Jay Novacek

Jay Novacek is a 5-time Pro Bowler and former tight end for the St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys. He assisted the Cowboys in three Super Bowl wins in four seasons. Jay is also an avid fisherman who says he enjoys that fishing more than football. As part of a promotion with the Texas Fishing Forum we had anglers submit questions for Jay. Here are the answers to those questions:

1. Do your fishing style and football strategy have anything in common? - Aaron from Fishville, AZ

There is a lot in common between the two when it comes to patience and a lot of people don't realize running routes and the way you set people up, blocking, etc you have to be patient and very diligent. I remember a lot of times when you out fishing, you have to be patient and diligent because you never know how long you might go without a bite.

2. How many days a year do you fish and what do you prefer to fish for? - Stan Browning from Mesquite, TX

Lately I haven't fished that much...in the past I've fished about 60-70 days a year. My love going after Peacock Bass.

3. Which former teammate was a really good fisherman that you wouldn't mind taking out on the boat at anytime? - Lyle Jones from Keller, TX

Kevin Gogan...He's just a great guy to be out on the boat with. Not necessarily the greatest fisherman, but there no one else I'd rather be out on the lake with.

4. The Bassmaster Classic for a bass fisherman is comparable to the Super Bowl for a football player. Given the opportunity, would you trade a Super Bowl victory for a Bassmaster Classic Championship? - Tritonman from Southlake, TX

I lived with Greg Hines who one year I believe won the Bassmaster Classic. I enjoy fishing too much to make it a job, so I would have to say I would want the Super Bowl victory.

5. Jay. With all the new side imaging sonar units, gps, chart plotters, underwater cameras that is on the market today. Do you see the fishing tournaments regulating the electronics usage during a tournament somewhat like what they use to do with the max hp rating? - Mike Halfmann from San Marcos, TX

You would like to see some regulation. One of the greatest things about fishing is there is more new equipment on the market every year more so than any other sport. The other thing is the professionals need that sponsorship money as well so, I don't think they will ever outlaw it or regulate it too harshly. That just takes money out of the pockets of the fisherman.

6. What is your favorite freshwater species to fish for and why? - Matt Lee from North Richland Hills, TX

Peacock Bass...the main reason is that that species tends to come up and knock away the lures and hooks to mark their territory. They can give you a fun show.

7. Should professional anglers be tested for performance enhancing substances? - Tory Cunningham from Winnsboro, TX

I don't think so. Obviously PED's are extremely prevalent in sports today, but I can't really see how those type of substances could really give one angler an advantage over the other, other than being strong enough to easily lift a big catch, but the art of fishing can't be tainted by performance enhancing drugs.

8. Would you rather catch a world record bass or be the MVP on the Super Bowl winning team? - Dennis Weaver from Seguin, TX

Super Bowl MVP...I can't imagine a greater feeling.

9. Which do you enjoy more - going fishing or playing football, and why? - J.P. Greeson from Grapevine, TX

I enjoy fishing more. I can't complain at all about my football career, but it was a job. Fishing was never and will never be a job, just a great way to spend the day.

10. Jay i remember your playing days for the Dallas cowboys as a young boy. I also remember when my dad brought me home an autographed Ducks Unlimited knife from you to me. Which leads me into my question, how did you get so involved in Waterfowl conservation especially with DU? - Dex Deaton from Denton, TX

That was the first big organization for conservation. I've been hunting and fishing my whole life. its important to make sure those same environments are there for future generations to use and enjoy the way I have been able to. That is why I got involved, and will continue to be involved.

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