Tuesday Tour Update: Canterbury on crappies, construction and catching bass

Expanding your game and learning things outside your comfort zone is critical to be a well-rounded angler on the Walmart FLW Tour. For Straight Talk Wireless pro Scott Canterbury, stepping out of his element meant leaving the comfort of the bank to begin deciphering the offshore game.

“I really started looking offshore about three years ago,” said Canterbury. “When I started fishing the Tour in 2008 I never fished offshore in a tournament. But now, I’d much rather find fish offshore and really feel like it is the best way to win.”

Canterbury wrapped up his 2013 season by finishing 21st in the Angler of the Year points (his second highest to date) thanks in part to his new fondness of fishing offshore.

Though Canterbury has fished offshore from time to time around his home lakes he never fully dedicated himself to it until the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Lanier – a tournament he would eventually finish runner-up.

“The Cup tournament on Lanier really helped me learn a lot about reading my graph,” the Springville, Ala., native said. “I spent hours just driving around looking at my graph. That tournament really helped me feel comfortable locating fish in the middle of nowhere. Without a doubt learning to spend time behind the wheel has been the biggest improvement for me.”

Although Canterbury carried his 2012 Cup success into another great year on Tour he still knows he has a way to go before he will completely understand life away from the bank.

“I’m really sort of pleased with how things went this year. I never did get on something that could carry me through the tournament. I had a lot of really good days in practice but struggled when it came to staying with them in the tournament. Once I get that figured out, I’ll have this game (offshore fishing) pinned.

“I will have to say, though, that this year was the toughest year to get on a solid pattern in my FLW career. I don’t know what it was but it was tough. I think some of it, at least for me, could be because I spent more time offshore and out of my comfort level. But I’ll keep working on it and can’t wait to start next season.”

Now, being that it is November most pros are focused on spending time with their families, maybe doing some hunting and preparing to kick off the new season. So what is it that Canterbury does in his free time?

“You know, as weird as it sounds, I like to work,” laughed Canterbury. “I had a construction company for seven years and I still love to work on projects whenever I can. I don’t go out looking for work but if friends or family have something I love to do it. I have laid some tile and have done a bathroom remodel since the Cup. I still know how to work and I enjoy it. Besides, it really makes you appreciate fishing that much more.”

When he does manage to take a break from working – either on projects or from tournament fishing – Canterbury puts his time in going after crappies.

“I think I have really gotten into crappie fishing over the past three years. I’m pretty much addicted to it now. I even love to fish for them when I travel to tournaments. It helps take your mind off of all the stress before a tournament starts, but I think that it’s more I just really enjoy eating them.”

“My favorite place to go is on Guntersville. There is just something about that lake. I try to get out there as much as I can. In a way, I think crappie fishing also helps with bass fishing. To feel a bite on a 1/32-ounce jig while it’s falling really keeps you in tune.”

Between all of his activities, Canterbury also finds time to chase whitetails in the fall if time permits. In fact, when I interviewed him last week he was on the road to Illinois in what would be his furthest trip from home in order to hunt.

“I love bowhunting. It’s so cool to get that close to an animal like that. I had the opportunity to take this trip to Illinois and I couldn’t be more excited. I know there are some big bucks up there, but really I’d be happy just getting something to make jerky with.”

His hunting trip should end today, hopefully with some success. But in no time he will be back to crappies, construction and catching bass.