"What's Buzzing Around SCAD Athletics" is a 12 week series that will feature interviews with the head coaches of all of SCAD's 22 sports.

Isaac Payne was hired in August as the school's first head men's and women's fishing coach.  Payne was the founder and president of the SCAD fishing club while he was a student here at SCAD. 

Q: What are your expectations for the program?

I see the fishing program growing to be one of the most competitive programs in the country both on and off the water over the next five years. My first priority is to identify and recruit talented artist-athletes that will be great additions to our team. I am looking to provide our artist-athletes with great leadership to help them excel here at SCAD.

In keeping with my goals to make this program competitive both academically and athletically, I plan to encourage collaboration between our anglers to take advantage of the variety of different majors that comprise the team so that my artist-athletes can bring what they learn in the classroom to the water.  With this atmosphere of collaboration paired with the unlimited resources here at SCAD I envision a program full of sophistication and innovative artist-athletes. 

Q: What are the differences between the fishing club and fishing as a varsity sport?

One of the main differences is that as a varsity sport we will practice daily combining on and off the water tournament style fishing techniques. In addition to practice, we will also work on strength training and cross fit to help with endurance during competitions. The training will provide the anglers with better accuracy to help them perform at their highest levels at all times. Another difference between being a varsity sport and a club sport is that as a varsity sport we will utilize the classroom settings to analyze video, discuss material, learn and stay current as a team with the latest techniques and advancements in the sport. This will help us apply our skills in different conditions, allow us to make quick adjustments, and make the right decision no matter how the day may be going during a tournament or event.

Q: What type of fishing will the team be doing?

The majority of the fishing that we will be doing is tournament style fishing for smallmouth, spotted, and largemouth bass. These tournaments will take place all around the country at different destinations. Each region across the country has different bodies of waters that differ in the water clarity, depth, vegetation, species, and strands of fish. Most of the regions have popular fisheries ranging from canals, streams, creeks, oxbows, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Q: How long have you've been fishing?

I started fishing when I was five years old catching catfish, carp, and panfish. I remember going out either early in the mornings or in the evenings with my dad on the banks catching fish using chicken livers, chicken gizzards, meal worms, wax worms, pink worms, red wigglers, night crawlers and bolani, which was my favorite because I caught my first fish using it. When I was 11 years old, I got tired of using live bait because it was pretty messy and I learned about bass fishing by watching Bill Dance Outdoors. In my best judgement bass fishing required a lot more skill and knowledge to get better compared to live bait fishing because the anglers are less involved in the process of catching fish. I preferred the challenge of bass fishing and being able to actively catch fish because it was more rewarding rather than waiting for the live bait to do its job. At a young age I set a goal to try to master different styles of bass fishing and the mental and physical energy to be successful. I will never forget when I started to use artificial lures to catch fish because it had me and I've been hooked ever since.

Q: How has being a student here influenced your coaching style?

Being a student at SCAD was a great part of my life because I got to learn from one of the top art and design school in the world. I was able to learn about the different types of majors offered and how they can collaborate on projects. It also gave me a deeper understanding of what to look for when recruiting artist-athletes and it shows them that I've been in their position and can relate to what they're doing. My goal is to create a perfect balance with our program so it will allow the team to have success on and off the water.

Q: I heard you made your own lures, how did that come about?

I got tired of buying the same lures from the same places and I wanted to try something new. Being at SCAD allowed me the opportunity to take my ideas of what I wanted to create and bring it to life. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to make something and use it myself, especially in tournaments. One of my most rewarding feelings was the first time I saw a fish take the bait that I designed and created. Being able to make my own lures has helped me to communicate with different companies throughout the fishing industry, whether it is for business or one of my sponsors.

Q: What kind of sponsorships and fishing events have you participated in?

As the founder and president of the SCAD fishing club I competed in local, regional, and national events while in college. Competing in B.A.S.S and FLW College fishing tournaments were definitely the best because everyone competing wanted to make it to the next level in their fishing careers. In addition to those events, I also participated in trade shows such as ICAST that allowed me the opportunity to work with sponsors and communicate with other manufactures. It also gave me a chance to see what's new and what to expect from the industry in the future.

Q: You served in the Marines and I've heard you're actively giving back to other veterans, can you tell us about that?

I have participated in several Take a Solider Fishing and Wounded Warrior events over the past few years. It is always special for me to give back to all military, active, reserve and veterans in any way that I can. I was deployed in 2009, after making it home getting back on the water was healing for me. It allowed me to absorb the power of nature, the calmness of the water, and to immerse myself in the passion and love I have for fishing. Being in the military and a Marine combat veteran I am obligated to give back and help others in any way that I can.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy designing lures and spending time with my wife, family and dog, Ricky Bobby. I also enjoy exploring Savannah and working on my boat.