Chris Lane was one of the most excited pros on the Bassmaster Elite Series tour when it was announced last fall that the 2014 Bassmaster Classic would be right in his backyard — on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville.
And he was one of the most anxious pros on tour as the 2013 Bassmaster Elite Series season was coming to a close and he was not among the qualifiers.
The fire that was within him, though, propelled him to a win on a lake far, far from home. When Lane won the Plano Championship Chase on the Detroit River, he took home not only a trophy, but also an invitation to fish the waters most dear to him on bass fishing’s biggest stage.
Lane stopped by the B.A.S.S. offices today for a Twitter chat with fans. He is looking forward to fishing the Bassmaster Classic at his home lake but thinks it will be as challenging as it is fun.
Read the transcript of the chat below. You can also read transcripts from previous chats with Elite Series pros here.
Keep up with Twitter chats, tournament news and bass fishing advice by following B.A.S.S. on Twitter at @BASS_Nation.
See photos from Lane’s visit and twitter chat here.
Fans, @ChrisLaneFish is here and ready to take your questions!
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I’m glad to be here, and I’m looking forward to answering a lot of questions!
What is your favorite lures for large & smallmouth bass (1 for each)
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Smallmouth: Reaction bait because they’re so aggressive. Largemouth: Flippin’ style bait because it gets a big bite.
Best way to catch fish in muddy water right now?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Spinnerbait and a Luck-E-Strike shallow running crankbait, or flipping Fast Lane Tube in chartreuse.
Appreciate it.
Hey – Biggest tip for guys fishing Erie this weekend?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish1h
Be careful in the Miracle Mile & don’t try for largemouth! Biggest tip: Be careful. It can get very rough & dangerous.
Which would you rather fish for: Shark or Bass (for fun, not a competition) Good Luck in the Classic!
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I do love catching shark. We’ve caught a lot of them down in the Everglades. Looking forward to the Classic.
Where do you search for bass first changing from summer to fall pattern?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Start in the mouth of the creeks & work toward the back
Bass Fishing Tips @BassFishnTips
If limited to 5 rod/reel combos to fish entire season, what would they be?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
1. Flippin stick rod w/ a Revo SX 2. All-Star spinnerbait rod w/ a Revo 3. Revo spinning reel w/ a All-Star drop shot rod 4. 7-1 Heavy with a Revo reel 5. 6-6 topwater rod with Revo reel
Bass Fishing Tips @BassFishnTips
If limited to 5 lures to fish entire season, what would they be?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Luck E Strike crankbait, Fast Lane tube, @LuckEStrikeUSA jerkbait, worm and a topwater.
If you could only give someone one piece of advice about bass fishing, what would you tell them?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Enjoy the outdoors whether you catch fish or not. Make it fun!
Hi Chris, What is your favorite bait to flip with?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
It will be the new Fast Lane flippin’ bait that’s coming soon!
Thanks Chris!
When fishing gets tuff in the summer to fall transition, how do you find quality fish?.
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I go shallow. You don’t get near as many bites but there are some big ones that are starting to push shallow.
Thanks Chris! Congratulations on qualifying for the classic!
Upgrade Fishing @UpgradeFishing
How will the unseasonably cool and wet summer in AL affect the grass bite on Guntersville this fall?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
The grass is plentiful. The time is coming for the grass bite; it’s going to be phenomenal.
Any ideas on what could be the potential winning pattern/patterns for the upcoming Bassmaster Classic on the Big G?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Weather will play a big factor. It could be any pattern because that lake is so good it could be won many ways.
Brandon Johnson @Johnsonfishing
How happy are you right now knowing that in February you get to fish the Classic off your back porch? Awesome dude!
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I could not be happier for the town and for my family. Words can’t explain!
Congrats to Chris on his win at St Clair and his 2014 Bassmaster Classic berth!
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Thanks, Andrew! Nice tweeting with you!
Do you target fish cranking to cover water or flip shore structure during fall patterns more?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I flip them more because that’s my strength
I dig your style! Mine strength as well. Thanks for answering and congrats on the win! Enjoy the classic!
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Thanks, hope to see y’all there!
Congrats on your win! I work for your uncle in Florida and have been following you and bobby for years.
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed working there myself for 10 years.
Upgrade Fishing @UpgradeFishing
Nickajack, Wheeler or another TN River lake (Pickwick, Wilson, or Chick) after Gville goes off limits?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
I probably will not practice on any of those lakes, I’ll spend time hunting with my son
Upgrade Fishing @UpgradeFishing
Awesome…good for you! Good luck…go get’em!
What was your go to bait for your victory?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
It was any shad style bait that resembled a shad’s natural color.
How do you manage your time on the water and with family? Glad to see Lakeland boys getting it done
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Hey to everyone in Lakeland!
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
My job is fishing. My family understands. When it’s time for me to work, I go to work. When I’m home, I’m home.
Thanks for your time Chris. got to get back to work now have a great day keep it up buddy go LB3!
Bass Fishing Tips @BassFishnTips
Thanks for the answers to the two questions and Congrats on the win @ St. Clair …
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Thank you! The reason the questions get answered so quickly is typing skills of the ladies at @Bass_nation!
Chris before you even hit the water what kind of pre-practice research do you do?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
A lot of my pre-practice research is when I 1st get on the water, from water temp to clarity to what stage fish are in.
What is your favorite fall pattern?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Flippin’ and froggin’.
Upgrade Fishing @UpgradeFishing
Dogs or cats??
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Dogs!
Will fishing your home lake make the Classic an easy tournament for you?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
It’ll probably make it more difficult. Actually, it’ll make it difficult to win, but enjoyable to fish.
We will be cheering you on all the way! #lakeg2014
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
What’s the best way to break down a lake with a lot of hydrilla in it?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Find the hydrilla that has defined lines.
Thank you and best of luck at the classic
Congrats on the victory, fished with you in 07′ on Erie. You weren’t a fan of brown fish. #Timesachanging #greatjob
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Times are changing #forthebetter
What advice do you have for a junior angler (high school) wanting to fish the elites someday?
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Start with the B.A.S.S. Nation. Get into tourneys like Opens when you feel ready. Start working on sponsors now.
Being sixteen how do I go about trying to get sponsors? Thank you for answering all my questions, Mr.Lane.
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Start with building relationships with the people you feel can help you down the road. Put them first, stay in contact.
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Enjoyed tweeting and looking forward to good things from LB3.
Thanks for joining, fans! @ChrisLaneFish, we’re glad to have you here in the office and look forward to seeing you at the Classic.
Chris Lane Fishing @ChrisLaneFish
Enjoyed being here. I’m looking forward to a Classic I feel will set all records! Stop by Chris Lane Outdoors in G’ville to say hi.