Q: How old were you when you started fishing and what got you hooked? “I started fishing from a very young age between four and five years old is when I can remember catching my first few fish. My dad Was heavily involved in the sport, which then only came natural for me to take it on and learn. The thrill of being outdoors and reeling in a fish is what got me hooked.”
Q: When did you decide that fishing was going to be a career for you? “Throughout my younger years and into high school I played competitive sports of all sorts soccer, baseball, basketball, and football. I realized halfway through my high school football career I would’ve rather been on the water fishing than at a Saturday football practice that’s when I realized it was more than just a hobby to me it was a passion and I wanted to be the best I could be, I knew I had to do whatever it took to be able to make it a career in such a competitive industry.”
Q: How long did it take for you to develop the skill level you were comfortable competing/guiding and what do you attribute most of your success with? “After leaving high school football I began fishing as a co angler at every opportunity I could at any tournament I could. I also spent 200+ days at urban ponds around town to perfect my craft and spend as much time on the water as possible because I knew that’s what I had to do with the resources I had to become the best I could be.”
Q: You are staying extremely busy with guiding and traveling across the west coast to fish bigger events. What is the one event you look forward to the most and why? “I’m looking forward to the Won Bass U.S. Open the most. It is the one event that I have fished as a pro in years past but I feel as if this year I am more prepared to compete at the higher level than I was then. The U.S. Open is historically the biggest event in the West Coast and the biggest event next to the bass master classic as this will be the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Open on Lake Mead we’re first place will bring home around $150,000 and will be competing against some of the best anglers in the world.”
Q: What has been your most memorable experience fishing ? “I have had a lot of memorable fishing days on the water over the last few years, but winning my first major championship in 2018 was probably The most memorable. It was a two day event against the best in Arizona on a lake I have a little experience with, that week I had proven to myself that I had what it takes to win.”
Q: A lot of people say if you can figure out the bass in Arizona you can catch them anywhere, do you find that to be true? “Not necessarily, I think the only variable that we have compared to most of the country is our deep clear water where we have to target fish In 50-80’ in our colder months. Other than that fish still use similar structure to transition and eat the same baits.”
Q: What have you found is the most important skill to learn to be a successful angler? “The most successful tool I’ve found as of recent is learning live imaging, it’s the way of the future and agree with it or not it’s a very important tool and being able to master it will take someone very far. I’ve spent a lot of hours behind it and it has changed the way I practice and fish events.”
Q: What have you found to be the most rewarding part of fishing whether it be tournaments or guiding? “Watching someone catch their first fish is the coolest thing ever, or even first one in a long time. I also enjoy getting parents and there kids out and watching the kids face when they catch one and how excited they get is super rewarding and keeps you going! “
Q: What has been the most difficult? “The most difficult part of tournaments and guiding is the long 12-14 hour days and time away from home. I have a great support system at home with my fiancé Madison, and definitely would not be easy without it. She’s the rock of our family that includes our two pups(Bailey and Berkley) and I’m very lucky to have her.”
Q: If you were to have one lake and one set up to throw all day what would it be? “I’d pick anywhere I could go around and fling a blitz frog around on an alpha angler Zilla, Whether it be docks, overhanging trees, or large grass mats. Probably somewhere in the South or Tennesee river chain when the grass gets good.”
Q: What would your advice be to anyone wanting to get into the same field as you? “I’d recommend to someone if you’re not obsessed with it it’s probably not the career for you. The long days and sacrifices you have to make to be successful will push people to the limit and break you down if you don’t want it bad. It is an awesome career and I wouldn’t have it any other way, it’s something I always knew would happen but didn’t know when.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years and what is the major goal you have set for yourself? “My five year goal is simple. I want to compete against the best in the world and have a successful guiding career. If I can make a living and fish 250-300 days a year I’ll have made it.”
Conrad Demecs Current List of Sponsors
- FishIn48
- Next Gen Lithium
- Wickedbass
- TSM Roofing
- Schaffer Oil
- Signature Gate Systems
- Studebaker Group
- A1 Plumbing
- Alpha Angler
- Blitz Lures
- Arizona Custom Baits
- Secret Sauce
Took Book a trip with Conrad – https://fishin48.com/guided-fishing-trips
