In 1982 Paul Elias won the Bassmaster Classic on the Alabama River. This year the Elite Series Top 12 final event will again be on the Alabama River. We had a chance to set down with Paul and talk about that Classic win and also discuss with him the differences between then and now.

 

1. You won the Bassmaster Classic in 1982 on the Alabama River and at that event the "kneel and reel" technique became one that the world knew about. Tell us how it came about.

 

"I had heard of this technique before but no one had won a tournament of this magnitude doing it. I was sponsored by Lew Childre then and they really didn't have a rod like I needed. After we prefished, before cut-off, I called them and told them I was looking for a longer rod, about 7 foot 2 inches with a lighter tip. The only rod that length they had at that time was a flipping stick and it was way too heavy. They sent me a two piece saltwater rod and that is what I used in that Classic. Of course, after that they came out with the Paul Elias Cranking Rod that met the same specs.

 

I was using a Lews BB1N reel spooled with Trilene XT 12 pound test. I fished two different baits in that tournament. A Norman Deep Little N in "Paul Elias Green" and a Bagley's DB3 in black and chartruese.

 

I joined Mann's sometime right after that when they came out with the 20+ and have been with them ever since."

 

2. Knowing what you do about the Alabama River what techniques and what do you think it will take to win this year?

 

"It will take substantially more weight this year than in 1982, no question. If I had to guess I would say it would be in the 16-18 pound per day range to win. I think a topwater and drop shots will be big lures but also a big spinnerbait slow rolled on the River Channel will be a big weapon too. There are a lot of 4 pound plus spots on that river and they like the river channel.

 

If I was fishing it I would be fishing the main river channel with a big blade and cranking as well. I would be watching the current real closely and to be honest I would like to see a little rain just before the tournament. Muddy water can be difficult but the fish will still bite. Its more of a confidence thing I guess.

 

I wish I had fished better this year because it is going to be a neat deal to be back there at this time of year. The last time we visited there it was earlier in the year. I love this time of year and I really enjoy that type of fishing so I feel I could do pretty good."

 

3. Is it fun for you to go back to the area where you won the Classic?

 

Alabama has been real good to me and it kills me that this is there and the Classic is there as well and I won't be fishing them. I had a great year two years ago and still have the weight record from that time and am gearing up for a strong 2010."