Kingfish Connection: Congratulations on the SKA Junior Angler of the Year title, you most certainly earned it.

Starting the year off, was this honor a goal of yours? Was this the proudest accomplishment you have earned as an angler?

Jake Smith: Yes, it was certainly one of my goals this year.

Yes, I am very proud of this accomplishment. But I do think my dad is even more proud of this accomplishment.

When were you first introduced to kingfish tournaments? Were you instantly hooked or did it take time for you to learn to enjoy the sport?

I was first introduced to kingfishing when I was 5, and then fished my first kingfish tournament when I turned 9 years old, in July of 2001. I was instantly addicted to fishing, but it took a little bit of time to enjoy them as much as I do now. The bad weather conditions that generally take place on the fishing days were tough because I used to get sea sick. Luckily I don't get sea sick anymore.

Since you have gotten older have you been given more tasks to do on your team? What is your favorite thing to do on the boat?

Not to much has changed, I’m mainly there to catch the fish. I’ll help get things ready to fish and help clear lines, when needed. Sometimes I’ll even drive the boat, but my favorite job is catching the fish.

This year the SKA stretched everywhere from Key West to Fourchon to Little River. Which tournament was your favorite? Why did you like that tournament more than the others?

My favorite tournament was in Fourchon, LA, because the fishing was excellent. It usually is though, off Louisiana and Mississippi. You tend to catch bigger fish.

Going into next season, which divisions will your team fish?

I’m not positive but I know we will be fishing the pro events, and some in Divisions 5 and 6.

You won the Junior SKA Angler of the Year title in 2006. What’s your goal for next year? An overall Angler of the Year?

My goal is to be the top Junior again, and for our team to place in the Top 10 overall.

You’re now fishing with your family. Do you ever dream of a time when you fish on your own, with your own boat?

Yes, maybe after I go to college I will be able to have time to do so, but for now I’ll fish with my family.

If so, what is your dream boat? When you get older would you still like to fish these tournaments?

My dream boat is a big Yellowfin with either a triple or quad engine set up.

Yes, I look forward to fishing these tournaments further in the future.

What one bit of advice would you give to parents out there trying to get their kids involved in kingfishing?

Be patient and don’t get mad, no one wants to lose a fish and when starting out give them the opportunity to choose whether they want to go or not when weather conditions are not ideal.

Do you think either organization can do new things to attract more youths to the sport?

I can’t think of anything that the SKA could do, because they already recognize the Juniors in the Divisional and Pro events. But the FLW could change their tournaments and do something to recognize the Junior anglers whether it be a plaque, trophy, or something, because we are the future of the sport.