When you ask people what they like most about fishing, chances are pretty good the term "relaxing" will be in there. "Relaxing" isn’t quite how Jeremy Starks, of Charleston, describes the sport.
Jeremy’s version of fishing is far more intense than what the rest of us enjoy.
The former Charleston fire fighter has finished a third season as a full-time fishing professional. Starks finished 68th in the Elite Series for 2007, one spot behind legendary angler Rick Clunn. Although not good enough for the BassMaster’s Classic, it was good enough to earn him a spot in next year’s Elite Series.
Starks knows 2007 could have been a better year, but vows to move on. His Achilles heel was two tournaments in California that left him baffled.
"Growing up in West Virginia, I’m just not used to fishing for 10 pounders all day," he said in a recent appearance on West Virginia Outdoors. &uuot;The first day I had 14 pounds. Anywhere in the east that would be a good day, but there I was dead last."
Starks did what any good competitor does, took his lumps and learned from it. He realized patience was the key and the pattern he used of fishing big swim baits under docks might have worked had he not abandoned the plan too early.
Tournaments in the east played a little better to Starks’ fishing strength. Smith Mountain Lake proved to be his best showing. Tough conditions that week in Virginia were no stranger to Starks.
"The fish there aren’t real big, but they’re decent size, a lot of three pounders" he said. "It was really deep, clear water and a little more what I’m used to. I drove around watching my depth finder and locating offshore humps."
Starks fished those humps off the deck of the Friends of Coal boat to a 20th place finish, his best of the year.
The off-season is here, giving Jeremy a chance to do some hunting back at home. He also has plans for a hunting trip to Michigan this fall. However, there really is no off-season for the full-time angler. He has sponsorship obligations, personal appearances, maintenance and replacement of all his gear and study work on next year’s tournament sites.
"It’s a blast and it’s something I always wanted to do," Starks said.