2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion Michael Iaconelli was introduced to fishing at an early age by his family. Although trout, panfish and saltwater species were the main dish early, Mike soon discovered the thrill of outsmarting bass with artificial baits. Throughout grade school and high school Michael honed his skills teaching himself different baits and techniques each passing year. Every magazine, video, or TV show dealing with fishing was his to consume. Bass fishing started to become more than just fishing and he dreamed of being able to fish for a living.
By the end of high school, an all ready very competitive athlete was exposed to a new side of bass fishing. After joining a local bass club, the competitive aspect of tournament fishing added a new spark. For the first time, Michael started to realize that a career in fishing might really be possible. Not wanting to put all of his eggs into one basket, he decided to pursue a college degree just in case his dream didn't pan out. Juggling between school work and a job as a disc jockey, Michael began fishing amateur level tournaments.
In 1994, he reached a turning point in his life when he won the 1994 B.A.S.S. Top 100 as an amateur. With the first prize Ranger bass boat in hand, Michael would now be able to retire his trusty 12' jon boat and begin fishing at yet another level of tournament. Michael graduated summa cum laude from Rowan in 1996 with a degree in public relations/advertising. During the course of the next two years, Mike fished state and regional tournaments. He excelled at this level and went on to win such titles as: Northeast Points Champion for Red Man in 1997 and the prestigious NJ B.A.S.S. Federations Mr. Bass in 98.
The next major break came in late 1997 when Michael switched jobs from being a DJ to working in retail. He began working for a major sporting goods store as the fishing department manager. For the first time, with support from his family and very understanding employer, Michael was able to get the time off needed to fish national professional tournaments. Logging three top five finishes in the B.A.S.S. Invitationals got him underway. Winning the B.A.S.S. Wrangler Nationals headed him to the Bassmaster Classic (the Superbowl of fishing) where he finished an impressive 6th. And qualifying to fish in the elite B.A.S.S. Top 150 circuit in 1999/2000 took him to the top.
Everything Mike had been working for his whole life started to come together. The years of practice, the college education, and the retail experience all mixed together. A young, highly educated, promotions minded bass fisherman had been created. It all culminated when Mike won the Vermont B.A.S.S. Top 150 on Lake Champlain in September of 1999 and qualified for the 2000 Bassmasters Classic - and has qualified for the Classic every year since.
In 2003, Michael became the World Champion by winning the Bassmaster Classic. What's next for Mike? Only up.
Biography
Experience: Fishing History- Have been fishing entire life, developing knowledge on numerous lakes, reservoirs, and rivers throughout the country. Spend approximately 200 days a year on the water. Enjoy guiding part-time, writing fishing articles and designing lures. Also participate in numerous fishing shows and seminars throughout the year.
Home body of water: Tidal Delaware River
Favorite fishing technique: Pitch skipping jigs
Tournament History:
2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion
B.A.S.S. Pro Tour, Lake Seminole, GA February 2002- 1st place
B.A.S.S. Top 150, Potomac River, MD August 2000- 5th place
B.A.S.S. Bassmaster Classic, Lake Michigan, Chicago, ILL July 2000- 10th place
B.A.S.S. Top 150, Lake Champlain, VT September 1999- 1st place
B.A.S.S. Top 150, Lake Toho, FL January 2000- 2nd place
B.A.S.S. Eastern Invitational, Pickwick Lake, AL March 2000- 3rd place
Bassmaster Classic, New Orleans, LA July 1999- 6th place
B.A.S.S. Wrangler Nationals, Red River, LA May 1999- 1st place
B.A.S.S. Eastern Invitational, Lake Martin, AL Feb 1999- 5th place
B.A.S.S. Eastern Invitational, Kerr Reservoir, Sept 1998- 5ht place
NJ B.A.S.S. Federation, Candlewood Lake, CT June 1999- 1st place
Red Man Tournament Trail, 1000 Islands, NY August 1998- 2nd place
NJ B.A.S.S. Federation, Susquehanna Flats, MD June 1998- 3rd place
B.A.S.S. Eastern Invitational, Kerr Rerervoir, Oct 1997- 4th place
NJ B.A.S.S. Federation, Greenwood Lake, NJ Oct 1997- 3rd place
Red Man Tournament Trail, Susquehanna Flats, MD Sept 1997- 3rd place
Red Man Tournament Trail, Cayuga Lake, NY August 1997- 5th place
Red Man Tournament Trail, Lake Champlain, NY July 1997, 5th place
NJ B.A.S.S. Federation, Delaware River, NJ Oct. 1996- 3rd place
NJ B.A.S.S. Federation, Susquehanna Flats, MD June 1996- 5th place
B.A.S.S. Top 100, Lake Norman, NC May 1994- 1st place
Highlights: 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion, Winner of Vermont B.A.S.S. Top 150 on Lake Champlain, 1999 and 2000 Bassmaster Classic qualifier, Wrangler Angler 1999, 1998 NJ B.A.S.S. Federation Mr. Bass, 9 top five finishes in National B.A.S.S. events, 1997 points champion for Red Man, designer of the Stone Jig.
Education: Bachelor Degree in Advertising/ Public Relations, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 1996, graduated summa cum laude
Occupation: Professional angler and promoter
Career Winnings: Over 1 million dollars.
Personal: Height 5'11"; weight 150 pounds, hobbies- hockey and antiques; family- wife Kristi and daughters Drew and Rylie. Health: excellent.
2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion Michael Iaconelli was introduced to fishing at an early age by his family. Although trout, panfish and saltwater species were the main dish early, Mike soon discovered the thrill of outsmarting bass with artificial baits. Throughout grade school and high school Michael honed his skills teaching himself different baits and techniques each passing year. Every magazine, video, or TV show dealing with fishing was his to consume. Bass fishing started to become more than just fishing and he dreamed of being able to fish for a living.