We had the chance to talk to Gary Klein about the upcoming BASS Elite Series "Dash for the Cash"  Chase to the AOY and as usual he had some great thoughts. Below is our conversation:

 

Note: Gary Klein is a Triton Mercury pro and uses the number 15 on his tow vehicle and boat.

 

1. Gary, you had a stellar year again. What do you attribute your success as a winner in 4 different decades.

 

"There are several key things but the most important is my wife, Jana, and my family. They are a 'Golden Asset'. I go to each event fishing with a free mind and do not have to worry about home or our business. Jana takes care of that for me."

 

"The second thing is I truly love to fish. Whether fishing with a friend, in a pond or an event I love to fish. I am first and foremost a competitor and that drives me."

 

2. You again have a chance to win AOY. What does that mean to you?

 

"It would be awesome. To win my 3rd Angler of the Year against this field would be the best. I think I know what it takes and that means fishing to your strengths. I am going with the idea of winning both events. If I do that we will let the cards fall where they may. I am the kind of angler that fishes for one fish, with one bait and fish one tournament at a time. I look to maximize every cast. I am known as a versatile angler and I think it is important to know how to win too. 2003 was my last win and I am ready for this deal. I am going to fish the fish under whatever conditions we have."

 

3. You have been doing this for 4 decades. What do you see that is different now than when you started?

 

"That is an easy one. I have the best equipment. Its much better than it was when I started. My boat and motor are the best. My rods and reels are the best. My gear and lures are the best and my batteries are the best. I am not afraid that something bad will happen and that piece of mind is huge at this level. I can go where I want and do what I want without fear something will break."

 

4. What is something you would like to be better at?

 

"I work very hard at consistency but I need to go for the jugular a bit more. I have a strong work ethic and this is more than a job to me. I live for this. I started this game with mastering the flip stick and learning new techniques is crucial. I am a much better angler now that at any other time and believe that a good practice means a good tournament. In practice I either establish or eliminate and I am better at both now. I would give up consistency for more wins."

 

"I have never won a weight belt and want to in the worst way. This one bugs me. I want one of those and I have been close but this is one of my goals and hopefully I will get that done. The way I fish sometimes, although proven to be successful, doesn't make it easy to go for the home run. I need to do that more."

 

5. What do you think of the new BASS format?

 

"My first thought is I am old school and believe that Skeet Reese won the AOY at Oneida after the last tournament. That was not how it works in 2009 and was not the cards that were dealt. We have to fish two more and I like the chance to do that. Its possible for the 12th place angler to come back and that is exciting. I like that part. I guess I will have to see how it turns out. It does create opportunity for those that normally would be out of it. Ask me next year as its real hard to determine without living it first. We are going to do this again and after this year I will have a better feel for it.

 

6. What else?

 

"I want to win the Classic. In 2003, Mike Iaconelli won,  I thought I had it won and it felt real good. It only lasted for 30 seconds or so but I liked that feeling and want to have it again. I feel like I have come a long way in the last couple of years. I have worked hard at it and being in the game gives me a chance again. If you are not in the game you can't win. I am glad I am getting another chance."