Drew Haerer has a passion for the outdoors--fishing, specifically kayak fishing, in particular. I first met Drew at the 2011 Riverbassin' Tournament Trail Finale in Roanoke, VA. I was there representing the Texas Division and we were both competing for the title of Riverbasser of the Year. We talked for a short time there, and have continued our conversations on bass fishing, river fishing, kayak fishing, conservation, and numerous other passions since.
Recently I had the opportunity to fish with Drew for two days, on two different rivers here in the Texas Hill Country. He came down in pursuit of the Guadalupe Bass, a small fish that he needed in his "Quest for the Bass Slam." After spending time with him, I can honestly say that he is a great guy and a very knowledgeable angler. His blog, Man Powered Fishing, is something I read regularly.
This is Part Two of the interview. To read from the beginning, here is Part 1 (Interview with Drew Haerer)
Pat Kellner: What do you consider to be some of your greatest achievements in fishing?
Drew Haerer: I think the Froggy Waters Outdoors Charity Tournament I helped run last year was a huge success We got a ton of youth involved and raised quite a bit of money for Schoolhouse of Wonder--a charity that gets kids involved in nature and the outdoors. That is a really important thing for me. I have caught a bunch of citation species as well (although never actually filled out the paperwork) and am pretty proud of that because I think it shows a lot of diversity. The Bass Slam will rank up there toward the top when it is said and done. And, the fact that I have been able to help others get started in the sport, or interested in the sport, is really cool. It is weird to get emails from random folks, but I love getting them and sharing my knowledge with others. I have met some amazing people that way.
PH: Has the sport of river fishing grown in popularity over the past few years, or am I imagining this? Are you seeing more anglers on stretches of water that you really haven't seen them in the past? If so, do you see this as a positive or a negative for the river fishing community and the environment?
DH: There is no doubt that river fishing, and kayak fishing in general, is getting more and more popular. I have seen this trend in some places and see people complain about it all the time online. I think the positive/negative answer is a grey area. I am 100 percent for getting folks involved in the outdoors, and I think any piece of advice can help get the ball rolling. However, I also understand that some folks abuse resources, and putting too much info in the public eye can hurt a fishery. On that note, a lot of times if you see a report, or story, or blog online, all you have to do is shoot a private message or email to the author and he will give you the details of the trip--that is the type of community that river fishing is. Overall, I think it is generally a good thing to get more folks outdoors and share info, but it comes down to outdoorsmen and women and wildlife officers doing their part to help the cause.
PK: In your opinion, what is the biggest issue threatening the future of river fishing?
DH: Man, there are a lot of issues--pollution, erosion, dredging, fish protection, endangered species, access, invasive species, etc. It really varies on a case by case basis. Therefor, I would argue that the most important thing is educating the public and folks like you and me about the issues. That way, if we see something happening, or hear of something that is having a negative impact on our fisheries, we can do something about it. Again, the river fishing community is a great one and folks will rally around a cause--as will environmental agencies, local governments, and other communities. It is about being wary of what is going on around you, and then taking necessary action.
PK: If you could make a living, solely in the fishing industry, what would your ideal job be?
DH: I would either want to be a fishing writer or host a TV show. Both involve some travel, fishing awesome locations and sharing knowledge and adventures with people. There was a guy who had a show a few years ago (it may still be on), who just traveled around, camped in a tow-behind, and fly fished all over the US. He also emphasized conservation, which I think is great. If I could bring Mary May and my dogs, that that sounds pretty perfect!
PK: Outside of kayak fishing, what other hobbies do you have?
DH: I love spending time with my wonderful girlfriend Mary May and our two dogs, Huck and Brewer. And I enjoy hunting, backpacking, hiking, sports, camping, cooking, grilling, gardening, music, beer, and learning. I am taking some business courses this year as well. I like to stay busy.
PK: Any future goal for yourself?
DH: I would like to start my own business, hence the business classes.) I love my job now, but I am one of those guys who constantly tries to challenge himself and I think owning a business has a lot of potential perks if it is well planned and executed. I would also love to travel more--Chile, Argentina, Fiji, Alaska, maybe Mongolia. Of course, a fishing rod would accompany me on those trips.
PK: Ok, now time for quick answer. If you had to choose one, what is your favorite rod?
DH: Easy. I have a 6'9" spinning rod made for finesse plastics from Carolina Custom Rods. It is made on a white MHX blank, and is insanely light and sensitive.
PK: What is your favorite lure?
DH: Wow. I would have to say a buzzbait. When they are eating a buzzer, it is hard to beat. I love to crank and throw other topwaters as well.
PK: Favorite fishing platform?
DH: Gotta go with the Malibu Kayaks Stealth 12.
PK: Where is your favorite place to fish?
DH: Susquehanna River, PA
PK: Who has been your favorite fishing partner.
DH: My dad...although my girlfriend Mary May deserves a very honorable mention. Ideally it would be a floatilla of folks.
PK: Who is the best angler that you have had the chance to fish with?
DH: Wow--that is crazy tough. Typically, I try to fish with people who do things differently than I do. When have only pseudo-fished together, but I gotta go Drew Gregory. His fishing portfolio before he hit the big time is very impressive. Going back to the folks I can learn from comments, I would like to fish with Phil Ruckart--a Native pro-staffer here in NC. He fishes a much different style than I do, and I think I could learn a thing or two from him.
PK: Who is the one person, dead or alive, who you would love to take fishing?
DH: My grandfathers. If I had to go "celebrity", then probably Mark Twain. Sports star would be Ted Williams or Roberto Clemente. Suddenly we have another floatilla.
PK: Thanks, Drew, for the interview.
Back to Part 1
Other Interviews of Interest:
Interview with Andy Cameron
Interview with Tray Collins
Interview with Drew Gregory
Interview with Jim Dolan
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