Are You Really Trying To Get Better?

[Teal]

Every time I go out ( which wasn't much this summer and fall), I make a real attempt at getting better at this awesome craft. Wheather its roll casting into a quieter entry, skipping, perfecting and trying different or my weaker techniques, or just making logical attempts to pattern fish or using my electronics better, I always go out with the mindset to work on being a better fisherman.

What are some of the things that some of you actively concentrate on or things you have done both on and off the water to get better as a bass fisherman?

And do you go with this mind set ?

I'm eager to to hear what some of u do

[Darren.]

Read up on stuff, test stuff out.

 

But I always end up falling back to things that work for me in general.

 

When I try something "new", I'll try to use that lure/method only during an outing...

 

My mindset is always to get better at what I do, although sometimes frustration sets in and things go south until I can get my head straight.

 

Just an honest 2 cents.

[A-Jay]

My Logistical skills have improved.

 

Over the past couple of seasons, I'm much better at moving my rickety old carcass to where the Bigger Bass live.

 

A-Jay

[tomustang]

I do just fine. What I try is different lakes or rivers and try to get good results

[michael68w]

The last two seasons I've tried two new methods for when I fish for smallmouth and now I absolutely swear by them. I used both methods with some degree of success before but I never really focused on them until recently now both tube dragging and football jigging are my main methods. On the flip side I've fished senko style baits many times and while I do catch some fish I'm not blown away by it performance I'd say it catches as good as anything else (I know MANY people will say other wise lol) in the end the conditions play more a factor not only in the bait style but presentation as well I'm sure as I continue to try senkos and my confidence in the bait goes up the fish will come.

[nascar2428]

When I go to the city park( Which is a converted interstate gravel pit ) that is where I practice a new technique.because I know where the fish should be, which helps in my confidence to throw new baits. Once I catch some fish there using the new technique I will then try it on the bigger lakes that I frequent.

[Darren.]

My Logistical skills have improved.

 

Over the past couple of seasons, I'm much better at moving my rickety old carcass to where the Bigger Bass live.

 

A-Jay

 

Yeah, that would be Lake Baccarac, Mexico.... 

[A-Jay]

Yeah, that would be Lake Baccarac, Mexico.... 

 

And Lake Erie, USA.

 

A-Jay

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I practice casting in the backyard pretty often. From small bitsy minnow with baitcaster to landing spro frog on a frisbee.

[Loop_Dad]

Every time I go out ( which wasn't much this summer and fall), I make a real attempt at getting better at this awesome craft. Wheather its roll casting into a quieter entry, skipping, perfecting and trying different or my weaker techniques, or just making logical attempts to pattern fish or using my electronics better, I always go out with the mindset to work on being a better fisherman.

What are some of the things that some of you actively concentrate on or things you have done both on and off the water to get better as a bass fisherman?

And do you go with this mind set ?

I'm eager to to hear what some of u do

 

I'm like you always tend to try something.

 

But sometimes I realized I am trying too hard. What I do these days on purpose is try hard 1/2 of the time I have that day and go with the flow the other 1/2.

[SirSnookalot]

I'm as good as the body of water I'm on and hopefully the fish are in a good mood.  If they are on I'm catching them, if not I can get skunked like anybody.  What I need is for the fish to get better, lol.

[*Hootie]

I am going to try, to make, encourage, force, talk myself into using those dang 10" worms. Usually about a dozen casts, and I'm back to my 7" power worms. Ya gotta understand guys, I grew up using 6" Creme worms, 6" Manns Jelly worms, and 6" Mister Twister worms. So, to me, jumping to a 7" worm, was a "BIG WORM".

Hootie

[Bluebasser86]

I try to learn new techniques or get better at something every year. Last year I was really working on getting better at deep water fishing, deep cranking specifically. I had pretty decent results, including a 7 1/2 pounder that was my second biggest fish of the year. 

[Deleted account]

 

Are You Really Trying To Get Better?

 

No, I just try to catch some fish, and have a good time.

[Bankbeater]

I still work on my pitching in the backyard, but out on the water I still catch myself casting side arm under tree limbs.

[senile1]

While I try to get better at some techniques every year, I am more into trying to become better at analyzing the water and structure to find the fish.  I think this is an ongoing learning activity in which one can never reach perfection.  I concentrate on getting better every year and it doesn't keep me from having a good time.  As I get better I will catch more and bigger fish which translates to even more fun.  Excluding those special moments when your child, family member, or some other friend is having a special day on the water, fishing is generally more fun when one is catching more and bigger fish. 

[BassinLou]

I make it conscious effort to recognize what I am, and am not in control of while I am fishing. For example, I am in control of the physical mechanics that's involved in fishing. However, the biggest challenge is to control what is between my ears. Controlling my mind, when a fishing day is not going to plan. Accepting the fact that no matter what I do, or what I throw, sometimes fish  flat out refuse to bite sometimes. 

[Felix77]

Over the winter I casually read a lot of stuff about fishing.  I pay particular attention to whatever techniques I am focused on mastering.  Last year was the drop shot and mojo rig.  This year it's the jig.

 

As for when I go out.  If I have a few hours after work I generally hit the bank with a new technique in mind and try my hardest to focus on that one technique to get a feel for it.  On other occasions I also bring my "go-to's" when I am truly just trying to shut my brain off and chill while fishing.

 

To me it's fun to try new things out.  As crazy as this may sound it's not always about catching fish for me.  Just the time away doing something for me is worth it.

[Catt]

Why yea!

Even after 42 yrs on Toledo Bend, when fishing structure (shallow/deep) I'll idle over the area I just caught fish off of scanning for what held the fish. I not only want to know what held the fish but what breakline they were on & where it leads.

[J Francho]

Every spring I have to "knock the rust off" and work on casting accuracy.  After a long winter of infrequent trout fishing trips, I lose my casting skills.  Thankfully, they come back after a few trips.

[*Hootie]

Every spring I have to "knock the rust off" and work on casting accuracy.  After a long winter of infrequent trout fishing trips, I lose my casting skills.  Thankfully, they come back after a few trips.

 

 

Good to hear J Francho. I thought I was the only one with this problem. Just chalked it up to age, but hey, you're a young man.... WHEW!

 

Hootie

[ww2farmer]

Every time I go out. I am confident in myself, but I know there is a whole lot of room for improvement. I learn more from the bad days/slow periods than anything else.

[Fish'N Impossible]

I spend alot of time doing research on diffrent techniques, looking back at things that went wrong, and possible remedies. Review fishing logs and using Google Earth try to locate other areas on the lake that share alot of similarities to increase the potential options of areas of success. I am always trying to find that backwater area that none else is using.

[geo g]

MichaeL W on fishing Seiko type baits.  I fish them all the time and do very well, I will try to give you a few tips.  Down size to 4" size.  Watermelon shades.  Go weightless if the wind allows.  Don't over work the bait.  Most important, slow down!  Let it fall through the water column.  2 or 3 quick jerks and let it sit for 30 seconds.  You will catch big fish.  Pro bass sells a great 4" Seiko type bait.

[geo g]

I fish almost everyday.  I never think about working a technique.  I think about relaxing and having fun.  Fishing for me is a form of therapy.  I don't do what I don't enjoy,  I stick with what I love.  It's all about fun.