Photo: FLW Outdoors Jimmi Leuthner is trying to make it as a pro fisherman this year, and has had a good start.

A Few Words With Jimmi Leuthner

Monday, February 4, 2002

Until he finished 2nd at the FLW Tour event on Lake Okeechobee, "Spinnin' Jimmi" Leuthner was unknown to bass fishing fans -- because he'd never fished the top tours before.

This year Leuthner is not only fishing the FLW, he's fishing full-time. At 34, he's trying to make it as a pro fisherman. It can be done, regardless of age of any other factor, and therein lies one of the unique beauties of this sport.

So fans could learn a little more about Leuthner, we sat down with him and asked him a few questions.

BassFan.com: Why do you prefer spinning tackle?

Leuthner: I believe it's more sensitive, and it has incredible accuracy -- much better than a baitcaster. And having something more sensitive is more important because I'm finesse fishing a lot. I don't fish a jig and pig much.

BassFan.com: Why so much finesse fishing?

Leuthner: I believe that if you can make it more natural, you can catch more fish. And the lighter you can go, the more natural it looks. It's worked for me all these years.

BassFan.com: You're from the Northeast. Do you feel that's an advantage or disadvantage when fishing in the South?

Leuthner: I think it's an advantage. Bass are all the same no matter where you go. They have to eat and you have to make them eat. Because I'm used to fishing cold water almost all year round, I know what to do in cold water and how that affects the fish. Cold fronts don't bother me -- I know what to do to make the bass bite. When there's a cold front, it's so much tougher in New England than it is here.

BassFan.com: Really? Most people think the opposite.

Leuthner: The lakes are lot deeper up north than they are here. The fish have a lot more room to change depths than they do down here so they can be harder to locate. Here they're at a specific depth and don't move far. They're there -- you just have to make them eat.

BassFan.com: You mentioned in our preliminary conversation that you like to camp alone when at tournaments. Why is that?

Leuthner: You can really concentrate. You don't have people to confuse you, you don't have everyone giving you advice. You can do your own thing. It really keeps you in touch with nature, too -- your surroundings. You're not pampered in a hotel. So if I have a bad day, I can adapt and adjust with the weather.

BassFan.com: Are you in a tent?

Leuthner: I lived in a tent for the past two years, then I bought this camper. I've been through tornadoes, hurricanes and some vicious storms. It got a little crazy. I needed a little more security.

BassFan.com: What do you see as your most important asset when it comes to fishing?

Leuthner: Drive. I don't take half days, I don't give up. I pretty much stay out all day. I'm on the water all the time. I'd be out there right now if I didn't have to make some phone calls. That the biggest thing -- time on the water. The more you're out there, the more you learn. Sometimes I wish the days would be longer so I could stay out longer. Confidence in what you're doing also comes with time on the water.

BassFan.com: Why did you decide to go pro now?

Leuthner: I'm going pro now because I didn't do it when I was 12. I worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week for the past year in order to do this. Financially I couldn't do it before. I didn't come from a wealthy family and couldn't afford to do it on my own.

BassFan.com: Tell us about your record.

Leuthner: I fished the EverStarts last year and came in 4th overall, and joined the Ranger Cup last year and won in the Northern Division. I'm fishing the EverStarts and the FLWs this year. The EverStart Northern Division won't start until June. I also fished the BFL two years ago -- it was the Red man then -- and finished 4th in that.