Catching up with Justin Lucas
Interviewed by Steve Reed of LCB

If you haven't been stuck on a deserted island for the last 2 years then you have heard of Justin Lucas. He's the super co-angler who has amassed nearly $200,000 from the back of the boat in western events alone. This year he decided to take a big step by moving to the front of the boat in the FLW National Guard Western Series and fishing the FLW Tour as a co-angler. After finishing second in his very first event on the tour he had a few tough tournaments before returning to the top 10 and finishing second again at the most recent stop Lake Champlain . His year end points total put him in 6 th place and his earnings were 5 th among all co-anglers with a little over $27,000. His dollar earnings were the highest of any Co-angler who did not win an event. This year his step to the front of the boat has been a smooth transition as well where he currently sits 10 th overall in the points' standings with only the Delta and Clear Lake remaing on the schedule. Left Coast had the chance to talk to Justin about his success this year and what his plans for the future are.

LCB: Justin what has the transition been like moving to fishing the tour this year?

Justin: I have to say I feel a little disappointed that I didn't end up winning at Champlain, but I can't be too upset with 2 2 nd place finishes this year and getting to see the lakes for the first time.

LCB: Speaking of the lakes, how were they? Any you really liked or disliked?

Justin: I've learned that we are really spoiled out in California . I mean, at our home lakes there are fish everywhere. You can go down any bank and pick up a few fish. Back East the lakes don't have as many fish in them, well not as many at least. I mean the guys back there fish certain spots or areas every year because that's where are all the fish are at. I had a tough time at Beaver this year and a lot of that was because I've realized how important it is for the pro's to get checks and a lot of my time I spent trying to help the pro by not casting in certain spots where we saw fish where I knew we could catch one and with the limited number of fish each one I would catch would take away a fish from the pro.

Justin caught this giant on the California Delta in an FLW Tournament
Photo Courtesy of FLW Outdoors

LCB: What was your favorite lake?

Justin: Well, I know this sounds obvious, but the Guntersville (2 nd place finish) and Champlain (2 nd place finish) because I felt like there were a lot of fish to go around and I could fish the way I wanted to. Those two lakes are definitely high quality bodies of water that could stack up with just about any lake in the country. The thing about Champlain though is that the water is just super rough and it gets a little scary out there with the rollers, in fact I was even a little sick the day after the event because of the waves.

LCB: Interesting, do you think you'll be moving to the front of the boat on the tour?

Justin: Well, honestly a lot of factors play into that and right now I'm more concerned with doing well from the front of the boat in the Western series to qualify for the Forest Wood Cup in 2010 where there's a million dollars at stake. Winning from the back seat would be nice, but the difference is $950,000 and that is where I am concentrating on getting right now. Obviously, sponsorships play a major role but I couldn't be happier working with the National Guard a sponsor I really am proud to be with and support so I'd like to keep helping them in whatever way they need me.

LCB: Speaking of the Forest Wood Cup, have you had a chance to practice at all?

Justin: Well as a co-angler I don't like to pre-practice because so much changes and its better for me to go out there and fish to the conditions at the current time.

LCB: Any idea what it will take to win it?

Justin: Not much. I'd say if I can catch a limit the first day that would be good enough to make the cut already. 5 fish in the first 2 days will probably make the cut and 3 fish the last day will win it. So, yeah, in 3 days if I catch 8 fish I'd be estatic.

LCB: That's incredible, how do you prepare yourself to fish an event like that where the conditions are so tough.

Justin: I think of it this way. Someone has to win. Whether I have to catch 100 lbs or 5lbs I want to win. There's still the competition, I just scale back my expectations and adapt to the tournament and do whatever it takes to win.

LCB: If you had to pick anyone on the pro side who would you pick?

Justin: Well right now I'd say Iaconelli would have to be the favorite. He is going to know the venue well, and he's a great tough conditions fisherman as it is.

LCB: Any West Coast guys you think have a shot?

Justin: Absolutely, first name off the top of my head would be Cody Meyer. That guy can catch them anywhere, he could catch a bass out of a puddle. That guy is just a great instinctive fisherman, when he thinks he should throw a spinnerbait he does and somehow catches a 5lber. It's like everytime he needs a fish he gets it. Me, I just work hard I don't have that instinct or natural ability that Cody does. So yeah, Cody would be my pick.

LCB: What are you doing to get prepared for the tournament?

Justin: Well, this week I'm actually relaxing a bit and doing a seminar* at Fisherman's Warehouse. While I'm there I'm going to pick up a lot of tough conditions baits like in line spinners and roostertails and so on. A lot of small stuff that will hopefully catch some fish.

LCB: Well hey good luck and thanks for taking some time out of your busy schedule to talk with us.

Justin: Thanks.

*If you would like to hear all about Justin's first year on tour and learn some of his winning ways you can see him at Fisherman's Warehouse July 16 th at 6:00 at the Sacramento location. More information is available at Fishermanswarehouse.com

Justin will be fishing the Forrest Wood Cup July 30 th -August 2 nd in Pittsburgh , PA. Justin's sponsors include: The National Guard, Abu Garcia, Fisherman's Warehouse, E21, Owner Hooks, Berkley , and Lucky Craft.