Martens Gets Far Away from Fishing

September 6, 2005

What does a man who was born to be a fisherman do in the aftermath of a highly successful CITGO Bassmaster Tour season that included winning the CITGO Bassmaster Angler of the Year title and a runner-up performance in the prestigious CITGO Bassmaster Classic?

In the case of Aaron Martens, you get as far away as possible from serious fishing.

The Alabama pro returned to his native southern California, where he has spent the last few weeks with family and friends, soon after Classic XXXV in Pittsburgh.

When we caught up with Martens, he was fishing Lake Casitas with friends and had just unhooked a 5-pound largemouth.

"That was our first fish," he said with a smile that penetrated cell phone waves. "We haven't been fishing too long. A 5-pounder's always a good start."

Martens said he has avoided the business of professional fishing as much as possible since the Classic, where he came within 6 ounces of winning fishing's biggest title.

"I've been doing family things," he said. "I'm leaving for Cabo (San Lucas, Mexico) tomorrow. That's my real vacation.

"I went on a calico (saltwater bass) trip, which was the most fun thing I've done in a long time. We went on a four-day Carnival cruise to Catalina Island and Encsenada; me, Leslie, the baby, my one niece and two nephews. I treated them to a cruise and it was a lot of fun," he said. "I'm not thinking about sponsors or business for another week or two. I needed a little time off."

 

From BASS

September 6, 2005