.
Thank you for joining us for the #basschat @christiefishing and congratulations on your recent victory. Fans, ask your questions!
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I’m ready for your questions. I’m practicing, so this gives me a chance to eat lunch without being in a hurry for 30 minutes.
When it comes to prespawn fishing what is the most deadly tactic?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I would say a jerkbait, across the country. We just developed one called the Smithwick Perfect Ten & it catches fish
Jason, first off congrats on the two stellar wins! Favorite Lake? Favorite presentation? Thanks!
Jason Christie@christiefishing
@WhackUmProstaff That would be Grand Lake and jerking a Perfect 10. Without a doubt!
Hey @christiefishing , What processes do you use to practice for so many tournament circuits?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
What I’m doing is physically & mentally demanding. I don’t study the lake before getting there, it doesn’t work for me. I try to develop what stage they’re in when I get there, & then relate it to patterns & lakes I have fished in the past.
Do you consider Bull Shoals to be similar to Tenkiller? How much did that help you there?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
It is similar & it helped a lot. The practice I had wasn’t good, but the inconsistent weather helped. I just went fishing. On Tenkiller it’s the same way. You have to go fishing each day like it’s a practice day.
How do you practice for a tournament? What baits, how many spots, and how quick do you leave an unproductive area?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I start out with 5-6 rods. If I’m not catching them on my confidence baits, it’s the location not the baits. I ask myself if I want to to continue fishing this same stuff for 15 minutes before I move on.
What do you change first on a competition day not going so hot? Presentation? Depth? Area?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
Usually location. If I’m in an area I know that has big fish, I might change baits.
Do you have to let your Uncle Goob reel fish in sometimes?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
My uncle taught me a lot about fishing & got me hooked!
Haha oh my.I wish he had a Twitter haha
Gary N Upchurch@GaryNUpchurch
Jason are you missing practice time to answer Twitter questions?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
Yes, but we have a 14-hr practice day so this gives me a chance to eat lunch! It’s not too much time for my fans!
Hey, Jason! Are those beef sticks you’ve been giving away any good?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
Absolutely! Most are made out of pork & this one’s 80% beef. They’re good & 25% goes to charity so you can’t beat that.
Jason could you tell me a good strategy to use to catch bass from middle of the lake?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
It’s funny how a lot of tournaments are won in the mid-lake area. It’s where clear water meets dirty water. It’s a broad question, but I look for that area often. It’s where the lake meets the river. It’s a good mix of water.
What’s for lunch!? I’ve heard you are not a sandwich guy. Haha
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I do have a sandwich! But I’m hooked on “pretty boy bread” thanks to @EdwinEvers2 It’s thin and makes a sandwich good.
Congrats Jason on recent wins, will you fish different now that you already qualified for ’14 Classic ?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I will, but not a lot different because we always fish to win. But it takes the stress off fishing for points. I’ll probably stay with a spot longer rather than leaving to catch a limit
Fishin’ Outrageous@TeamFOfishing
Jason, congrats on Back2Back wins! What technique are you most comfortable with? & Confidence bait?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
90% of the time, when the going gets tough, I pick up a flippin’ stick with wooly bug.
Fishin’ Outrageous@FishOutrageous
Congrats on the wins, impressive!! Was wondering if you have a favourite type of drop-shot lure?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I use a small Wooly Bug, 3 inches, and cut it in half down the middle. Gives it a weird profile & the fish eat it!
Jason, what are the main differences between competing on bass and the flw?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
There’s really no differences as far as the tournaments go. There are more boats on FLW, so the B.A.S.S. tour gives you more space to fish.
Which series do you prefer FLW or @BASS_nation
Jason Christie@christiefishing
That’s a loaded question. I like both of ’em equally. The way I make money is to fish & both give me that opportunity
What’s your secret to locating bass?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
It’s hard work. Sometimes it’s a sixth sense decision. There’s no exchange for time on water.
For the most part do all pros get along on the elite series?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
Yeah, I’ve been fishing 6 years & I’ve had very few confrontations. We all get along & we’re all professionals. In fact, as I was sitting here on the phone, Derek Remitz pulled up to check that I was OK!
When it comes to prespawn fishing what is the most deadly tactic?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I would say a jerkbait, across the country. We just developed one called the Smithwick Perfect Ten & it catches fish
Hey Jason – great start to the year! Fishing two tours Im sure takes up a ton of time, do you plan on fishing any of the Opens?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I’m not. I kicked that idea around. For me to fish the Opens, it would be 6 weeks in a row. I gotta see my wife & kids.
Killer 3 pointer or in your face dunk!?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
That question gave me goose bumps. I’ve done both and I’ve seen both and I’d have to go with an in-your-face dunk.
What’s the biggest bass you’ve caught in Oklahoma and what lake did it come from?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I have caught three that were right at 10 pounds. Each out of Eufaula, Grand and Eucha.
Hey Jason! How do you prepare for all your tournaments mentally and physically?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I try not to think about the next lake until I get there. I try to keep an open mind & prepare when I get there. And physically, when you’re up all day every day, your body develops endurance.
Cole Campbell @Cole_Campbell10
In your opinion, what is the most important technique for highland reservoirs during the spring?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
You can’t beat a jerkbait. You can catch above-average fish shallow or deep.
JC 1st baitcaster?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
A @Lews_fishing BB1 is my favorite baitcaster.
What’s the best way you have found to get sponsors?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
Some have come to me & some you meet at events or you meet through a mutual friend. A lot is personal relationships.
Archery or firearms?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
Archery. 175% archery!
What is your go to lure for transitioning fish?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
Probably a Booyah spinnerbait. It covers a lot of water. Once, I start getting water I’ll slow down.
Gary N Upchurch@GaryNUpchurch
Jason, are you missing practice time to answer twitter questions?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
Yes, but we have a 14-hr practice day so this gives me a chance to eat lunch! It’s not too much time for my fans!
Fastest speed on bass boat?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
It was at Bull Shoals, and it was 73.9 miles per hour.
Cole Campbell @Cole_Campbell10
If you could only choose one, would you rather throw a shaky head or a drop shot all day?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I would say a shaky head is more versatile because you can fish it deep or around cover.
What’s your favorite snack to have on the water?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
Quartershare Beef Stick. I eat about six or seven a day.
william kleine@bigredhuntfish
Congrats on your finishes! Can you briefly discuss how you know when to get into the bushes and flip?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
As soon as bushes get 1/2 full of water, fish tend to move up. When the going gets tough, pick up a flipping stick
Fishin’ Outrageous@TeamFOfishing
Jason, congrats on Back2Back wins! What technique are you most comfortable with? & Confidence bait?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
90% of the time, when the going gets tough, I pick up a flippin’ stick with wooly bug.
Fishin’ Outrageous@FishOutrageous
Congrats on the wins, impressive!! Was wondering if you have a favourite type of drop-shot lure?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I use a small Wooly Bug, 3 inches, and cut it in half down the middle. Gives it a weird profile & the fish eat it!
1 angler you admire their skills in BASS elites and FLW Tour?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
That’s a long list. I’d say Larry Nixon. He’s done it for years. I admire him for his skills & the kind of person he is
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I have a beagle. So I guess that answers the question. … My little one’s allergic to cats and that’s a good thing because we wouldn’t have one anyway.
What is your favorite color? (not for baits, just general)
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I’d say red.
What size/type of line would you use for flipping weeds in clear water?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
If it’s really shallow, I’d use 25-pound to make sure I can get them out. It’s a reaction bite when it’s that shallow.
Lebron or Durant?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
Durant.
Jason what is your favorite flipping set up do you use braid mono or floro when flipping
Jason Christie@christiefishing
It would be a 7-3 Falcon swimbait rod, @Lews_fishing BB1 and a 5/0 TroKar hook. I use braid in hydrilla and milfoil. Every other occasion I use fluoro 20 or 25-pound. I will change my bait to make it slower or faster. It helps me make a good cast.
Did you ever skip class to go fishing?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I don’t want to answer that because my kids will probably see this.
haha fair enough!
What is your favorite bedding fish bait/color for Grand @christiefishing ?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I like a white 4-inch Yum tube. I can see it better & a lot of times bedding fish on Grand will go for it
I’m trying to unlock spawn/post spawn laregmouth and i need help. Tips?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I’m trying to do the exact same thing right now & it is the toughest time of the year. Don’t get hung up in one area. Look for fry.
Jason what do you think has allowed you to become such a successful angler on both FLW side and BASS side of tournament fishing?
Jason Christie@christiefishing
I think I’m in the perfect scenario right now. I’m in my sixth year. I have some experience and I’m making better decisions. I’m fishing with an open mind and a lot of confidence
We need to let @christiefishing get back to fishing. Thanks for joining us! We appreciate Jason taking time from his West Point practice.
Jason Christie@christiefishing
Thank you! Hopefully we get to do this again because that means I’ve won another tournament!
Good Luck!
Thank you for the responses it’s great to talk to the elite pros and learn things to help improve our game as anglers.