With Skeet Reese, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Multiple times during his first B.A.S.S. Twitter chat, fans asked him for advice on what lures to use, what to look for and how to catch big bass.
And every time, he told them ‘it depends.’
“My whole career is based on versatility,” said Reese to one fan. “You throw whatever will catch them at the time.”
Reese answered more than 70 questions in only 35 minutes during the chat. The transcript is below, lightly edited for spelling and clarity.
Get his advice from dozens of fan questions below, and view previous Twitter chat transcripts here.
Keep up with Twitter chats, tournament news and bass fishing advice by following B.A.S.S. on Twitter at @BASS_Nation.
Welcome, @SkeetReese1 to our Twitter chat! Fans, submit your questions now with hashtag #basschat!
Welcome! Bring on the questions!
Is there any kind of warranty on your line of wright and McGill rods?
There’s a limited one year warranty, so if you have an issue definitely contact Wright & McGill.
Thank you!
Nick Spantgos @Be_The_Extreme
Go to bait in water less than 5 feet? Both moving bait and plastic?
Havoc Pit Boss, Lucky Craft LC 1.5
What’s been toughest for you lately?? Consistency, Keeping Positive, etc…
Hah, that’s a tough question! Consistency in catching fish is always the hard part.
Will bass stop mid-spawn if water temps drop or do they continue on through?
If they haven’t dropped eggs then I think they’ll pull back out. If they have, I think they’ll stay.
How do you think Kelley Jaye is doing in his first year in the elites? He is good friend of mine that works hard
I really like Kelley Jaye. He’s a great guy, and I think he had the worst luck anyone could have on the Alabama River. I thought he might win it. He’s a good fisherman and will do good on tour.
Thanks Skeet! Yep, he is a jerkbait specialist.
If you could go back in time would you still stick with bass fishing as your career?
Absolutely! 100%.
You can only have 1 Lucky Craft lure. What would you choose?
I’d choose the LV-100.
If you were fishing Smith Mountain Lake within the next few weeks, what would be your game plan?
My guess is fish have gone deep, so fish a 10-inch Havoc Federale worm & a football jig on deep structure
ShitBassFishermenSay @Crazybassangler
Do you wish there would be more @BASS_nation events out west? & would other anglers be at a disadvantage #ClearWater
Yeah! I’m waiting for the day @bass_nation will come out West!
Why are oxbows along the Mississippi River full of Cypress Tress, but you dont see many Cypress’ on the actual river?
I don’t have the right answer, but I’m guessing it’s because the oxbows have been there long enough to grow without current.
Do you ever get tired of fishing. (Mentally I mean)
No. At the end of the season, I go fish for salmon, steelhead and tuna just for fun.
Peyton Cockrell @PeytonCockrell
If the Bassmaster Classic ever returns to the red river what would your first emotions be?
I would think I gotta go find the winning fish!
How do I start my bass fishing career any tips
Go back to #1 priority: Catch fish and win. That’s the best scenario. Then learn how to market and promote yourself.
What steps and how did you become a professional angler? And what was your most memorable tournament?
I started fishing tournaments when I was 14. It took a lot of tournaments to get to where I am.
Winning on the Harris Chain of Lakes is pretty high up there.
What do you think about the YUM baits yum dinger?
I’ve never fished one, so I don’t know.
When are you coming out to South Africa? You have a lot of fans here!
I actually do want to go. I’ve heard the fishing is incredible. Scheduling is the hard part.
When’s the worst time to use braid?
I would say when you’re fishing gin-clear water, and the fish are really spooky.
Thanks, Skeet. Follow on ?, so stained water braid almost anytime?
When I’m fishing worms, jigs, or topwaters, I use braid and fluorocarbon leaders.
Are crankbaits the defacto go to bait? Or are they for lazy guys?
Rogue fishing is for lazy guys; crankbaits are great for covering water & locating fish.
Hey Skeet, love your rods, use them all. What things would you most consider when buying your first boat?
Finding a boat that fits your price point. Get the biggest boat you can afford.
Best conditions for crankbait?
My favorite kind is postspawn and when you have a little bit of wind blowing on ledges and offshore structure.
Thanks!
Hey Skeet! If you had the chance would you like to redeem yourself on Lake Jordan?
I thought Lake Jordan was good to me, it was the Alabama River that was a little rough. But I got some redemption!
My buddy has a drop shot question for you. What size spinning reel would you recommend for drop shot (i.e. 2000,4000)
I prefer the smaller reel, so I’d go with 2000 or 2500 spooled with Berkley NanoFil.
Skeet, where did you get the idea from when you designed the havoc wide load?
The Wide Load came from an original design by Benno Heune.
Jackson Adams @jacksonadams24
Would you rather throw a Arbogast Jitterbug or Heddon Spook as a top water?
I’d go with the Spook. It’s proven that the walking bait is best in most situations.
Jackson Adams @jacksonadams24
What is the thinnest line that can be used on a baitcaster?
10-pound is as light as I go.
Helen Northcutt @HelenNorthcutt
Hi, Skeet! Congrats on your win at West Point – any plans for your spending your winnings?
The IRS gets a lot of it! (chuckling)
Bass Fishing Tips @BassFishnTips
Amen to that… They need to party after all…
What do you look for on the map when you are on unfamiliar water?
Based on the time of year we fish, I trick to pick one area that has potential and learn it!
Maurice Thompson said you were break dancers back in the day…any truth to this..? lol
Well, yes, I used to dance a lot back in the day.
So, @BASS_nation is @SkeetReese1 a dog or cat person and what is his favorite color?
I’m not a dog person, and I have a cat. So I guess I’m a cat person. And yellow’s my favorite color.
Thank you, Skeet!
What is your go to lure this time of year?
Whichever one is going to catch me a fish!
Christian King @Christian_GKing
What is your favorite bait in real hot weather?
It depends on what type of fishery I’m on. It could be a drop shot, flipping or topwater depending on the lake.
What was your favorite lure as a kid, why?
I remember fishing a Browning orange jig on Spring Lake and catching them!
Awesome!
I go fishing with the kids for bluegills and I get stinky fish hands. What soap do you use?
My pants!
anaeli frankie @FrankieAnaeli
What type of line do you use for 20 plus feet crankbaits? And for flippin?
Deep cranking: 10-pound Trilene 100% fluoro. Flippin’: 25-pound Trilene fluoro or 65-pound Spiderwire.
We know you love the swimbait. If you couldn’t throw it, what would be your next go to?
Whatever’s gonna catch a fish! I’m not a specialist. My whole career is based on versatility.
You are the first angler to say that. Awesome that you adjust style. Thanks for answering my Q’s. Good luck for #AOY
How hard is it to become a pro?
It’s easy! Just gotta catch fish. If you catch fish, everything else takes care of itself.
anaeli frankie @FrankieAnaeli
Are bass shallow or deep in the summer, in other words when its 105 degrees outside?
That depends on what you’re on!
On a school of fish, you are only catching the small ones, Should you stay or move? U know big ones are there.
Either let the school sit & reposition or change your lure selection & presentation.
Thanks Skeet, Best of luck at the #DietMtnDew Mississippi River Rumble #PowerPole
When jig fishing what do I take into consideration when selecting a trailer?
Depends on if the water is cold or hot. Hot water more action – cold water less action.
Is Boyd still pissed you stole his idea of colored shoes after he won the Classic!
Hah! That’s crap. He was way after me. I had them before him!
HAHA! I was with Big Dave when he busted on you about it in Florida a few years ago!
Best conditions for throwing a shaky head?
High pressure, post-front.
Awesome, thanks skeet!
Hi Skeet, what is your fav way to fish the Cal Delta? Tnx for the #basschat!
Flipping.
Favorite method to fish?
Whatever method works to catch bass!
What is your favorite bait to drop shot during the summer?
I’d go with a 6-inch Havoc Bottom Hopper, green pumpkin
What are the benefits to berkley trilene 100% fluoro?
The line sinks, better sensitivity, and harder for the fish to see in the water.
How do you feel about Elite guys mentoring College teams? A college-side tourny of the elite events would be nice
I’d like to think I’m one that pioneered that! I think it’s a great idea. I sponsored the Oklahoma State team with tackle and went to speak with them.
I think it’s awesome you do that, wish we had someone doing that with us at LSU! Talk one of your friends into it!
Corbin Evan Huxley @NibrocyelxuH
I’m looking at getting a new rod and reel combo what is the best for jigging?
My football jig worm rod is the best all-around jig rod.
Who’s the most fun to drink with on tour
No comment. That could open a can of worms right there!
Preferred gear ratio for heavy flippin?
It’s 7:1. As fast as you can get.
Bass Fishing Tips @BassFishnTips
From @mattyh3000 … What is your top goal for this year, and what is your take on kayak fishing frenzy. Thanks
My goal: win Angler of the Year. And kayak fishing is awesome. It’s an affordable way for people to get out & fish
What is the most challenging body of water you hace ever fished on the elite series?
I think Sabine was pretty tough this year! It was a grind. It was the toughest one I had in a while.
When would you suggest throwing a shaky head? I just ordered your spinning rod meant for it. What line would you suggest?
You can catch ‘em on a shaky head year-round. I use 10lb Berkley NanoFil & 8lb Trilene 100%fluoro leader if needed
You’re giving great advice, thanks for the #basschat!
Assuming that you could only afford one primo swimbait, and lived in Alabama, what would you buy?
I’d say a 5-inch Havoc Sickfish
Jackson Adams @jacksonadams24
Would you rather throw a Arbogast Jitterbug or Heddon Spook as a top water?
I’d go with the Spook. It’s proven that the walking bait is best in most situations.
Jackson Adams @jacksonadams24
What is the thinnest line that can be used on a baitcaster?
10-pound is as light as I go.
Helen Northcutt @HelenNorthcutt
What’s your strategy going into the Mississippi River event?
Right now, I don’t have a strategy. It’ll be based on water levels once we get there!
Ever think of fishing an FLW tour for a year?
I actually did fish FLW for one season a while ago, but no desire to go back.
What’s your favorite way to catch suspending largemouth?
It depends on how deep they are.
P.J. Pahygiannis @Bassfishinboy
What’s the best way to weed through 8-11 inch bass, without catching nothing at a lake that turns out 6 pounders?
Change your technique and look for new water.
P.J. Pahygiannis @Bassfishinboy
How would you fish a flat lake that has no structure, islands, ridges, and cheese mats on bank in shallow?
If there’s no offshore structure, the bass will be related to the grass. A frog would be good if there’s cheese.
Staying on the line subject regarding flipping how do you decide between braid and fluoro?
If I’m flipping grass, I go with braid. If I’m flipping wood, I fish fluorocarbon.
Thanks for the reply….I know you are being bombarded with tweets and questions!
Bass Fishing Tips @BassFishnTips
If limited to 5 rod/reel combos and 5 baits to fish entire season, what would they be?
For rods: Flippin’ Stick, Crankbait rod, Drop shot rod, Swimbait Carolina rig rod and my Football jig worm rod. For lures: Havoc Pit Boss, Lucky Craft LV100, Berkley Bottom Hopper, LC 1.5 and 4.5-inch Havoc SickFish.
Bass Fishing Tips @BassFishnTips
Thanks for the answer, Skeet, and have a great remaining season!
Dustin Swartzmiller @dswartz_413
When fishing a new body of water, what is the first thing you do to try and put yourself on fish?
I usually pick a section that I think has potential & learn one area & move on from there
What style of jig skips best?
Arkie Head
When fishing tubes or jigs, what is the equation to pick the proper weight for the depth?
You want to pick a weight that gives you the right feel without being too heavy.
What advice would you give to someone looking to catch their first bass and is limited to only fishing from the banks?
Fish a soft plastic worm and instead of casting out into the middle, cast along the shoreline if there’s grass.
Thanks for the advice!
In an effort to save $ and space as a co-angler what is your best all-around spinning rod from W&M?
Probably the Senko Shaky Head rod.
anaeli frankie @FrankieAnaeli
I never fish by the dam at falcon lake cause too many people fish there…why did you rely on fishing there?
Well, I didn’t plan on relying to fish there. I went there to fish a morning bite and was catching big ones.
anaeli frankie @FrankieAnaeli
Right across the dam there’s a structure of rocks with huge drop offs..average fish of 8-9 pounds only..no one was there day1-4
What would you look for when fishing a river system without much structure and has stained water.
Look for current breaks, so a rock outcropping or a point that creates current breaks, underwater rocks, sandbars
Skeet, you ever fished a Phenix rod? Just bought one from #tacklewarehouse for Braid/Carolina Rigs, feels great!
I owned one Phenix rod when I was 14 or 15 years old, and that was a long time ago!
Favorite topwater lure?
Lucky Craft Gunfish
What advice do you have for a female entering the tournament world?
Don’t be intimated by the other guys. If you’ve got the passion to become a competitive angler, focus on the fishing
steven priest @lordofthepunks
Yes Kate, don’t be “intimated”. Lmao…
It’s not that I’m intimidated but I feel like alot of men don’t take us seriously in the sport!
steven priest @lordofthepunks
I take you serious, just thought the typo was rather funny…
Oh wow I didn’t even catch that.
So you prefer micro or normal guides?
I prefer micro guides, they cast farther.
How are you anticipating the classic next year?
Haven’t thought much about it yet but it should be incredible fishing
Austin Wright @Austinwright98
What do you usually look for on the map when you’re on unfamiliar water?
It depends on what time of year and what type of fishery.
Keith Rudiger @KeithRudigerSA
Thanks for promoting the skeet reese crankbait rod, since ive been using it my hook set has doubled the fish on the boat!!!
Nice! Glad to hear it!
Looking back when you first started out was there a “aha” moment where it all clicked, and if so, what was it?
It was my first year on tour, ’98, it was the worst year I ever had & I realized I tried to fish like the locals. So the next year I fished my style & had the opportunity to win Angler of the Year.
ShitBassFishermenSay @Crazybassangler
Explain how you cut costs when you travel for tourneys.
I think the most common thing is rooming together. Plus, run a Mercury at 4500 rpms. It saves a whole lot of fuel.
When fishing a river with little current where’s do smallmouth like to hold when not in their normal spots? Thanks!
If it’s postspawn, they’re always relating to current.
Thank you @SkeetReese1 for joining us today, and thank you, fans, for all your questions!
Thank you to all the fans for joining on the @bass_nation chat! I hope they follow me throughout the rest of the season! Thanks for all the cool questions!
Good luck Skeet! Thank ya!
Thanks for your reply!!