While not everyone fishes tournaments, most of us are not out there just to see the sunrise or watch the clouds blow by. As bass fishermen, we want results, whether we’re fishing for a few hours or campaigning for a week.
But to what extremes are we willing to go? I’d like to think that you can raise your game by working on just three things. Yes, it may mean some sacrifices in the short term, but just like a good weight-loss program, you will begin to see a difference in just a few weeks! Really, if you’re not satisfied with how you’re doing, maybe there is something here worth looking at.
1. FIND WHAT’S NEW in the old.
If you fish the same lakes on a regular basis, you’ve probably got yourself into a pattern like, “run to the north end and throw topwater, crank the walls as the sun gets higher, move out to the points as the sun gets overhead.” No argument, but also, no expansion in your game.
What if you started your fishing day at 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. or you started at the south end first? You may fish fewer hours, but you’ll get a new perspective on your familiar waters. Maybe you’ll find shadows in a new part of the lake providing a a different timing for use of topwater or target fishing that you never fished before. The old lake will seem new, and in fact, may open doors when you do fish “new water.”
2. BE WILLING TO EXPERIMENT.
Sean Bailey of Lake Havasu City has talked about this, but sometimes we try to compare our limited amount of fishing time with a pro who’s on the water 200 to 300 days a year. You don’t necessarily need a makeover, you just want to try some reasonable options.
If you like to throw Sworming Hornets, maybe you also try lipless cranks or tailspins in the same situations. Find out if water clarity, fish activity, or a different vibration pattern has an effect on the fish. Don’t talk yourself out of something until you’ve given it a fair try and you’re sure the fish won’t respond. And then, even if they don’t bite one of your options after a few outings, you’ve still learned/confirmed some things.
3. TRUST IN YOUR STUFF.
Pitcher lingo if you’re a baseball fan, but the point here is, if you uncover (I won’t say stumble on, if you were actually seeking) something, go with it. It was way back in the 1980′s that I learned a great lesson while fishing with San Diego’s Greg Gardner. I told him, “They don’t hit a jig along here” or words to that effect. He commenced to bury me with that bait.
I have no advice for anyone now, except that if you think you have something that will work, go with it. It doesn’t matter if every other guy on the pond is using something else, the only thing that matters is what you are committed to. One little warning: If your partner starts to put it on you doing things his way, don’t be stubborn. Take his lead, switch and find his rhythm. Make his stuff your stuff.
4 Responses to “Maybe try these: 3 keys to raising your game”
Great advice. One of my goals at the beginning of this year was to try some new baits and new waters. I’ve learned a lot along the way and even have some new favorites. The tough part is sticking with something new when it isn’t producing. I’ve had days when I’ve left with nothing with that strategy, but I’ve also had it pay off in spades.
I say, follow your instinct. But, as you point out, don’t let it make you stubborn.
Jack: That would be a Sworming Hornets’ nest… 
or Bass Pro Shops.
#1 is a killer. When my “milk run” is dry “it must be tough,” right? Not always so – it is so easy to overlook the obvious and difficult to make the adjustments.
Where can I get me one of those Sworming Hornets?