Chaz Carrington and his road from co- to pro-angler
Co-Anglers.com had the opportunity to meet up and chat with the 2016 Bassmaster Southern Opens #1 Co-Angler Champion, Chaz Carrington, and ask him little about himself. We were able to ask him about his experiences from fishing as a co-angler and now wanting to become a professional angler. For 5 years this young angler from Virginia, competed as a co-angler before making one of the toughest decisions of his early semi-pro career. After his 2016 Bassmaster Southern Opens win, he needed to decide if he would want to go from the back seat as an amateur tournament angler to fulfilling one of his dreams of becoming a professional athlete. Carrington answered a few questions we had for him. If you are hoping to make that leap into the front seat of a boat to become a professional angler, Carrington has a few tips for current and future athletes of this sport.
Carrington, ” I love fishing in February! “
Co-Anglers.com: What is your favorite lure?
Chaz Carrington: Jerkbait. Specifically a Megabass Vision 110 and Vision 110 Magnum.
CA: What tournament trail do you fish?
CC: TBF Regional and State events, local jackpot tournaments, and I also fish the Bassmaster Southern Opens as a Pro.
CA: How long were you a co-angler before going pro?
CC: I fished the Southern and Northern Opens as a co-angler on and off for 5 years before deciding to make the jump to the front of the boat
CA: What lake do you like best?
CC: I’m still pretty fond of a small lake I grew up on close to home called Burnt Mills. It’s full of flooded timber and big Largemouths. The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Florida takes a close second because of my history there.
For wining the Bassmaster Southern Opens as co-angler, new Nitro Z18 boat is awarded as the grand prize. We asked Carrington what did he think about this memorable moment and what will he do with his brand new boat.
CA: What has been the hardest part about going pro?
CC: The hardest aspect of making the jump to the pro side other than the obvious financial undertaking would have to be finding the fish on such huge bodies of water. I’ve always took pride in being able to locate quality fish here locally but traveling hundreds of miles from home and finding the right type of fish to win a multi-day event on a lake you’ve never seen is difficult. Extremely difficult!
Carrington rides to the final weigh in of the 2016 Bassmaster Southern Open #1
CA: What or who inspires you to fish?
CC: It may sound cliche’ but I’m just addicted to the next bite. I’m driven day in and day out by the next thump or tick in my line. I’ve been this way for the last 20 years and I don’t see it stopping any time soon.
CA: What is your most memorable fishing moment to date?
CC: Most memorable fishing moment to date would definitely have to be my Opens win as a co-angler on the Kissimmee Chain in January of 2016. Managed some really good draws each day of the tournament and got just enough bites to take home the trophy and new Nitro Z18. I actually opted to keep the boat and now compete out of it as a pro in the Southern Opens this year.
CA: Do you have a fishing goal? If so, what is it?
CC: Also may be a cliche’ answer but my ultimate fishing goal is to qualify and compete on the Bassmaster Elite series full time. Earning a birth into the Bassmaster Classic is obviously high up on my list of fishing goals as well. I want to be involved in this sport for many, many years to come.
Carrington left us with this great tip for co-anglers to learn from as it has made him a successful co-angler, athlete and professional fisherman. “My biggest tip to a co-angler just getting started would be to always have a close eye on your boater and know how to catch the fish he’s leaving you. Once you get to a level like the Opens as a Co you are fishing behind some of the best anglers on the planet and you can bet they won’t be leaving many fish behind. Knowing how to capitalize on fish he’s not targeting can earn you a hefty payday. If your Pro is plucking Bass out of bushes flipping a beaver switch to a worm or throw a crank or top water along the edges to show the fish something different. Subtle changes often make a huge difference in tournament success!”
Co-Anglers.com would like to thank Chaz Carrington for taking time to talk with us and open his doors to us. His first hand experience are sure to inspire any future anglers that would like to take that first step towards becoming a professional tournament angler.
Want to know even more about Chaz? Connect with him on Social Media: Facebook and Instagram
Want to be featured in an upcoming Tournament Feature or Co-Angler Spotlight? Contact us.
