Ask the Pro: Clark Wendlandt
Clark Wendlandt discusses pro sponsorships, jerkbaits and some ideal bass-fishing vacation lakes in and around Orlando, Fla.
OperationBass.com is pleased to introduce Clark Wendlandt as this week’s Ask the Pro expert. If you are interested in participating in future columns, submit questions via email to: [email protected].
Q&A with Clark Wendlandt
Q: Since turning pro, what fishing-related question have you been asked most often?
– OperationBass.com
A: It depends on who is asking the question. People who aspire to a career in bass fishing most often ask, “How do you get sponsorship?” However, people who know very little about pro fishing most often ask, “Can you really make a living as a pro fisherman?”
I will try to offer some insight on both of those questions, but I will begin by tackling the sponsorship question. Before you will be offered a pro sponsorship, the first thing you will need to demonstrate to the corporate community is credibility. That is, you have to do well in tournaments. The reason is companies use their pro anglers to reinforce the idea that their products produce results. For example, a successful pro angler will add a lot more credibility to a line of bait and tackle than an inexperienced angler who hasn’t won many tournaments.
However, there are other important things to being a successful pro than simply winning tournaments. Not only is it important to be presentable in both speech and appearance, but you need to let companies know that you want to sell their products. I think it is easy for some anglers to get caught up in the thinking that just because they do well in tournaments, companies are going to give them a sponsorship automatically.
Companies in the fishing industry use their pro staff to sell products. And it is important that you believe in their product and feel comfortable promoting it. You would never want to approach a company unless you believe in their product. A fisherman’s equipment is like a mechanic’s tools. They have to be good to do the job. So in order to do your job (catch fish and sell equipment), you need good equipment.
Even before I started doing well and becoming more marketable to companies, I made sure to represent only those companies whose equipment I liked. I probably could have made more money from other companies, but I don’t think I would have done a very good job for them if I did not feel comfortable with their product.
Regarding the second question, I would have to say that you can make a living as a pro fisherman – but it is difficult and it takes a lot of work. Basically, our income comes from two main sources: tournament winnings and sponsor endorsements. It is hard to say what percentage of my income comes from sponsors and tournament winnings because tournament winnings vary every year. However, over the last five years, my annual income has probably been evenly split between sponsor revenue and tour winnings.
Q: I recently fished with a friend who turned me on to jerkbaits. We had a great day and now I want to learn more about this style of fishing? Can you give me any tips?
– Larry Goehring, Sioux Falls, S.D.
A: Jerkbaits are a very good way to catch fish in a lot of different situations. Jerkbaits work well in clear water because fish key on the visible and erratic action of the baits. My favorite bait is the Rapala Husky Jerk. This is a suspending bait so it tends to run 3-6 feet deep. It is designed to suspend in front of the fish instead of floating to the top. You can fish it with very quick jerks if the fish are active or work it slowly if they are sluggish. I also use a Falcon lowrider casting rod. I prefer a medium-action rod about 6 feet, 6 inches in length. I like using a light or medium rod because it will give the bait more action.
The last tip I can give is to not be afraid to use a jerkbait in cold water. You might have to fish it more slowly, but it can be very effective.
Q: My husband and I are planning a vacation to Orlando, Fla., this November and would like to spend some time fishing. Can you recommend any good bass lakes in the area and the best tackle to use for that time of year?
– Deb Hudson, Timonium, Md.
A: Lake Toho and Lake Kissimmee are very good bass lakes. If you are interested in trophy bass, the best bait would be live shiners. If you prefer artificial baits, my suggestion would be to use a topwater bait, like a buzzbait or a plastic worm such as a Gambler Bacon Rind.
And remember, make sure to concentrate on the edges of the hydrilla.
Clark Wendlandt of Cedar Park, Texas, is one of the most successful pro anglers in the history of the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. He started his FLW career by winning the first Angler of the Year award in 1997. Since that year, he has 12 top-10 finishes, including two victories. In 2000, the shallow-water fishing specialist not only won at FLW Lake Murray, he captured his second Angler of the Year title and became the only angler to win the trophy twice. Wendlandt’s tour sponsors include Evinrude Outboards and Stren.
Next week, Terry Bolton tackles the technique of mapping weedbeds, fishing for suspended bass in floating trees and sight-fishing.