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Name: Jim Novotny
Profession Full-time Fire Captain/Paramedic, part time Professional fisherman
Years tournament fishing: 15
Years fishing as professional: 5
Top finishes Several first place team tournament finishes in West Coast Bass, ABA, Anglers Choice tournaments. 1st place finish at ABA Clearlake fish off in 2001, winning a Nitro 882 bassboat with a Mercury 175 outboard.
Top Professional Finishes:
BFL 2nd place - Folsom
100% Bass 5th place - Clearlake
West Coast Bass 5th place - Oroville
100% Bass 7th place - Oroville
West Coast Bass 7th place - Delta
BFL 9th place - Oroville
West Coast Bass 9th place - Clearlake
WON Bass TOC 10th place - Nacimiento
Fishing Accomplishments: 2 time ABA angler of the year
100% Bass Pro AOY 2006
WCB Pro AOY 2009
WON BASS TOC qualifier 2007
FLW Stren TOC qualifier 2009
Fishing related activities Seminar speaker at Fishermans Warehouse
Published author on fishing related topics in Bass Anglers Guide magazine and Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits (GYCB) online magazine
Sports Show participant representing Dobyns Rods and Cost del Mar sunglasses
Favorite thing about tournament fishing: The great people I get to meet and some of the friends I have had the honor to get to know. The challenge of staying up on a constantly evolving sport and dealing with so many changing factors during a tournament.
Favorite Lake Clearlake! It provides so many different ways to fish from flipping to drop shotting. I can punch grass in a foot of water or crank rock piles in 20 feet. Lots of docks and I am able to catch fish on so many different techniques. Not to mention the quality and size of fish that is absolutely amazing.
Favorite Technique: Easy, Swimbaits! The anticipation of the strike is awesome. I know any cast can provide the biggest bass of my life. Especially when throwing them at Clearlake where so many large fish live.
Favorite Baitsmith Swimbait Which ever one I have tied on. There is a time and place for each one. If it is bluebird and calm, you can’t beat the original 6” Baitsmith. If I am fishing deep structure or working extra slow the Magnum Trout is what I reach for. In the summer and fall when the fish are really keying on shad you can’t beat Baitsmiths threadfin shad.
Goals to accomplish: I would like to continue fishing Pro-Am tournaments and expand my skills with more speaking opportunities and sport shows. I would like to continue to expand my sponsorships and promote my sponsors. I would also like to learn how to WIN tournaments instead of just finishing solid. (not that I’m complaining) |
