We had a few minutes to talk to Gerald Swindle, the G-Man, and get his take on the upcoming "Dash for the Cash" and get his take on it. He is truly amped about it. Here is what he had to say.

 

1. How good does it feel to have a chance to again be AOY?

 

"Mentally this deal is huge. There is only 30 points between all of us and it can easily be made up. I am hoping to have Christmas in September and this should be a blast. I cannot put it into words what it would me. It would define Gerald Swindle. Being one of the top 12 guys with a chance at the biggest thing in fishing is a real cool deal. I am excited about it, that is for sure."

 

2. You have won the BASS Angler of the Year before what would it be like to win it again?

 

Winning the AOY is unbelievable. Winning it like I did before on the last day was mind blowing. You just want to scream. The BASS AOY is the ultimate deal to me. I am ready for September to be here. Winning it again would be the icing on the cake. The guys are going to take this to a new level and I get to be a part of it. That is cool."

 

3. You were the last angler in the chase. How does that feel?

 

"Its much better than being the 13th guy that is for sure. One of my goals every year is AOY and I have a chance. If you aren't in the game you can't win and all of us in the top 12 have a chance."

 

4. You have the chance to be the first BASS millionaire without winning an event. What is your thoughts on that?

 

"I would be the only guy in the record books that has done it" (laughing). I hadn't planned on doing it this way and I have been close several times. You can be for sure that I really want to win but I do think it says a bunch for the sport. If you stay consistent and keep your nose to the grindstone you can do it. I have caught them for 11 years and making a million bucks doing what I love is a neat deal.

 

5. What is your true feeling about the "Chase"?

 

"I am sure that had I not been in it my feelings might be different and I can honestly tell you I really didn't know what to think when they announced it. I think it could really make a difference. We need a shot in the arm and if ESPN gets us some TV time it could really do that. Shoot, the media is buzzing about it and when was the last time you interviewed the 12th place guy before this. We are all in the game. We are truly the dirty dozen and I think it will be real exciting and I'm glad I am in it.

 

6. What has been the big difference in your fishing?

 

"I signed a new deal with Vicious and I know those folks. They make a great product and are great people who believe in me. They wanted me to be there and I wanted to be with them. I have total confidence in my line and its the only thing between success and failure. It has been huge. I think where I live makes me a "whittler", a grinder and I am all about catching a limit and getting on the board. That is the way I was taught and this year its been huge. I caught them when I needed to and its all worked out. I have a great group of sponsors and believe in their products. That confidence carries over into your fishing." "Did I say I love Moon Pie"

 

We are going to do our best to talk to all of the anglers in the Top 12. Stay tuned to what each of them has to say as we head for the "Chase".