Q & A With Jonny Schultz:

Q: How can young anglers become better fishermen and how did you get into the Junion Bassmaster program?

A: The CastingKids program started it all for me. I was able to learn how to pitch, flip, and cast, and that helped me get better at catching fish. Having the right skills is very important, whether you are casting at a target or casting to a stump or log. You should practice a lot, but that's only part of it. There are a lot of ways to make practice and fishing fun. At casting practice, I will try to cast into a coffee cup or get 10 bull's-eyes in a row, just to push myself and make it exciting. When BASS came out with Junior Bassmasters, it was just the next step for me. I actually joined a Junior Bass Club when I was eight years old. I couldn't qualify for the State Tournament until I was 11, but it gave me great experience and I was able to learn a lot about tournament fishing. Neither one of my parents fish, so I was lucky enough to fish with several adults who showed me what to do.

Q: As a former National Bassmaster CastingKids Champion, why do you like to compete in CastingKids?

A: I compete in CastingKids because I enjoy traveling to the different competition sites around the country, and it helps me be a better fisherman by being a good caster. I also get to meet and hang out with a lot of other kids who love fishing as much as I do. In casting competitions, we use Zebco 33 fishing reels. I like the Zebco 33 because it is easy to use. It is a good reel to learn with, and I once caught a 24-pound salmon with it.

Q: You are so young, how have you learned so much about fishing already?

A: I really enjoy learning about fishing. I read fishing books and magazines, watch fishing shows, attend fishing sports shows, and try to spend a lot of time on the water fishing. When I go to fishing seminars, I’ll talk to the pros at the shows and ask a lot of questions. When I go fishing in the river, near the dam, area ponds, or local lakes, I experiment with different baits and techniques that I’ve heard about. I love to visit tackle stores and study all the baits. I like finding baits that will work in certain conditions, and one day I hope to design new baits that will help people catch fish. I can’t go fishing all the time, but you can always study about fishing.

Q: What is your number one tip for new anglers?

A: First thing, get a good rod and reel. Don't buy the cheapest, but you don’t have to spend a lot. A spincast reel is the easiest to use, and I recommend the Zebco 33. It's a push-button reel that anyone can use. Put it on a 5-1/2 or 6-foot, medium-action casting rod. You can buy a Zebco 33 rod and reel for $25-30 and it will last a long time. And, the Zebco 33 is what you will use if you compete in the CastingKids program. Once you get good at casting, you might want to consider getting a spinning or baitcast reel. I have a Quantum PTi Energy 20 spinning reel and a Quantum Tour Edition PT 1160 baitcast reel that have learned to use and really like. But, I still practice a lot with my Zebco 33. Once you have your rod and reel, the most important thing to do is practice with it. You must be an accurate caster, and the better you are, the more fish you will catch. Set up a bucket or hoop in the yard and practice hitting it from different distances and angles. Cast with a practice casting plug made of plastic or rubber, or take the hooks off a real lure. A good practice weight is 3/8 or 1/2 ounces. When you go fishing, cast to "targets" like stumps, docks, rocks, and bushes. Bass really like to hang around these types of "structure", so the closer you get your cast, the better your luck. My best tip though, is to go fishing and have fun.