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FEATURED PRODUCT Hometown: MUSCLE SHOALS, AL Birthdate: 10-03-1972 Classic Appearances: 10 BASS Tournaments Won: 4 Career Highlights: 2000 Angler of the Year. $1,200,000+ Career Winnings. Total BM Entries: 154 Primary Fishing Strength: OFFSHORE DEEP CRANKING

I had a great experience on Day Two at Toledo Bend that’s a perfect example of two important things — don’t be afraid to try switching up your techniques and don’t underestimate the importance of great polarized eyewear.

I was having what could only be described as a “tough tournament” at Toledo Bend. So I decided to try something different. I got my Wiley X sunglasses and began sight fishing for bass that were cruising in the shallows. By changing my pattern and focusing on these fish, I ended up catching 20 pounds that day and moved up 60 places in the standings. It was quite a turnaround, and reaffirmed the importance of being willing and ready to adapt to changing conditions.

When sight fishing like this, I recommend using a bright color lens. It really helps me pick out fish and highlights the contrast between different types of bottom. My personal favorite is the Wiley X P-17 with Polarized Emerald Green Lenses. It’s the absolute best for seeing fish underwater.

This season has gone pretty well for me so far. I’m looking forward to the remaining events and hope to keep my positive momentum going. The television shows are also going great, based on the responses we’re getting from the fans. I always look forward to seeing everyone out there — it certainly makes a fisherman feel welcomed.

I had a good season and came away feeling very good not only about my individual accomplishments, but also about the state of our freshwater fisheries. In my travels all around the country on the tournament trail, I witnessed and experienced more great fishing than I can remember.

I think that our lakes and rivers are as healthy as they’ve been in a long time, and gamefish populations seem strong. That’s exciting for us as competitors and exciting for the fans. This is a real testimony to the conservation efforts going on throughout our country.

Here’s something I learned this season that can benefit all anglers. Remember to change your techniques to accommodate changing weather. On cloudy days, be ready to go shallower — because that’s where the fish are going to move. Don’t be afraid to change the depth you’re fishing. Not necessarily the lure, but the depth in which you’re working it.

I’ve been fishing with my Wiley X Jake sunglasses for two seasons now, and I have to say I’m impressed with the durability. I’m tough on my gear – but I’ve never had to give my eyes a second thought. Wiley X’s polarized lenses and the full coverage of my Jake frames help me see underwater, which is invaluable when you’re reading structure and contour to find fishy areas.

I had an opportunity to experience Wiley X’s protection for myself during a Northern Open tournament in New York this season. The full weight of my lure came flying back at me and popped right off my sunglasses. My eyes were fully protected — and the impact didn’t effect my glasses one bit. I can honestly say Wiley X saved my eyesight.

I’m ready for the coming season, big time. As I said, I expect the fishing to be great. I’m looking forward to meeting the fans out there. I love to shoot the breeze with them about fishing…and my Wiley X eyewear.

It was pretty cool at Clear Lake, the fish would move into shallower water around 11:00 or 12:00 each day, and my Wiley X glasses would really help you see where they were and what they were doing. Any time you can see the fish underwater like that, it gives you a real advantage.

I love flipping for big fish with heavy tackle, which I did a lot of at Clear Lake. When you’re fishing in California, you know there are huge fish to be had. This always makes fishing in California exciting, knowing that a personal best fish is always possible. And the weather was great at Clear Lake, which makes any tournament more enjoyable.

We’re getting ready for sight fishing season, so I’m looking forward to some upcoming events where I know my Wiley X glasses will be a big factor. My glasses do more than help me spot fish in the shallows, they also protect my eyes when I’m racing from one end of a lake to another. I fish a lot of days where it’s misty or windy. It’s important to keep the wind and water out of your eyes, not only while fishing, but when you’re traveling.

I love how durable my Wiley X glasses are. I’m really rough on them, and the comfort is second to none — which is really important when you fish all day.

As for the season, I got to a little slower start than I wanted, but I’m looking forward to some upcoming tournaments in my home state to get things on the right track. It’s been a long winter, and I’m excited about the rest of the season to come.