Behind every photograph, every fish, every rod, lure, or piece of fishing gear is an industry professional passionate about their craft and the fishing community. New School Nation, an interview series here on New School Bass, will focus on people throughout the entire Bass Fishing industry; from anglers to photographers, youtubers to lure makers and others involved in the fishing world. Each week, we will be interviewing a different professional to learn about them and to gain a better understanding of their relationship with the bass fishing community. Since New School Bass is still a young platform we decided the best way to begin the New School Nation series is by interviewing one of our own! 

Give us a little bit of background

My name is Mike, I am one of the founders of New School Bass, an avid angler, and photographer. I currently live in San Diego, California.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in the Ocean State, Rhode Island. A state other wise known for great saltwater fishing. However, my introduction to fishing didn't come by way of sea. I grew up on the shores of a small lake, catching Bass and pan fish as a kid.

How long have you been fishing?

Well, I'm 29 right now. I couldn't tell you exactly when but I remember catching my first bass on a red mickey mouse rod and I would say that was about 25 years ago. 

Conventional/spinning or Fly Rod?

Thats a tough one. I grew up with a spinning rod, learned how to cast a 5wt when I was 10 or 11 and eventually got hold of a few bait casters. They all hold a special place in my heart. There is nothing like goin out all day on a bass boat with a hand full of rods and covering a shit ton of water, but the fight and finesse that goes into fly fishing is unparalleled 

What's the main body of water you fish?

Since I've been living in San Diego, I have fished San Vincente and Otay the most. Yawgoo Pond in Rhode Island is definitely my all time favorite body of water to fish though.

What's your favorite thing about Yawgoo Pond?

Everything! I was born and raised there. I know that body of water like the back of my hand. 

PB?

I don't usually carry a scale, but I would have to guess about 7lbs. I caught a real nice prespawn bass a few years back on a lipless crankbait. That was definitely the biggest  bass I caught however I also had a real nice fish on an articulated streamer that was at least 6lbs.

Whats a ideal day on the water like?

Nothing beats a day on Yawgoo. Waking up real early and getting on the water before the sun rises, steam coming off the water. Catch a few fish on a topwater bite and shoot some photos. Fish until about 2 or 3 and then break for lunch. Hang around, drink a few beers, and then head back out for an afternoon bite. 

What's your boat set up?

Lately, I've been fishing with my buddy Evan (@bassfactory101) he has a pretty sweet champion, so we have been mashing around SD on that. I'll rent a boat before fishing on shore and fish from shore before not fishing. Back in RI I have a rad little jon boat that I made a casting platform for and added a bow mounted trolling motor. 

If you could fish any lake in the world, where would it be?

At the moment, I really want to get back east and fish my home turf. It's been about 9 months since I've been back so I definitely have that set as a priority. But I guess any lake in the world... Probably Biwa. Looks dope over there, Japan is crazy I want to snowboard over there real bad too. 

Was there any one person that you give credit to for getting you started or involved in fishing?

 If I had to give credit to one person, it would definitely be my dad. He was always trout fishing when I was a kid and that definitely got me stoked on fly fishing. he always made it a point to get me on the water from a young age. 

Outside of what you do in the fishing world is there any one thing that you could see yourself doing every day? 

Definitely shooting photos. I love fishing and shooting photos on the water, but just having a camera in my hand makes me happy. I would probably shoot a lot more surfing or skateboarding. 

If there is anything about the bass fishing industry that you could change what would it be? 

I love the industry as it is. I mean, I think bass fishing can be a little "nascar" at times with the wrapped boats and jerseys covered with sponsor but with that being said I would definitely be stoked to have a bunch of companies interested in me and make a living wining tournaments.

Have you seen seen any big changes in the bass fishing industry and community from when you began to the present day?

Mainly social media. I dunno, some people complain about their spots being blown up but I've seen more good than foul. I've met some really cool people through instagram, it's just how you look at it.

Where do you hope to see the bass fishing world 10 years from now?  

I'm stoked to see where it goes. Who knows what will be the next big thing. For real though, I just want to see bass fishing handed down and our waters protected. These lakes are such a valuable resource that need to be protected, people need to be educated. I don't want bass fishing to be seen as redneck or country, just a fun sport that is accessible to anyone interested. Any type of fishing is just a great way to spend time outdoors and be in nature. 

If you want to be next weeks New School Nation feature, apply here. Thanks for reading. Cheers! 

-Joe Cap