Exclusive interview with John Crews

[Glenn]

I got the pleasure of interviewing one of bass fishing's top pros, John Crews at the 2008 Classic.

Here is the video.

Enjoy!

 

[Jimzee]

Great interview once again Glenn.  John obviously has a different way of looking at co-anglers.  I think maybe he should have bitten his tongue a little before he answered that question.  I don't tournament fish so this may be a common feeling among higher level anglers, it just came across the wrong way to me.  I would say it makes a dream come true for a lot of those co-anglers to fish with a pro.  I hope they all don't feel this way.

[Glenn]

Ya, I was a little surprised by his comments.  But he does have a point, however.  I don't know how many other pros have the same sentiment, but I'm betting he's not the only one that feels that way.

[hawgchaser]

I think he certainly has a point. There is a lot on the line for these guys and I bet many feel that a co-angler gets in their way or takes away from their fish.

I agree that it may not set well with some but I bet he isn't the onlyone that thinks this way.

Good interview Glenn.

[Shad_Master]

Yeah, not a bright move to recommend eliminating co-anglers - who does he think is buying those Spro Crank Baits?  The argument that you don't have ameteur players on the basketball court or playing with Tiger Woods on the golf course is not a valid comparison.

BTW - disappointed in you too, Glen - no Jan/Marcia question - maybe he isn't old enough to have an opinion

[Zel]

Professional bass fishing hasn't reached the level yet where they can eliminate the co-angler.  I think John is right, that some day it will probably happen, but only if and when the professional bass circuits can stand alone on a purely professional basis.  But for now, the professional circuits depend on co-anglers and federations as part of their overall business strategy as customers, in revenues and as volunteers.  If the co-anglers and federations disappeared tomorrow, I fear so would many of the sponsors who recognize that you don't want to alineate the core customer. Right now, like it or not, the co-angler and federation member is a necessary feature of the environment... and they want to fish, not just observe.  Personally, I wouldn't be too hard on him, because in truth the co-angler does have an impact on the professionals livelihood, and is one of the few things that they don't have control over.    

[Big-O]

Great job Glenn, the co angler situation is a touchy subject with many but a co angler should always respect the pro's position, water, and the challenge thats before him. We should all remember that we are a guest on his boat and the pro circuit is a grueling job. Although many of us see Fishing professionally as glamorous, there are too many long hours on the road away from families, not to mention that in order to be a real success, one has to sell out completely to fishing for a living. This takes some real Kahones. More often than not and rightly so, the co angler feels privileged just to be able to share this new found friends boat with hopes that he can learn something that will make him a better angler in the future as well as make a new friend for life. Thank God for these types of Co anglers. Thats the way it was in the beginning of this program. And it has drifted toward a push and shove situation thats a little unhealthy for many and could put a stain on this terrific sport . We need to be careful not to let money and competition get the best of us. And always remember to respect those who lay it on the line, and they do. Again good job and I am happy to be a part of this great group here at Bass Resource.  

www.ragetail.com

[Long Mike]

I will have to agree with John's position on this subject.  He is a pro and he is trying to make a living.  Having to cater to a co-angler in the process must be very trying.  The equalizer is that all of the Pros have to put up with the same BS.

[Big-O]

I will have to agree with John's position on this subject.  He is a pro and he is trying to make a living.  Having to cater to a co-angler in the process must be very trying.  The equalizer is that all of the Pros have to put up with the same BS.

My sentiments exactly Long Mike

Big O

www.ragetail.com

[Bass XL]

Great interview Glenn. I was a little suprised by some comments, but it was a great interview. Keep them coming

[Jake P]

He sure didnt hold anything back. I agree with Shad_Master, the people he doesnt want in the boat are the ones buying his products. I think thats why people like it so much is because the star of the shows, the anglers, are more like human beings than huge stars like football or basketball players.I think they should be able to be Co anglers as long as they know that they aren't the ones fishing in the tournaments.

[Redlinerobert]

Regardless of whether you buy his products or not, i agree with him.  He's doing this for a living, the guy in the back is not.  Although he may eventually want to, I don't think I['d want a co-angler in my way.

Oh wait, I dont fish tournaments.  ;D

[scott k]

I'm not saying he's right or wrong but could someone please explain to me how a co-angler in the back of the boat, who has no control or say over the running of the boat or places fished, and is not fishing head to head in the tournament with the professional, negatively impacts the days outcome?  Is it because the co-angler may hurt his concentration? or maybe if the co-angler is a real jerk his day is off to a bad start from take-off??? Just wondering. Thanks.

[Big-O]

Allow the pro to fish his water completely without interference or competition from the back of the boat, whatever that might be. Never fish with his bait of choice even if he says you can. These are his fish because it is his spot. Always fish with a different style of bait and change often until you find something that works in the case that it might clue him to change for improved results. If this in fact happens, change to a different bait to avoid interference. Assist in all areas that you are asked to assist and only give opinions when they are asked for. Never say someone did better than he did the day before or fished a different style and structure unless it is by his request. Confidence is an important yet fragile part of fishing. Let him start every conversation when he has a rod in his hands so that he can concentrate on the job at hand. Praise and encourage him in his efforts but don't over do it.

Remember we are guest in his boat and he has a job to do. Our part of this delicate equation is part cheerleader, part enthusiast and most importantly all friend. With these mannerisms coming from the co angler both of you will have a very memorable trip together and life long bonds will be established. Not to mention both of you might learn to be better fishermen.

Big O

www.ragetail.com

[slammen cats]

great job interviewing

[Bassnbrett101]

Yeah, not a bright move to recommend eliminating co-anglers - who does he think is buying those Spro Crank Baits? The argument that you don't have ameteur players on the basketball court or playing with Tiger Woods on the golf course is not a valid comparison.

BTW - disappointed in you too, Glen - no Jan/Marcia question - maybe he isn't old enough to have an opinion

I'm 19 and i still have an opinion on that question!  I would take marcia over jan anyday