There are 2 things I absolutely cannot fish without: El Grande Lures and Rage Tail soft plastics. Everyone knows that Rage Tail soft plastics are some of the most innovative designs available and that they just plain catch bigger and better fish! So I thought we'd talk to the man behind the designs - The creator and designer of Rage Tail products - Mr. RageTail Steve Parks!

1. Have you fished in Pa before? If so, where?
I have never fished Pa but have several friends that live in the area who fish many of the lakes, rivers and small bodies of water regularly. From what I understand, the fishing is terrific and there are a large variety of species to target. Hope to have an opportunity to fish there in the near future.

2. What’s your favorite body of water in Pa?
Susquehanna and Delaware River systems seem to be very popular and most likely where I would start. I enjoy the Smallmouth challenge!

3. What’s your favorite time of year to fish in Pa?
Spring and Fall would be my preference as it seems that many of the larger fish are caught during those times.

4. Are there any differences to fishing in Pa vs. other parts of the country?
I'm sure that there are many similarities to the Pa rivers and lakes to all others around the country, but as with most fishing situations, details can change from one area to the next. There in lies the fun of fishing - figuring out the bite.

5. What is your favorite species to target in PA?
For me it would be Smallies and Largemouth

6. When the fish just aren't biting, what lure or presentation do you use to get bites?
I am a soft plastics enthusiast, so tough bites tell me to slow down and often downsize. Go deeper and much tighter to cover. Lightweight C rigging with an Eeliminator or Smokin’ Rooster is always a "go to" method for me. Also, flipping the thickest fish holding cover with smaller jigs or soft plastics is a confidence presentation for me during a slow bite situation.
 
7. How do you stay focused when what was working is now not?
In most cases, I think that if the fish were actively feeding on one particular bait presentation and suddenly shutdown, a slight change in depth, structure type, size of bait and speed of movement will get you back in the game. To pattern the bite is important, but to change with the fish's preference throughout the day is the key to having a truly productive day of fishing.
 
8. What’s your most memorable moment in fishing?
There are many, but each of them were back in the early 60's and 70's when I fished with my Father... he was my teacher!  
 
9. Who got your started in fishing or How did you start fishing?
Answered above.
 
10. Any odd techniques or things you do to prepare for a tournament or a day out on the water?
My confidence is in my preparation and in every part of my world. I enjoy these types of questions because it gives an opportunity to share a phrase that I coined several years ago..."Prepare to be Lucky".  I know that if my planning is good and I am prepared to the max, then I can meet the majority of challenges that arise as well as be able to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself. Thus the saying "Luck is where preparation and opportunity meets".

11. Any odd techniques you use while fishing? (Strange rigging or using a bait differently).
I live in Texas and there are a variety of water types here that give me a variety of needs for change. During the mid 70's while fishing lakes with heavy concentrations of deep grass and Big Bass, I saw the need for a weighted hook presentation on a big worm that would allow a slow horizontal fall, yet with a slithering tail trailing above and behind. This was accomplished by pinching a splitshot on the belly of the hook creating something like today’s swimbait hooks. The advantage of this set up allows the worm to settle on top of the grass maintaining a basic horizontal profile. When the rod tip is lifted slightly, the head of the bait lifts easily and doesn't have a nose weight to pull up and through the grass, which can cause fouling as well as a poor bait presentation. Fishing a worm in the grass that is loaded up and hidden with stems of torn grass on the head doesn't get bit very often.  I use this exact presentation with all of my soft plastics with great results. It is slow, but deadly on big fish. I have never fished a senko style bait, but this set up will give the same slow horizontal fall, yet I get more action and more bait profiles to choose from. If you have an opportunity to review our Rage Tail Monster Bass videos, you will notice some with the (Moaner Brand) Weighted hook in their mouths. 

12. You can only take 1 rod and reel with you on the boat. What set up do you choose?
7'4" or longer, Med Heavy Falcon Cara series rod with a KVD 6.6 to 7.1 gear reel. Gamma Fluoro 25# for clear water and Braid for anything else.

13. What’s your favorite lure/technique for fishing a heatwave?
C rig Eeliminator or Smokin’ Rooster on steep drop points and/or Anaconda or Thumper worm on deep timber ledges and/or flipping the Rage Lobster in deep timber along River channel bends.

14. What’s your favorite lure/technique for fishing a cold snap / mid winter?
Dragging or flipping HackAttack Jig and Lobster Trailer or C rigging an Eeliminator. 

15. What are a few lures/techniques you have in your “Panic Box”?
I will change colors, profiles, speed of fall, types of presentation and structure type until I find the bite again... No need to panic, only a need to change and stay focused.
 
16. Besides Bass, what are some other species you fish for?
Stripers, South America Peacocks, fresh water Salmon and Trout, and on Salt water flats - Red Fish, Speckled Trout, etc.

17. Anything you would like to accomplish in the coming years?
Along with designing more soft plastic Rage Tail Products, move into designing other types of fishing lures and products as well.

18. Anything you would change about your career at this point?
Not really, I am blessed with the opportunity to do what I love more than anything else... Designing fishing products that create their own life like action, which makes fishing easier for those who might not have as much knowledge and experience as others.
 
19. Any non-fishing items that MUST be with you while fishing (something for luck, memories, etc...)?
The three P's...Preparation, Passion and Persistence = Confidence

20. Who are some anglers that you admire or inspire you?
Anyone who enjoys any fishing experience for no other reason than, "Because they FISHED"

21. Any fishing superstitions? (Keep the banana’s off the boat?)
Yes and it haunts me regularly and has proven true too many times... If I go for the small fries, the Big Girls don't like me, BUT If I go for the Big Girls.....

We would like to thank Steve for taking the time to do '10 Questions With...'. Check out Steve's awesome designs at http://www.ragetail.com and http://www.strikeking.com. Also, join the Rage Talk forums at http://www.ragetalk.com