Ike - Opinion update 2024

guest reply :

It's been awhile since we had a post about Mike Ike.

I always kind of liked him, even though I thought some of his antics were a bit much.

but I gotta tell ya, after he got into all that trouble about kicking down the boat pole with the American Flag on it, he has really shown "true grit"

I admired the sincerety of his apology. I never believed he meant any disrespect to the flag. It was a tantrum, no more, no less. BUT.............

After all of that controversy he did what only a truely great bass fisherman could have done. He shut his mouth, swallowed his pride, and quietly won Angler of the year.

I give him a

What about you?

norm2525 reply :

I have never been a big fan of him but I do give him props for the way that he handled last year. He ended up buckling down and turning it into a positive. I like him a lot more when he is low key.

logger reply :

Quote
I have never been a big fan of him but I do give him props for the way that he handled last year. He ended up buckling down and turning it into a positive. I like him a lot more when he is low key.

Couldn't have said it better Norm. I respect him, but less of his antics is better as far as I'm concerned.

flyphisher # reply :

Awesome angler, but annoys me. The yelling over 15" fish has gotten old. I dont care how much money is on the line. He can fish(understatement), but he is still a TOOL in my opinion. that is all. I dont think we have seen his last meltdown either,He is just having a good run.

Brian_Reeves reply :

I don't know how many times I've heard and repeated the following: "Ike is the Happy Gilmore of Fishing." His attitude, background, and colorful personality is much more appealing to a larger crowd of spectators, anglers, and apparently sponsors. He does a ton of work off the water to help bring up ideas of change that may help the sport and does his best to be an active part of the fan's BASS experience. He has his temper tantrums...which all anglers do. Some have thrown rods in the water and some have threatened to board another's boat for a brawl over a half acre of water. It just so happens that Ike's 'antics' are focused on because he is not liked by many traditionalists in the sport and his antics are generally unique, one of a kind, and a really...out of line. I think it is mostly the traditionalists and old timers that bring it up. God forbid a New Jersey break dancer with tatoos get Angler of the Year and Bassmaster Champ. Too late

Ike is one of my favorite pros because he is loud, outspoken, dedicated and passionate about the sport. He loves his job and loves his fans. He makes sure all the kids that want his autograph get it and he does his best to help Federation and weekend anglers improve their skills. Without the -few- incidents that he's had over the span of his carreer, he's exactly what is needed in the sport to help it grow. And now that he has his personal stuff straightened out, I expect a better year from him than last year. IMHO, he's one of the best in the league.

roadwarrior reply :

I'm still casting a "NO" vote, but I'm not going to dwell on it.

I would rather stay positive and focus on the guys I like. Most of them don't fish tournaments anymore.

Deuceu72 reply :

I think Ike has a wealth of fishing knowledge and is one of the better fisherman on the tour. With that being said, I dont care for his antics either, but you can never deny what an incredible fisherman he is. My guess is that he will grow out of those kind of actions in the future. Besides, who can breakdance when their in their mid 30's to 40's anyway! ;D ;D ;D

senile1 reply :

Ain't Texan said:

Quote
It just so happens that Ike's 'antics' are focused on because he is not liked by many traditionalists in the sport and his antics are generally unique, one of a kind, and a really...out of line. I think it is mostly the traditionalists and old timers that bring it up.

I don't hate Ike. I honestly don't care one way or the other because it is doubtful I'll ever truly know him as a human being. Why waste a lot of time on bashing or defending someone that I don't really know? I attended a seminar by him this winter and he had an excellent presentation and does make himself available to the public. He seems like a decent fellow and is, obviously, a great bass fisherman.

Having said that I don't necessarily agree that it is just the traditionalists who have had trouble with him. There are a number of people who see Ike's past antics as obnoxious, loud attention-seeking and they just don't like people who are like that. Each to his own.

bighed reply :

I like the guy. Need more John Force personalities in bass fishing today.

NEBassMan reply :

I like him a lot! He's definitely one of my favorite anglers. Sure he has his bad times, as we all do, but i agree sometimes he takes it too far. I don't mind the yelling about every fish, cause i do the same! 8-) He's excited, as a guy should be. He's making a living having fun.

Jason

Hawgin reply :

I think the guy just might be a borderline genius. Why do I say that? Well, I think this entire discussion proves it. How many "Hey what you guys think of...Tim Horton, Kelly Jordan, Skeet Reese, Steve Kennedy, blah, blah, blah" discussions do you ever see pop up? Almost none. Ike discussions come up every other month or so. Also, because of his antics he gets more tv face time than any other angler which means he gets his sponsors more face time. Seriously just take a second and think about how many of his sponsors pop into your head, and then try to think of a couple of other anglers and see how many of their sponsors you can come up with. My wife knows nothing about fishing and she knows who Ike is. My dad fishes a lot, but doesn't care one bit about tournaments, and he called me a few months ago to tell me that Ike was coming to KC for a seminar and to see if I wanted to go with him. GQ named him one of the most hated athletes. How many GQ editors do you think have ever picked up a bass rod? I've met the guy away from the water, and he seems like a genuinely nice guy. Maybe he really does get emotional when he fishes, but maybe a lot of it is just him playing up the "bad boy" character because it gets him a lot money, and opportunities that may not otherwise be there for him.

MALTESE FALCON reply :

I think he is a monumentally talented fisherman, but he is still an obnoxious buffoon.

Falcon

.ghoti. reply :

Who?

All I've got to say

Dan: reply :

There's something strange about him. ONe time I remember he caught a fish, then gave a slight hoot, then looked back at the cameraman as if to check if he was recording and then went back to getting his fish measured while all of a sudden going totally bananas. It seemed very staged to me. And it wasn't a big fish, it was small. Sometimes I think his antics generate talk about fishing and that some of them are manufactured for that purpose. Of course, I don't know this for sure, it just seems strange.

senile1 reply :

Quote
There's something strange about him. ONe time I remember he caught a fish, then gave a slight hoot, then looked back at the cameraman as if to check if he was recording and then went back to getting his fish measured while all of a sudden going totally bananas. It seemed very staged to me. And it wasn't a big fish, it was small. Sometimes I think his antics generate talk about fishing and that some of them are manufactured for that purpose. Of course, I don't know this for sure, it just seems strange.

I have no problems with screaming in excitement about catching a fish when it is genuine. I do think that checking for a camera, and then doing it, is an attempt to gain attention. Looking at this from a money-making perspective, maybe it is genius. Looking at it from a character perspective, it's not genuine. What does Ike value the most, his money or his character? :-?

SPEEDBEAD. reply :

As for Ike, great fisherman.....not too sure about the antics. If he keeps them in check (for the most part), I think he may grow on me...

Wayne

New Bass Man reply :

Ike is a crowd favorite--no doubt about it. I'm a thumbs up Ike guy myself. I really dislike the antics, i.e., hollering, etc. But I find other anglers trying to "go Ike". Others holler too when they catch fish.

He's a good dude in my opinion.

bassmaster8100 reply :

Personally I love this guy, he can throw some unnecessary fits but I dont know anyone who hasnt. Camera just wasnt on most when it happened. Two best angler on tour in my opinion are well #1 has to be KVD and #2 is definitely IKE. I love to watch em both go to work, they are awesome.

KYbass1276 reply :

I like him always have, Everyone has good and bad times and some don't handle the bad in ways we think are apropriate but thats life everyone is different. We all make mistakes and do some stupid things at some point and time. Some learn some don't Ike is human just like us. I think that the light pole incident put things in perspective for Ike. Sometimes you have to hit bottom before you can begin to climb back up and Ike done a great job of climbing back up

abelfisher reply :

I like him. He adds excitement to the sport. He gives us all something to talk about. How boring would the sport be if all were quiet and no personality. We all make mistakes. Most of us work to make it up. Ike is human just like us. Give the guy a break. 8-)

cart7t reply :

If I got so excited at catching a 15" bass that I was spinning around on my head on the front deck of my boat, I could fully expect to see a couple guys in white coats with a very special jacket waiting for me when I got back to the boat ramp.

That said, I think the guy is an extremely talented fishermen who's attempting to bring attention to himself and ultimately the sport by putting on these shows.

Brian_Reeves reply :

Read his book. He pretty much says that.

He is really passionate about the sport and the fits as well as the hooting and hollering is all part of his game because it's part of him. He will look for cameras and spectators to try to put on some sort of special show for them. If he breakdanced when he caught a 2 pounder and there was no cameras around, he might be worried about himself. Yeah, it's all a show, but I think that most of it is genuine excitement. If I could compete for that kind of money, I'd be stoked too. You never know what the other guys have until the weigh in.

guest reply :

It occurs to me after reading all the posts that feelings toward Ike have changed quite a bit.

There was a time not too long ago where the mention of his name would arouse alot of members to post paragraghs of condemnation. He really broght out the passion in the Bass fishing community.

Now the responses are sort of bland.

My, how times change.

Tpayneful reply :

I went to two seminars that Ike taught and Bassarama this year. Later in the day I asked him for some advice on fishing my lake. He got out a pen and wrote down his breakdown on my map. I really apprecieated the fact that he took time to help me out. I found him to be really nice and helpful.

Dan Pitre reply :

I actully like Mike, he's one of the reasons why I really got into this sport. To see another young guy form NJ who's very enthusiastic (Even if it's to much sometimes) really helps to open up a sport to some people in the inner city who may think that fishing is just for boring old people (No offense to the old gentalman here).

bipr8 reply :

I hear it over and over again "so he has a tantrum on the water, like you havent?". Well NO, I have NEVER had a "tantrum" on the water, EVER. I have been disappointed and cursed to myself or my partner, but NEVER have I had a tantrum. I have never SEEN anyone have a tantrum either except for IKE. Guys I fish with say they have had "tantrums", and good thing I have never seen them, b.c. I would tell them to knock that ***** off. By the way, I like Ike. His "tantrums" do make me shake my head though. But a d**n nice guy.

bassmaster8100 reply :

If you wanna see somebody throw a tantrum , just come fishing with me. Never done it in front of anybody or during a tournament but Ive had some bad days of fishing and yes I am guilty of coming unglued. I can recall a bad of fishing , where I wasnt getting any bites and finally a bite and I missed the hook set, frustration led to me snapping my rod across my knee and throwing it across the lake. I was in some back waters off of the river so no one see. But I did show I disagree. Not proud of it but Im human and so is IKE.

Brian_Reeves reply :

I've tossed, broke, beat, and snapped rods and nets when losing a fish that could either put me in the money, win the tournament, or break my own PB. I've tossed top-dawg jr's at people that were trying to use their boat to run me out of my speck or redfishing holes...and I've hit a few of them too. Ouch. I've jumped in the water after a fish or a bait and I've gotten so excited that I jumped on the front seat and ended up in the water on accident. I like Ike because he reminds me of me I guess.

Don't forget though. KVD threw a rod in the water on TV as well and then retrieved it with a lipless...but it's KVD...can't knock him for that.

Ky_Lake_Dude reply :

Ike has been my favorite angler since I watched the 2003 classic that he won.

WhiteMike1018 reply :

I honestly wish everyone would stop obsessing over him.

Everyone is different. You learn that in kindergarden.

He has made some mistakes in the past, so what? Havent we all?

PLus he was young, he is a lot ore mature now and dosent need to prove himself to anyone.

He has already had great success, and everyone knows he can fish.

I really dont understand why people make threads concerning him and how people feel toward him.

Why not Greg Hackney? Geraold Swindle? Skeet Reese?

No disrespect to Avid or anyone. But why Ike?

This just shows how good he markets himself and publicises himself.

jdw174 reply :

Ike is one of the reasons that I thank Heaven I have TIVO. Every time I see his face come on screen I hit the "skip" button. That said, I don't dispute the fact that the guy can fish. He may be the greatest thing with kids since Chuckie Cheese. I've even watched fishing shows where he was featured in a "teaching" mode and found it to be very informative. What I CAN'T stand is the act he puts on in a tx. However, I'm sure he laughs all the way to the bank..........

Rattlinrogue reply :

I've always thought he was a great bassman,but his antics can be a bit much at times.He really seemed to mature alot this past season.Love him or hate him,the way he buckled down and went to work to win AOY is impressive.

Sam reply :

Ike is a great guy and a fantastic ambassador for bass fishing.

So he had a temper tantrum and kicked the flag in the water. Big deal in today's society with what is going on, potically.

I went balistic this weekend when I lost a bass in my tournament. I even said a few nasty words.

And the money on-the-line in our club tournaments do not come close to the money paid in the Classic.

So we all get frustrated and handle the situations in different methods.

What Ike did out of passion and the love of the sport is better than the Mexicans burning our flag at their rallies; what Sharpton and Jackson do to our country; and that horrible rap music disrespecting our beautiful country and individuals.

Ike is the best and I love attending his seminars; reading his fishing tips; and watching his DVDs.

Now, you guys DO NOT BUY IKE'S DVDs. There is too much good information in them to make you a better fisherman and I don't want the competition. And neither do the bass and the PETA people.

Now sit down at a beautiful wood table and eat a cow.

flyphisher # reply :

Keep in mind,Ike's boat dancing, tantrums,seizures of joy, annoy me alot....but he is one of the best teachers, anglers out there and probably one of the easiest pro's with his success some of us can relate with....

but Think about this.......

If you were paying Ike(for example) for sponsorship and paying his entry/travel fees, etc....would you want him getting DQed for throwing tantrums during the biggest tournament of the year....although drawing attention, its bad attention really and has been pointed out by mainstream media and ridiculed...makes the rest of tourney guys look bad to those that dont know any better.Its Immature and unproffessional.do you do that in your office???????

2nd, does he ever do good in an even that he comes unglued in.....NO.....Should be a lesson to some ....Neither do the rest of us.... never even in your dreams.....A fish getting off can ruin your day if you let it, sometimes even if you dont let it get to you......These tantrums you guys are talking about might make you feel better for a second.(plus you guys are making it sound like normal behavior to the young members of the forum)...you get back to fishing after a blowup and you are out of the zone that got you bit to begin with, plus you are messing up your partners mindset..everyone loses.... Its disrespectful to yourself, your partners, and the people around you to draw that kind of attention to yourself. Spooking the fish you are trying to catch.... and making bassfishermen as a whole look bad.It immature, and unnessary....Doesnt help us as a minority any, with so many enemies(peta,non-anglers) looking for any ammo they can get againest hunting/fishing.....

Look at any other sport and there are so many examples of athletes letting their temper/emotions get the best of them.....It doesnt work and if it doesnt ruin their career, it hinders it. Opponents will use it to their advantage every chance they get....

If you really got to act like a spoiled chimp that lost his fav. toy, save your money and pride and do it in your backyard when your children are not watching..... ;D

flyphisher # reply :

Guys that were at Guntersville tournament said Ike had another tantrum and it ended in him breaking the window out of his toyota truck he pulls his boat with : What a mature role model.....HA....

For those that watched the BASS elite series Guntersville event, Jason Quinn made a remark about being all over the fish like Ike on a toyota truck... ;D Mark Zona also made a vague reference about it.

guest reply :

Quote
I really dont understand why people make threads concerning him and how people feel toward him.
Why not Greg Hackney? Geraold Swindle? Skeet Reese?

I don't know. Why did you post on this thread instead of starting one on Skeet or Hack?

nra4life reply :

ive always been a fan of the older guys(roland, nixon, grigsby, denny b, douthit...) but i think that Ike is good for fishing just like Ali was good for Boxing

Cigarlover 1 reply :

I really like him. He's a young guy who loves the sport, looks out for the future of the sport and does what he can to get kids involved. He's just one of those go, go, go type people. Sure he's gonna be more animated than others and sure he does some of it on purpose but if that's how he makes his money then more power to him, I think his hearts in the right place.

jb_adams reply :

The first time I saw him on TV I thought, "who in the WORLD is this guy?"

After several years, he's grown on me a bit. It's all part of being able to syke out the other guy. Just think of how many bites have been missed from all the anglers watching him dance for a 2lb fish.

He's not my favorite but I do have to give the guy respect. He's not the best angler but he is a good one.

Bass XL reply :

mike is one of my favorite things to come to bass fishing. He is an awesome guy who really knows/loves to fish.....i really could write a lot more, but i'm gonna end it with this:

What I dont like, and i may get bashed for this, is swindle...i think he saw how populair ike got by acting how he does, and thought he'd give it a try...to me, he's just tryin to hard to be like ike.

Shad_Master reply :

You may be right about G wanting to "be like Ike", but I have always enjoyed him on his own for a long time. Skeet is another one that has jazzed things up since Ike came on the scene and even those guys who have made negative comments about him on the trail are doing so because they are watching him. Not everybody has the same personality and that makes it interesting and not boring.

MattStrykul reply :

Quote
mike is one of my favorite things to come to bass fishing. He is an awesome guy who really knows/loves to fish.....i really could write a lot more, but i'm gonna end it with this:
What I dont like, and i may get bashed for this, is swindle...i think he saw how populair ike got by acting how he does, and thought he'd give it a try...to me, he's just tryin to hard to be like ike.

I kind of agree with you on this BASS xl, Swindle has been getting a little more worked up than he used too. :-X

prorope reply :

I don't believe I've been on a form yet where this subject has'nt been a topic.

Personally at 50 yrs old I don't like the WWE antics and as for his abilities, I really don't know how we made it 30 yrs without Ike.

Catch fish yes! Is he the only guy who can? NO!

But for all you who believe that abnormal behavior can be made normal just because it excites you, I hope your young fisherman/children don't embaress you in front of a camera.

Some sports are not expected to be battle grounds.

At best Ike acts as an uncontrolable crazy person.

At worse he is! And you applaud him for it?

Not me, and when I see him on TV I use the remote.

Here's Ike. A small snap shot.

Have bass die(rip a light pole out of it's sockit.

Light pole has a flag on it( Stomp it.

Catch a 15" fish(do a spin for the camera.

Catch a small fish( scream and head butt the camera.

Any of the above(use the f-word multiple times as well many others that didn't need to be said.

Man now that's fishing!

jaskoh reply :

I just got done reading his book "Fishing On The Edge" yesterday. I am a younger angler (24 in a month) and I found the book very entertaining. In my oppinion he is 75% being himself on the water 25% trying to get attention to promote himself/fishing (in his own weird way). He feels that if pro anglers showed a little bit more character on the water/interviews it would help get other big companies into the industry like Nike. What I can respect about Mike is that he just doesn't care about other people's opinions. But if he honestly felt that his behavior was hurting the sport he would stop immediatly.

I personally like the guy for being himself and just brushing off the comments or looks he gets from people who don't like him. He doesn't really care that people dislike him and he doesn't even get offended that much by it. I wouldn't do 99% of the things he does on the water but I also have no problem with what he does (as long as it doesn't affect other anglers in a bad way).

If you don't hate the guy already or atleast have an open mind about him I recommend the book. You will not learn anything about fishing but you will learn a little about the life of a pro angler through the eyes of Ike.

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Ike - Opinion update 2024

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