Kayak Angler Profile- Tony Sebren
We are staying in Texas for this installment of Kayak Angler Profile. Learn a little bit about Tony Sebren and make sure you click the link below to check out his YouTube channel and give him a sub. Tons of great information.
Tony Sebren (Big BASS Tony) Montgomery Texas
Have we fished together yet? If so, do you remember where?
I doubt we have fished together unless it was in a KBF tournament in which I’ve only fished one tourney. (Nope, we haven't.)
What kayak do you use for tournaments?
I fish out of the best in the business! A 2018 Hobie PA14 with extra fish slime. Tons of mojo.
When and why did you start kayak bass fishing competitively?
I fished my first kayak tournament in 2014 on Lake Sam Rayburn. I’d watched a few YouTubers that were competing and thought it looked fun so I purchased a Hobie PA and off I went!
What are some of your accomplishments that you are most proud of in the sport?
I’ve made many friends competing in kayak tournaments. I’ve experienced many different areas and lakes that I never would have seen before and it has made me a much better and diverse fisherman. My biggest accomplishment is winning the big bass title 3 consecutive times. It’s how I got my name “Big Bass Tony!” I’ve won 3 more since. On a roll baby!!
What are some of the companies that you are sponsored by or pro staff for?
Mariner Sails Pro Staff, Werner Paddles, Woo Tungsten, Crawfish Creek Custom Lures and hopefully soon, WALMART!!!
What is your biggest fish to date and what did you catch it on?
My personal best fish was caught on Lake Conroe at night! A 10lb 6 ounce MONDO! I caught it not long after I purchased my first Hobie. It was meant to be haha!! I was fishing on a main lake point in about 10-12 feet of water. The shad were everywhere, filling my screen on my Humminbird so much that it was reading a false bottom at 3 feet. I could feel my mirage drive slapping the shad as I peddled through them. I had already been catching a lot of hybrid bass on a weightless shad colored fluke. Routinely, I hooked up with another fish thinking I had yet another Hybrid on the line but to my surprise, when I turned on my headlamp and seen a flash of green, I knew I had my personal best largemouth on the other end. A night I will never forget!
What are your biggest challenges either during tournaments or leading up to a tournament?
I’d say most tournaments are won before you even get on the water. The biggest challenge I face is learning how to break down a lake and making the best decision on where to fish. No matter how good of a fisherman you are, if there a no fish in your spot, you ain’t catching Jack!!
Sleep in the car, arrive the morning of the tournament, or grab a hotel?
I’ve done all 3 so I guess I’m not picky. If I’m there fishing the tournament, I’m blessed!
One piece of equipment that you wouldn’t consider fishing a tournament without?
Easy….my BOAT! I’m a big guy and I can’t see myself fishing out of any kayak but the Hobie PA14. It’s a stable beast that covers water quickly and can carry all my gear, even my wife!! We all have preconceived notions of what we were getting into before that very first tournament.
Have there been any surprises along the way for you? If so, what were they?
I consider myself a very competitive person, in any sport for that matter. I honestly didn’t think the level of competitiveness in the kayak angling world would be so high…but surprisingly it is…and I LOVE IT! Brings out the best angler in you and pushes you towards your best.
Who is one person you would love to kayak bass fish with?
Mike Iaconelli. I’m sure we’d both catch a lot of fish if he’d stop screaming…. BE QUIET IKE!!
What would be one piece of advice that you would give to someone considering entering the sport?
Just Do it! Don’t wait, you’re missing out on a lot of fun! The kayaking community is AWESOME! No one’s a stranger and everyone is willing to lend a helping hand, whether it’s fishing advice, unloading a car-topped kayak, or showing you where the hot dog line is. The kind people are the reason this sport continues to grow so rapidly.
How do we follow you on social media?
I’m pretty well known for my videos on YouTube. My channel is “VentureTube” so head on over and subscribe. I’ll teach you what to do……and what not to do! C’mon!