61 replies to this topic

[outdoorsman110]

Good assumption. Read his book, you'll find out you're absolutely wrong.

I find it funny so many people think he's putting on a show for the camera's and all that. He acted the same way long before he was ever a famous angler.

As for his "over-reactions." I want anyone here talking down about how he reacts to the good and bad times he has, and think about something you're passionate about. Your children maybe? Did any fathers here every jump for joy and cheer when their son or daughter won at some big event? Or maybe something you invested a lot of time and money into completely failed, you didn't take out a little frustration on something nearby? If you haven't, then you're not human. I sense there are many hypocrites in the crowd, though.

Those are the kind of emotions that Ike is showing because he has a lot of passion for fishing. Fishings not just something he just fell into doing because he's good at it. Its what he has always WANTED to do, and he worked his ass off to get it.

It's a good book, I like him a lot. And respect him.

[scrutch]

Well, I would say that most of the people that read this thread and say "I would NEVER behave like that" may have never been in that situation. I have never been a pro fisherman so I can only relate to this from my experiences as a golf pro. When you put every fiber of your being into a profession like that, it takes on a different form. It is pure passion and love for what you're doing that drives you to greatness. NO ONE has ever achieved greatness without it. That passion takes on different forms in different personalities. When I was young and less in control of my emotions, I would throw a few tantrums during practice rounds while I was alone. And a couple times I embarrassed myself during a round of golf with people watching. That embarrassment is what helped me control myself in the future.

Everyone needs to know what that passion feels like. In me, it feels like a monster inside me pushing me to absolute perfection, and when you fall short of what you percieve is perfect, that monster wants to roar. Because you have put everything you have into what you love to do and you are millimeters away from validating all those hours, days, weeks and years of preparation, and you get beat. Yeah, it is nearly impossible to control that passion in that situation.

I'm not condoning the behavior, but I understand it. And I won't judge him looking down my nose at him.

[Glenn]

I've known Mike for about 12 years now and have gone fishing with him - 3 times so far. We also email, talk on the phone, and even Skype every now and then. And I can attest, there is no "act". What you see, is about as real as it gets. That's how he is. Passionate, enthusiastic, and not afraid to show his emotions.

As for an "Ike moment", I haven't had one quite like that, although I did let out a very, very loud yell when I lost a 6 1/2 pounder during a tournament once. And I also witnessed my fishing buddy break his rod after losing a 5 pound smallie during a tournament.

Ya, we all lose it every now and then. We ALL do. Don't judge lest ye be judged.

[NorcalBassin]

Never broke a rod or anything, but man did I let loose in my head with a cursing tirade when I lost what would have been my first DD right by the boat. Fortunately nobody else heard it.

[Helluva_Engineer]

I was back home fishing with my old equipment and had just switched rods. First cast a 10 lb bass nails my lure. Line starts peeling out and I look down to see a spur on one of the eyes of this rod. Sure enough, a few seconds later the line frays away. Throw my hands up in the air and let go of the rod...it lands on the tip and loads up the rod and the thing sprang straight into the water. I fish it out and put the reel on a better rod, but it was never the same. Learned my lesson.

[outdoorsman110]

Well, I would say that most of the people that read this thread and say "I would NEVER behave like that" may have never been in that situation. I have never been a pro fisherman so I can only relate to this from my experiences as a golf pro. When you put every fiber of your being into a profession like that, it takes on a different form. It is pure passion and love for what you're doing that drives you to greatness. NO ONE has ever achieved greatness without it. That passion takes on different forms in different personalities. When I was young and less in control of my emotions, I would throw a few tantrums during practice rounds while I was alone. And a couple times I embarrassed myself during a round of golf with people watching. That embarrassment is what helped me control myself in the future.

Everyone needs to know what that passion feels like. In me, it feels like a monster inside me pushing me to absolute perfection, and when you fall short of what you percieve is perfect, that monster wants to roar. Because you have put everything you have into what you love to do and you are millimeters away from validating all those hours, days, weeks and years of preparation, and you get beat. Yeah, it is nearly impossible to control that passion in that situation.

I'm not condoning the behavior, but I understand it. And I won't judge him looking down my nose at him.

Really well spoken.

[Hooligan]

I've known Mike for about 12 years now and have gone fishing with him - 3 times so far. We also email, talk on the phone, and even Skype every now and then. And I can attest, there is no "act". What you see, is about as real as it gets. That's how he is. Passionate, enthusiastic, and not afraid to show his emotions.

As for an "Ike moment", I haven't had one quite like that, although I did let out a very, very loud yell when I lost a 6 1/2 pounder during a tournament once. And I also witnessed my fishing buddy break his rod after losing a 5 pound smallie during a tournament.

Ya, we all lose it every now and then. We ALL do. Don't judge lest ye be judged.

I'm glad you think that of him, Glenn. I, on the other hand, have had different impressions of him in person; obviously I don't know him as well as you.
At no point, in any thing I said, did I say I don't respect him. Just because I do not like his actions, or the way he represents himself doesn't mean I don't respect what he's done. His book is enlightening, certainly, but it doesn't change the way I feel about his actions on and, in some situations, off the water.

[A-Jay]

Mike Iaconelli frequents these forums on occasion.

So Mike, I'd like to hear from you.

Most Bass fishing fans don't know you. Most will never meet you. Impression are built solely on how you choose to conduct yourself in the media. (fishing show, Tournaments, etc. )

Mr Iaconelli, you have many superior accomplishments in the fishing industry that you are undoubtedly proud of.

They include:
2011 2nd Place Toyota Texas Bass Classic
2010 2nd Place Toyota Texas Bass Classic
2009 2nd Place Bassmaster Classic
2009 2nd Place FLW Forrest Wood Cup
2008 Stren Series Northern Division Points Champion
2008 Winner Stren Series Northern Division Event at Kerr Lake
2006 Bass Angler of the Year
2006 Winner BASS Southern Challenge
2005 Winner FLW Chevy Open
2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion
2002 Winner Georgia Tour
1999 Winner Vermont Top 150
1999 Wrangler Angler
1998 Winner BFL Champlain
1998 NJ B.A.S.S. Federation Mr. Bass
1997 Redman Points Champion
1994 Winner NC Top 100 Amateur Division

Is "going Ike" also one of those accomplishments ?

A-Jay

[SirSnookalot]

Every now and then a thread evolves into a topic about M.I. specifically. The OP question was "have you Iconelli'd ?"
The issue is not what M.I.'s merits and shortcomings are, but what are yours?

[tomustang]

Every now and then a thread evolves into a topic about M.I. specifically. The OP question was "have you Iconelli'd ?"
The issue is not what M.I.'s merits and shortcomings are, but what are yours?

Thank you. I think philosophical replies should be up there with the religious and political rules since they are just as similar.

[outdoorsman110]

Let's stay with the topic guys, I know we can talk about Ike all day, but let's not get this topic locked.

[A-Jay]

Let's stay with the topic guys, I know we can talk about Ike all day, but let's not get this topic locked.

yea - sorry about that.

A-Jay

[outdoorsman110]

yea - sorry about that.

A-Jay

No worries!

[lou304]

can't say I've ever thrown one, per say, but i have tossed one down in anger a few times. That was before I started buying higher end stuff! On the other hand, I have hooted and hollered a few times when i got the big one!!!

[scrutch]

I just busted a crankbait when I went "Ike". I think I'd be pretty upset with myself if I busted one of my Dobyn's.