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Martens is Amped

Category: article

 Jan 17th, 2013 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Jan 17th, 2013 at 12:00 AM

Aaron Martens is arguably the best pro angler fishing the Bassmaster Elite Series who has not won the Bassmaster Classic. Sure, he has come close on several occasions, but that only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

	Aaron Martens (Photo BassFIRST)

Anyway, this year he has himself in excellent physical condition, thanks to his own running program, and is excited for the opportunity to be fishing Oklahoma’s Grand Lake during the winter for a shot at his first Classic win.

“This could be a really different Classic,” said Martens. “I mean, it could be really, really cold. Plus, it’s going to be farther away from the spawn than most of the Classics I’ve fished. Well, at least since the Classic was switched to the beginning of the season.

“I’m mentally prepared for the cold. I mean 20 degree or colder mornings. That’s just how I am. I get prepared for the worst stuff and if it warms up, sweet!”

Martens views late winter as one of the best times of the year to chase bass.

“Growing up in California late winter was a favorite time of year for me to fish,” said Martens. “Before the fish got into the spawning mode. I get excited to fish this time of the year.

“The fish are still putting on calories preparing for the spawn when they won’t be able to. They are usually transitioning from winter to pre-spawn. They feed voraciously at times, especially the females. You just need to find the spots where they are roaming. I believe the fish explore a variety of areas and use them like a path.

“This is the time of the year when the bass are usually their heaviest. The weights should be good for this lake.”

Aaron’s approach to fishing the Classic is not much different from years past.

“I am physically ready to go,” said Martens. “I’m still doing my running program, I’m pretty lean. I am not feeling my age. I have a lot of energy. Though being lean may not be an advantage if it’s cold at Grand.

“This year I’m really not changing much of anything in my approach. I spend a lot of time with my family. I also don’t spend as much time as I used to organizing my tackle, because it is already so organized.

“I’m just really excited and ready to go. This is a very exciting tournament for me. The bite could be really good.”