Swindle talks Smallies, Big Limits, Lures at Day 1 Launch

If you want to know the weather conditions at Day 1 launch of the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship at Mille Lacs, MN just ask on-air meteorologist Reynolds Wolf of the The Weather Channel. He’s broadcasting live from the shoreline. He says it’s a chilly 54-degrees with a breeze from the East.

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If you want to hear Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Points leader Gerald Swindle’s thoughts prior to takeoff on this famous central Minnesota smallmouth reservoir, please read on.

 

What’s the biggest smallie you’ve ever caught in your life, and where was it?

It was a 6 1/2 –pounder I caught at Pickwick while dragging a jig during practice for an Elite Series tournament.

What do you consider the 3 best smallmouth reservoirs in America?

I’d say Saint Lawrence River, Lake Champlain and St. Clair, in that order.

 

What three lures do you predict will get used most here among all the pros?

Drop Shot, tube, and weightless Senko-style bait.

 

 How many anglers do you predict will catch at least a 20-pound limit today?

I’ll guess 16 guys will catch at least 20-pounds today.

 

Tell us a little bit about the rods and reels you choose to do battle with here at Mille Lacs?

I’ll primarily use two Quantum spinning reels and one Smoke HD baitcaster.

 

What would winning Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year mean to Gerald Swindle?

I feel like to win it twice in my career would put me in a really special group of anglers. An absolute dream come true for sure. (Note: Swindle won the AOY title previously in 2004, and only 10 men in history have ever won the title more than once.”