Reigning FLW Tour Angler Clark Wendlandt is a driven angler. He is one of the most competitive anglers on tour and is also a positive role model for the sport. We had a chance to sit down and pick his brain and below is the summary of that discussion.
1. Winning Angler of the Year can be tough on some anglers the year following it. More responsibility can mean less time fishing. How is that working out for you?
"I believe too much is made of that. There is no question that your repsonsibilities increase but that is part of the deal. Its a balancing act and I like to be busy and to be honest what happened last year really doesn't matter to this this year. I have a goal of doing better in every tournament and am driven to do that so to me last year doesn't matter."
2. Things seem to be going well for you.
"No doubt I am very busy but things are going well. I wish I was fishing better but that will work itself out. I fish for a living and love this sport and am driven to be the best I can."
3. A lot of changes occurred from last year to this year on the sponsorship front. Has it impacted you?
"Not really. I got a great new deal with Cabelas and I am loving it. They are great folks and I have gotten to do a ton of cool things with them. I also have gotten to do more TV and I like that too. The TV part is a win-win. I get exposure and Cabelas gets more branding and that is good. I retained everyone from last year with the exception of Kelloggs and they got out of fishing. They were exceptional to work with but just changed strategies. Things are good."
4. How are things going at FLW from your perspective?
"They sincerely try to do the right thing and they listen. They eased the sponsor requirements and we can now talk about our sponsors on the last day and that is great. They also have done a great job with the Outdoor Expo. We are getting back to our roots and the folks there are tied to our sport. Tackle companies, rod and reel manufacturers, guides, and sponsors are there. I really like it. Its gets products and information to the fans and its not expensive to have a booth."
5. The next FLW Tour event is just around the corner at Fort Loudoun/Tellico and its shaping up like a sight fishing deal. How will you approach it?
"Its hard to find enough quality fish to win a four day deal with sight fish and I am sure some other things will be going on. I might be able to catch some fish differently and that could be big. I am sure I will sight fish some but other techniques could come into play too."
6.
What are you fishing this year?
"I am fishing the FLW Tour, the BASS Opens and may even pick up some PAA events. My job is a fishing and my sponsors expect me to be on the water. I am excited about fishing this year and always want to keep my options open."
Thanks Clark!
