Hi All,

I will be interviewing Elite Pro Gerald Swindle at the Bassmaster Classic.  The 2004 AOY title holder has placed in the top 10 28 times. This will be his 10th appearance in the Classic.

I would like to ask him questions that matter to you most. So if you could ask him one question, what would it be?

How has the death of your brother and your DQ from the 2007 Classic affected your fishing?

Have him tell the story of how he got out of his funk.

What is the most common mistake he sees average anglers make

Tell him Catt said win one already

Something id like to see how all the anglers answer.....

"How has this recession changed the way you do things and do you fear for the fishing industry?"

I saw him playing around with a rod at a seminar.  He was pitching in the center aisle.  Is that the average distance he pitches when doing it for real?

Tell him I am eating mo pie, but can't find any RC Cola.

Elitel Series Royal Rumble. Who comes out on top?

How did he make it to the Elite series

Gerald has had several back surgeries:  I'd like to know how much he attributes his back injuries to the pounding he's taken in a bass boat, and what steps he's taken to protect his back while fishing and boat driving on big water.

Has reaching 40 years of age changed your abilities or approach to tournament fishing as compared to say 15 or 20 years ago?

and if so - how ?

A-Jay

"Has the sting worn off yet from the beating Luke Clausen gave you in Ultimate Match Fishing with what you called his "Sissy Rod" (spinning rod)?"

Just kidding G ;D

If you were fishing a new body of water and had no electronics, maps etc. and could only bring 3 baits, what might they be.

Thanks guys.  I appreciate the responses so far.  Keep them coming!

whats it like to fish against KVD is it hard to stay focused knowing  KVD is on the water?

Will do.  Any more questions?  C'mon folks!  Let's hear 'em!

Ask him when he's coming back to Clear Lake.

I have an idea...

Have Gerald autograph something... like a T-shirt, photograph, or something... and let's have a contest where we guess his daily finishing position and weight, final finishing position and weight, giving points for each right guess and if he agrees to autograph the item... then the person with the most points at the end wins his autographed item... What do you think?

How did you become pro/ what steps did it take to get there?

What advice would you give someone who grew up fishing the banks, and is ready to move away from the bank and learn how to fish the deeper water structure?

Ask him what he thinks the best way for young anglers, who have high expectations in bassfishing, to reach their ultimate goal of becoming pro.

Oh yea...me and my parents are going to the classic too and I was wondering if I could meet some of you guys in person. Is there going to be a bassresource area set up at the exbow or is their another way to meet you guys?

We're starting to make plans here:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1264366473

ask him if he wants to give me any of his old equipment...or boat

JK

Favorite deep water tactic for northern lakes on the tour would be my actual question.

I'd really like to know what these pros would say is the fastest/most efficient way to get to the big leagues. If he was starting out all over again never having fished a tournament in his life, where would he begin? How did he get where he is today and does he have any advice for aspiring anglers that want to be in the same spot he is one day?

With it being so difficult to win in tournaments, at what point can you say you are competitive at your current level and maybe think about the next step up?