Philadelphia, PA– The story of Ike’s big win on the Delaware River actually begins 6 months ago in Guntersville Alabama.
When Mike Iaconelli took the stage to weigh in that day, something was very different—and I’m not just talking about the “war beard” I’ve been encouraging him to grow back. Ike is known for enthusiasm.
The man wears his heart on his sleeve, and says what’s on his mind.
He didn’t have a whole lot to say that day, clearly disappointed in his performance in the biggest tournament there is. What he did say, however, spoke volumes.
“There’s an Elite event on the Delaware River this year, and I’m gonna win that mother!”
With that, he walked off.
Flash forward to this weekend, and that statement proved to be much more than a prediction.
Going Babe Ruth
In 1932, The Bambino pointed toward the center field bleachers of Wrigley Field in game 3 of the World Series.
On the next pitch, The Sultan of Swat made good on his promise—sending a dinger into the section of stands to which he pointed moments before. The home run has since reached mythical status in sports lore, and rightfully so.
Ike effectively called his shot, pointing to the podium and the trophy not with a bat, but with a bass rod.
What’s even more impressive is he did so a full 6 months prior to the event. He didn’t show up that morning and decide he was feeling good. He didn’t go through practice and feel like a strong possibility existed for a win.
He made the bass fishing equivalent of a blind bet in poker, and never laid down his cards.
Despite dominating the field and taking home a huge win, don’t think for a second that this one came easy.
Preparation
Ike is a meticulous taker of notes.
Despite the publicized persona of an emotional guy who goes out with guns blazing, the man is a scientist. For many, many years, the Delaware has been his lab.
To get ready, Iaconelli poured over 20+ years of notes. He investigated maps. He plotted charts. He formulated a plan.
Most importantly, he worked that plan and fished his heart out. The result?
47 pounds 14 ounces of mid-summer fish, a full 8 pounds ahead of second place finisher Chris Lane. Clearly, the win was special to Ike, as he becomes one of the few to win on their home waters.
The Winning Baits
Ike took home the big prize essentially fishing 2 baits the whole time.
One was a finesse jig he is helping Missile Baits to develop. The other, was a bait we’ve recently reviewed—the Berkley Havoc Pit Boss, in Okeechobee Craw.
While those 2 baits brought the majority of fish, he also a Havoc Bottom Hopper and a Molix Lover vibration jig.
Beyond the baits, Ike was working the tides like a pro, something the rest of the field just couldn’t quite master.
For the efforts, he takes home a $100,000 pay day, and an automatic berth in the 2015 Bassmaster Classic.