Matt Moccia has been a friend of mine and an excellent fishing partner for countless years now. Recently, he joined the ranks of elite Texas anglers, catching every Texas bass fisherman's dream...a Shareluner (a 13+ lb largemouth bass.) Even more rare was the fact that he caught this fish while fishing a tournament.
I remember Matt talking about catching a fish like this since high school and maybe even before. It was a well deserved fish for an excellent bass angler and a very good friend. I don't know why it took me so long to interview him, but I am glad I waited. I was able to get the details on his fishing and the Sharelunker.
Here is Part 1 of the interview (Here is part 2):
Pat Kellner: How old were you when you first started fishing, and who was the one person you credit with getting you into the sport?
Matt Moccia: I don't remember the exact age, but I was very young. If I had to give credit to one person, it would be my Dad.
PK: I have known you for a number of years, and you have been a bass angler pretty much that whole time. When did you get hooked on bass fishing, and why bass fishing over anything else?
MM: I started predominantly bass fishing in middle school. This was most likely due to the availability of the area I could fish. Central Texas has a lot to offer for bass fishing.
PK: I know you fish the Kayak Angler Tournament Series now along with a few other local tournament trails. When did you start tournament bass fishing, and why?
MM: I fished a few tournaments with my dad when I was younger I didn't get seriously into it until high school when you [Pat Kellner] and I started fishing the American Bass Anglers Association Tournaments.
PK: Do you prefer tournament fishing or fishing for fun?
MM: I can't say that I like one over the other. I enjoy fun fishing with friends and family because it gives you a good opportunity to spend quality time with that person, which can be hard to come by as we get older. Tournament fishing gives me a chance to combine my competitive nature with what I love doing. I will say that I always enjoy fishing with someone else versus alone.
PK: Do you prefer power boat tournaments or kayak tournaments, and why?
MM: That's a tough one because I enjoy both. Power boat tournaments give you more options because of the ability to cover more water, and in my opinion fish more efficiently. Kayak tournaments, on the other hand, give you the chance to more thoroughly fish certain areas with a lot more stealth. I've caught a lot of fish in a kayak that I most likely would not have in a boat.
PK: When the money is on the line and the fish are not biting, what is your "go-to" tournament bass technique?
MM: Well, soft plastics are always an option when the bite is slow, but I have to say the swimbait is my confidence bait here lately.
PK: Prior to "the fish" (your Sharelunker), which we will get to in a little bit, what was the biggest bass you had ever caught, where did you catch it and what did you catch it on?
MM: I have been fortunate to catch a few quality bass over the years, but prior to my recent personal best, the biggest bass I had caught was about 14 years ago on Lake Fork. I don't have an official weight due to not having a scale, but it was in the ten to twelve pound range. Unfortunately, I was not even bass fishing at the time; I was crappie fishing. All and all it was still fun on an ultra-light rod and 8 lb test line.
PK: What platforms do you fish from, and what is your favorite?
MM: I fish primarily out of three vessels. I have a Kenner bay boat that I have had for about 7 years, that has been great. For river fishing, I have a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 that is great for navigating tight water and rapids. Last, I recently got a Hobie Pro Angler that I plan to use for kayak tournament fishing and shallow water at the coast. If I had to choose which was my favorite right now, it would be the Pro Angler because of the opportunities I imagine it will allow me to pursue.
PK: Where is your favorite place to fish?
MM: Anywhere that has fish to catch. I enjoy mixing it up and fishing new locations with different scenery. I do have some great memories fishing on the San Marcos River in college.
PK: Who has been your favorite fishing partner of the years?
MM: Its hard to put someone as a favorite since I've spent a lot of time on the water with some great anglers, you being one of them. It's always nice to get to spend some quality time on the water with my dad. He has been such a great influence on me and always seems to have the best perspective on anything we talk about.
Continue to Part 2 (We pick his brain on the details of how he caught the fish)
Related Posts:
Matt Moccia Catches Sharelunker #539
Interview with Hale White
Interview with Kristian Kolflat
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