Pickett County Bobcats fisherman Rex Reagan is utilizing a high-mobility strategy focused on maximizing time on the water and scouting extensive areas of the lake to improve tournament performance.
Reagan said the ability to fish independently has significantly changed his approach to the sport since he began competing in the fifth grade. Reagan said having the freedom to access boat ramps whenever he chooses allows for the consistent practice necessary to compete at a high level.
“Time on the water’s by far what’s made us better as a team and what makes you a better fisherman no matter who you are,” Reagan said. “You ain’t gonna beat somebody fishin’ two weeks and you get one day of practice in a tournament.”
Reagan said his preparation for a competition involves a high-energy approach to scouting that often requires using a full tank of fuel. Reagan said he prioritizes covering as much distance as possible to identify which specific sections of a lake are producing the most fish.
“I look at as much water as I can, try to get the best feel around the lake, you know, what area’s playing the best, you know, ’cause somewhere on the lake, one area is gonna be better than another on the lake,” Reagan said. “So I just try to burn as much gas as I can and find the most productive area.”
Reagan said that while he has learned traditional techniques from experienced anglers, he has spent years teaching himself how to use modern technology. Reagan said he specifically worked to master live scope on his own through dedicated time on the water.
“I’ve learned, I mean, by live scope, I’ve learned all I’ve learned by myself,” Reagan said. “I mean, I just spent time and I’ve been doing it for years and I’ve worked really hard to do it.”
Reagan said the unpredictability of fish behavior makes high school fishing one of the most difficult sports to master. Reagan said that while clear, sunny days with bluebird skies are typically considered the toughest conditions, fish often defy standard expectations regardless of the weather.
“Ah, it’s not as easy as everybody makes it out to be,” Reagan said. “I mean, in my opinion, between all the sports out there, it’s the hardest sport there is because you’re fighting against yourself versus the fish.”
Reagan said his long-term goals include traveling to Texas to test his skills against the state’s famous bass population. Reagan said the opportunity to catch a 10-pound fish on any given day makes that region his top choice for a dream fishing location.
“Anywhere in Texas, they got, I mean, they got some giant bass in there,” Reagan said. “I’ve been down there a couple times and it’s got ’em, got some big old fish no matter what lake you go.”