How Brian Latimer
unlocks the potential
of spinning rods for
tournament bass
fishing
T
By Curtis Niedermier
PHOTOS BY JACOB FINE
WINTER 2019 I FLWFISHING.COM
his era in bass fishing might be
the glory days of the spinning
rod. Think about it:
Tournament participation is up, so
bass are more pressured than ever.
Our waters are getting cleaner and
clearer. New finesse baits are prov-
ing to be ever more productive, and
thus, of greater value to tournament
anglers. And modern fishing lines
are thinner, stronger and longer
lasting than ever before.
In each case, the spinning rod is
the tool of choice to either counter
the conditions (pressured bass, clear
water) or capitalize on new finesse
tackle (Neko rigs, spybaits, super-
line, etc.).
That’s why it’s not surprising that
the top anglers across FLW’s circuits
are probably using spinning rods
more than ever before.
If you’re on board the “fairy wand”
bandwagon, stand by, because FLW
pro Brian Latimer has some insight
into how to refine your equipment
for better results. If you’re not on
board and are a dedicated baitcast
“thumber,” here’s a PSA from the
Carolina pro:
“Nowadays, how can you really
call yourself a fisherman and not
take the time to learn a specific tech-
nique or tool? A spinning rod is noth-
ing but a tool,” Latimer says. “It does-
n’t make you more masculine
because you used 80-pound braid
and an 8-foot rod. That’d be the
same thing as a mechanic using only
one wrench.”
Latimer’s spinning tackle system
is rooted in efficiency and tested on
the waters of the FLW Tour, as well
as in the boat with clients who par-
ticipate in his Angler Development
sessions. His system works.
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