Do you think Aaron Martens can get???

[socalbasser]

Do you guys think Aaron Martens can finally get that 2nd Place monkey off his back at the upcoming Bassmaster Classic at Lake Toho? It might take a hefty sack? Any thoughts???

SoCalBasser

[Pete Marino]

I dont think Aaron will finish in the top 5 in this years classic. I like Aaron and think hes simply one of the best, but, I dont think this tournament is in Aarons wheel house. Flipping and MAJOR SIGHTFISHING. He excels when the bite is tough and this event will be anything but tough. The flippers and better sight anglers will excel this time around.

Pete

[Brian Linehan]

Take it from someone who's fished with Aaron plenty. There isn't a better sight fisherman. Period.

[Ron C]

...Aaron is the BEST sight fisherman I have ever seen - bar none. I am willing to wager that he WILL finish in the Top-5.

Aaron once told me that his biggest weakness was fishing tidal waters. Aside from that, there isn't a single technique that he cannot win by, and I believe that he could even win on tidal waters now, as well.

I know I posted it last week, but if you guys haven't read the recent article about Aaron on the BASS website, you ought to: http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bass ... tens_hopes

[gt5bass]

I don't want whatever Pete been smokin'

Aaron is one of the best site fishermen on tour and has already proven it at Toho before...Rojas just found a few "better" fish.

[CharlieS.]

Just my crazy opinion for what its worth, if it becomes a sight fest...Aarons awful hard not to pick from the outset. Other techniques still can't bet against him. Like RonC said,yea,maybe tidal water not his forte,atleast wasnt. But if its a bedfish tourni -lights out...Charlie

[socalbasser]

I dont think Aaron will finish in the top 5 in this years classic. I dont think this tournament is in Aarons wheel house.

Pete

Sorry to differ with you Pete Marino, how can you be from Southern California and not root for Aaron, no matter what...you must have some insight..."not to finish in the top 5 in this year's classic"????Hmmmm...there's very few pros that have come as far as Aaron, from our neck of the woods... he does follow the crowd....if we don't support our own then who should we support? The Van Dam's, Hackney's and Ike's, etc. have their followings, we need to back our "Best from the West"...like I said no matter what!

SoCalBasser

[Brian Linehan]

Man tough crowd. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Pete could be right about this one. We'll have to wait and see.

[Ron C]

...just name a price.

[Rick G]

My pick is Terry Scroggins. He OWNS Florida. Also would like to see Skeet kick butt. It has been cold still in central florida, so the sight bite might not be in full swing. Rick G.

[Pete Marino]

Whoa....I didnt know SoCalbasser, GT5bass, and Ron had their heads planted that far up Aarons butt. Had I known, I would have said Aarons's #1 and kissed his butt as much a you homers.
You guys make it sound like I dont like Aaron but that couldnt be any further from the truth. I just stated that this event wouldnt be in his wheel house. If Aaron is a great sight fisherman then I stand corrected. I know he has done well in the past at Toho sightfishing but I just think he will have his hands full this time around. Jeeez guys its my opinion....RELAX!!

As an answer to your question SoCalbaser about why I cant root for the western guy...well..simply put...I'm not a "homer" like you apparently. Just because he is from the west doesnt mean I will say WITHOUT A DOUBT he will win over this talented group of anglers.
For the 3 of you to call me out on this and question and belittle my opinion is rediculous....and shows how big of homers you guys are and how far you have your heads up Aarons backside.

All that being said....I dont take offense to it because Aaron is a WITCH and I know that. I can see why you guys are on his bandwagon but I'm trying to keep it real given his competition.

Ron...if you want a friendly wager...here it is....The wager is a lunch or dinner if Aaron doesnt/does finish in the top 3. Hows that sound??
If he does finish in the top 3, I'll take you to lunch, or dinner or just send you a $25 gift card to one of our local eateries..like California Pizza Kitchen or something like that. I know there is one in Burbank as well as here in Rancho Cucamonga. If he doesnt finish in the top 3, you buythe same. How's that sound??
I should say he has to win because you are on his jock so much, but, I'll make it interesting and say top 3.

By the way Ron, arent you going to Havasu?? It should be fun.

Pete

[Rick G]

Pete might be correct. Aaron has bombed in the first 2 FLW events, one of which was in Florida. My guess is that since he switched from Ranger to Triton he has lost his MOJO. Rick G.

[Ron C]

...any idea where he lost it? I'm willing to go look for it! (Har Har!). I still pick him to be in the Top-5.

[Rick G]

You know Ron, sometimes you never mess with the KARMA. Rick G.

[Colebass]

I would agree! I was sorry to see Aaron go fro Ranger to Triton. Ranger had been good to him, helped him with his career and besides all that builds a way better boat!

[Ron C]

I can assure you that I do not have my head up anyone's butt (except maybe my own from time to time). My opinion of Aaron and his fishing abilities has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he is a So. Cal guy. It has everything to do with his numbers since moving back East. I'm sure that I do not have to point out that he is the defending B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year (having come from behind at the final tournament to win it) and that has three 2nd place finishes out of the last four BASSMASTER Classics. The guy is one of the best sticks in the country REGARDLESS of where he is from.

I never said anything about you not liking Aaron. Nor did I claim to be anyone's "homer" or "...question and belittle" your opinion. In fact, I NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT YOU! Take your Ritalin and read my post again, Dude.

I'm outa here.

[Ron C]

...The grass ISN'T always greener on the other side of the fence.

[socalbasser]

I never said anything about you not liking Aaron. Nor did I claim to be anyone's "homer" or "...question and belittle" your opinion. In fact, I NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT YOU! Take your Ritalin and read my post again, Dude.

I'm outa here.

I'm with you Ron C on this one....and I should say "we" never said anything about Pete Marino not liking Aaron and as far having my butt up Aaron's backside..."calm down Pete" if this post didn't upset you then remember this is "our opinion" just like yours!

I'm proud to be a homer at least you know we stand!

SoCalBasser

[Colebass]

You need to re-read these post. No one questioned you or attacked you. And with your attacks, who'd want to go to lunch with you?

Just because some of these guys want or hope for Aaron to do well, doesn't make them a "Homer".

[Guy Williams]

I'm sure Aaron went with who ever payed the best and that's the bottom line. In business you have no friends or loyalty(spelling?). It's a make it or break it year for most of these guy's with no security that this format will be around next year with B.A.S.S. He's smart enough to know to get the dough while it's being served. Then he can make what he wants with it later. I'm sure Ranger would gladly have him back if he choose to return later.
BTW, I've got Skeet to win along with the Hack and Scroggins to place in the top three.
Guy Williams

[Rick G]

Lets not forget that Aaron won over $150,000.00 in Ranger Cup money in just the last 3 years. That does not include tournament prize $. He made a simple choice, B.A.S.S. over FLW. NEVER bite the hand that feeds you. BAD KARMA. Rick G.

[Moose]

Keep in mind that Aaron finished third in the event where Rojas' set the record, Aaron had, I believe 85+ lbs for the event. He should be able to hold his own over there. I don't think he will finish high just simply because he has finished high too many times and the tide is bound to turn eventually. That said, I hope he proves me wrong.

Keith

[Pete Marino]

First I'll start with you Ron. I didnt take any offense to your response it was just one of the 3 I read that seemed to be coming at me simply for my opinion. So to group you as a homer and having your head up Aarons butt may have been uncalled for.. And for that I apologize. Actually your response was alot less abrasive than the other two. Going back and reading it now makes that very clear. I'd still like to have that friendly wager with you if you are willing to do it.
As far as "Gt5bass"...his response rubbed me the wrong way, not because of his opinion about Aaron but because the opening line of....."I dont want whatever Petes been smoking". Its my opinion and I dont need anyone to insinuate I've been smoking something if its not what he agrees with. I never said Aaron is not a good sight fisherman as he stated in his subject line. I said given the competition and the time of year its gonna be a tough event for him to win.. because in my opinion he shines when its tough.
And as far as "homer" in La Puente...well its obvious HE IS a "homer" as he admited in his 2 posts. He asked "how can I be from So. Cal. and not root for Aaron"....its simple ...I could careless where he is from...what the heck the does that have to do with it?? OK so I cant like and root for KVD because hes from Michigan..Thats the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Besides as I said in both of my posts..I like Aaron, I think hes one of the best and I think hes a witch on the water. What part of any of that says "Aaron is not a good sight fisherman", or, Aaron sucks........None of it! My original post was simply my opinion of if I thought he'd finish in the top 5. I didnt talk him down..if anything I complimented him. I just dont think he'll be in the top 5 ...thats it!! When Brian said hes fished with Aaron alot and knows first hand that hes a great sight fisherman..I said straight out.."I stand corrected". Brians opinion opened my eyes but yet was unabbrasive. Even he noticed that I was being jumped on for my opinion..as evidence by his "man..tough crowd" comment. It wasnt my imagination.
As for you Colebass....who the hell asked you anyway!!
The invitation for the bet was for Ron not you and I dont think Ron thinks I'm a bad guy. I could careless what YOU think.

Pete

[Colebass]

Pete, I don't know you from "Adam", but never attacked you. Just suggested you re-read the post, which you did and apoligized to Ron.

For some reason, you choose to take it or make it personal. Anyone can post their opinion here at anytime and I did mine and stand behind it. You were wrong about Ron and your wrong to attack me.

[Brian Linehan]

1.) Scroggins
2.) Martens
3.) Ike
4.) Swindle
5.) Reese

[Gerryjig]

Finding a way around the flippin stuff by finding his sight fish will do him well.

[Guest]

Nah, I wouldn't do that...

I think Aaron is the best angler in the world. I don't know him at all, but I do know Ike and have met VanDam who I would put as 2nd and 3rd respectively!

With that said... None of them are going to win this event!

My money is on Ish Monroe.... Why? I don't know.. Just my guess!
Tom

[Moose]

If It's a flippin tournament, my money is on Gary Klien.

[Guest]

Not a bad call..

Gary is a threat anytime.. specially since I have heard he has been honing the swimbait skills a little! Good to see Gary is getting back to his western roots... Flipping, Drop shotting(last Classic) and now Swimbaits.... not that he'll be throwing swimbaits at the classic but, I am betting he will throw them this year at several of his events!!

[CN]

And you guy's are "PRO'S"

[Guest]

Hey Gary... I think you are right.. Didn't Aaron actually break the record for the single day limit just minutes before Dean broke it?

[Colebass]

By both Mark Davis and Aaron, then Dean broke those records!

Those were amazing weights!

[gt5bass]

*NM*