Need To Get Back To Basics...help Please

[Choporoz]

I have a very good friend who gets into similar funks.  Their weapon of choice: Adderall.

 

Only half kidding.  It doesn't take medication -- just a commitment to focus.   It's really all been said above. Take a little time to study the water and conditions.  Apply what you've learned here.  I've been making a checklist of baits and presentations that I consult before I open the tackle bag or worm binder.  Its very easy to overlook/forget the perfect bait and terminal tackle if you wait until after you start digging to think about what to throw. 

[Felix77]

In my first year I overwhelmed myself with baits and tackle much in the same way that you described.  I entered tournaments and found myself lost in the mess in my tacklebag and it cost me time fishing and the worst my confidence.

 

What I did was begin forcing, and I mean forcing myself to bring 2 rods out with me "fun" fishing.  One rod was a power fishing technique.  The other was a "go-to" finesse technique.

 

Examples:  

1.  Power Fishing - Spinnerbait (several colors)                 Finesse - Weightless Senko

2.  Power Fishing - Topwater - Sexy Dawg                         Finesse - Mojo Rig with finesse worms

3.  Power Fishing - KVD 1.5 Crankbaits                              Finesse - Small finesse swimbaits  (for those I wanna move fast days)

 

 

I dedicated time that day to working those baits in every possible way that I could find.

 

Not only did I improve in those techniques but I slowly regained my confidence.

 

Depending on my mood I will vary the power and finesse techniques BUT I try to steer away from bringing more than 2 of any given technique, on any given day.

 

As you regain confidence your 12 rods will reduce down your essentials for given tournaments.

 

Good luck

[Big Fish Rice]

You're addicted to the "shiny" new toy. Problem is, while it's fun and exciting, you're constantly fishing with something you have yet to dial in.

First, 3 rods are enough. Take a jig, a senko and one rod that could be considered a wild card. Now, you have two rods that you've probably had good success with and one that you can work on if you're feeling brave so-to-speak. Or change depending on your confidence lures.

Second, go to your favorite lake. Forget new water.

Third, don't fall victim to the bait monkey. You're spending money when you should be spending time - on the water.

 

[Oregon Native]

Hmmmmm, the first thing you should remember is that it´s supposed to be fun !!!!! got it ? Catching fish is not a job, it´s not mandatory, you ain´t gonna drop dead right away if you don´t catch a dang thing. got it ?

 

You wanna try this lure ? ----> try it ! , didn´t work ? ----> who cares ?

You wanna try this technique ? ----> try it !, didn´t work ? -----> who cares ?

 

I got thousands of lures, I carry them all ..... end up fishing with the same things I´ve fished for more than 3 decades, what I´ve learned is :

 

Keep it simple !

 

The more you worry the worse you´ll fish, you fish bad and wrong because you worry too much about fishing bad and wrong.

 

Grab a handful of lures and learn to fish them right.

Sounds good to me too....pick your proven favorites and enjoy

[NorthFloBassin]

3 rods is all you need. Rig up three rods with your favorite lures and just go out and fish. Don't sorry about anything else and if your not catching fish see of the fish want a moving bait or something like a worm. Let the fish decide what you throw and have three simply rigs that cover those areas. And before you go fishing pick out a few spots and rig a few rods that you'll know you'll use in that spot.