MySport: Parsippany's Bassmaster

Mike Root is Morris County's reigning Angler of the Year

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

When did you become interested in fishing? I began fishing with my brother, Gary, when I was 17 years old. I got into tournament fishing with Greg Pavlic, who is a customer at my store. I began tournament fishing 10 years ago.
 

Do you belong to any fishing organizations? Have you received any honors? I am in the New York State B.A.S.S. Federation and participate in their tournaments. I also am a member of the Morris County Bassmasters and, based on my best five tournament finishes, was named the 2007 Angler of the Year.
 

How is the winner determined at most competitions? For a tournament, the five biggest bass are weighed in.
 

What is the biggest fish you have caught? Where? It was a 6.67-pound bass. I caught it at Candlewood Lake in Connecticut in 2005. I caught it when I was on a team with Greg Pavlic.
 

What are your favorite places to fish? In New Jersey, I like Lake Hopatcong because there are good largemouth bass. I also enjoy fishing at Candlewood Lake in Connecticut where there are smallmouth bass.
 

Favorite bait? I prefer a dropshot weight with a hook 18 inches above it. I also use Yamamoto lures, especially the Senko, which is a four-inch straight rubber worm for wacky rigging.
 

What do you like about tournaments? The competitiveness. I would eventually like to fish bigger events when I become more experienced.
 

Goals? For the Morris County Bassmasters to do well in a six-man team event to be held by the New York State B.A.S.S. Federation in August of 2008.
 

Dream fishing trip? I'd like to fish a deepwater clear reservoir in California for bass.

Do you eat what you catch? No. It's all catch and release. I have them weighed in and let them go.