John V Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 Hi. My name's John. (awkward disjointed chorus) HI JOHN! Longtime reader, first time poster... And I want to know what moment/event made you think differently about bass fishing and made you a better fisherman. One of the more dramatic and attitude changing ones for me was when I realized exactly HOW incredibly skiddish and "easily spooked" bass actually are, as well as how important structure/cover is. I found a ...well it's supposedly part of a creek, but "rain ditch" is probably a more accurate description. It has tons of visible fish in it. Schools of catfish run up and down it sometimes. On Certain days (after a few weeks with no rain it seems) the 2-4 ft of water is pretty dang clear, (wayyyy clearer than I EVER saw fishing the TN river...) and unless I SLOWLY SLOWLY SLOWLY creep up behind some bushes, they *scatter*. the bass were always the first to hide. Also, of all the other fish there, they seemed to be the fewest in number. TLDR: Watching bass in a rain ditch helped me determine how they behave and where they hide, and that I should walk REALLY softly... and that sometimes, there just Aren't any around, but if they are, they are absolutely going to be by a tunnel or a pole or some grass. any structure/cover. If they know you're there, it's MUCH MUCH harder to catch them. 1 Quote
boostr Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 My moment was a few weeks ago when I was at a lake in Upstate NY and actually got to fish from a floating apparatus (12' Jon Boat with oars). I started fishing stumps in depths from 2' to 6' (guesstimate) and laydowns. That's when figured out what a bite felt like on the fall, and on the pick up, and how important these types of cover are to catching bass and bassfishing... from then on I was unstoppable that day. 1 Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted June 25, 2014 Super User Posted June 25, 2014 I don't know if I had a "breakthrough" moment per-se but one experience which resonates with me. It spans across 3 tournament seasons on one particular body of water ... Rouses Point area of Lake Champlain. 1st year - 1st bass tournament ever. Overwhelmed, wasn't sure what to fish. Caught my 1st smallmouth and limit on day 1. Not a limit on day 2. 2nd year - Learning from my mistakes of the 1st year I had another great 1st day but failed to bring in a limit on day 2 again. 3rd year (2 weeks ago) - Caught my limit on both days. Couldn't cull out 2 small bass otherwise I would have been easily in the top 10. Felt very accomplished. I guess the "breakthrough" was realizing that I am learning from my mistakes and improving as an angler. Year 3 was vastly different than the prior 2 years in that I fished the lures I had with confidence. I also felt my decision making was a lot quicker. Great feeling! Quote
Loop_Dad Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 Welcome to the forum! I had to say that my moment was when I realize that I don't catch fish unless I fish where the fish are. 4 Quote
Super User lmbfisherman Posted June 25, 2014 Super User Posted June 25, 2014 Welcome to the forum! I had to say that my moment was when I realize that I don't catch fish unless I fish where the fish are. Best! Quote
Snakehead Whisperer Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 TLDR part is too long, didn't read any of it btw, welcome to the site. But seriously, I am still having breakthroughs in fishing (for bass and other species.) Learning how to locate and catch fish in less than ideal conditions is the real blood and guts of angling, imho. The reason why some anglers are catching fish on days when nobody else can buy a bite is because they've paid their dues (time on the water, paying attention, learning from mistakes, studying, and getting skunked of course.) Making lemonade out of lemons is the essence of the sport, at least in my world. 1 Quote
Super User Ratherbfishing Posted June 25, 2014 Super User Posted June 25, 2014 There have rarely been any major epiphanies and only the random small ones (which may, by definition, not be epiphanies at all). And sometimes I think I backslide and forget (or ignore) some of the things I have learned. But here are a few things: Bass like cover-even if it's just the tiny little Charlie Brown tree. I've learned that fish are not everywhere and it's better to keep moving and searching until you find some-then take note of WHERE you found them. I've learned that fishing slow with soft baits has increased my catch ratio by at least double-probably triple. I've learned not to expect as much when the wind is out of the North or the East. I've learned that while there are always exceptions to every rule, if you want to catch fish regularly-don't ignore the rules. Quote
slimshad Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 have had many over the years, but this year I had a Jerkbait Breakthrough moment. I figured out the suspending jerkbait. I don't think a cold spring day will ever be the same again for the rest of my life. Went from 0% confidence and 4 in my tackle to 100% confidence and a whole arsenal in my boat! That is a breakthrough! Quote
Super User Choporoz Posted June 25, 2014 Super User Posted June 25, 2014 The single biggest breakthrough for me was when I found BR. No exaggeration. 8 Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted June 25, 2014 Super User Posted June 25, 2014 The single biggest breakthrough for me was when I found BR. No exaggeration. In hindsight I would have to agree. This site has flat out made me a better angler. 2 Quote
toni63 Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 I think one big breakthrough for me was learning that the right equipment makes a big difference in your catching of fish and enjoyment of your time fishing. I fished with closed faced reels and fiberglass rods to start off with, but they would snarl line inside and the gears would strip pretty fast. Spent more time frustrated and fixing problems when fishing than concentrating on fishing. So I got a baitcaster and a graphite rod after doing some research to learn what the real bass guys were using. Now I have the whole gamut, multiple graphite trigger rods and bait casters, spinning rods and reels. All decent stuff, I don't buy junk just to throw money away. Haven't bought a rod or reel in a few years, don't need to, and I fish a lot. The breakthrough was understanding that you can't catch fish fixing junk, you gotta have a decent rod and reel in your hand first. Once I got decent equipment, I could start learning how to actually catch fish instead of learning how to fix a reel, untangle a birds nest or retrieve a lure stuck in a tree without falling out of the boat. Quote
Mccallister25 Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 Welcome to the forum! I have breakthroughs to this day. We never stop learning! 1 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted June 25, 2014 Super User Posted June 25, 2014 Once I committed to learn to fish a jig, several very positive things happened. I began fishing deeper (off the bank). I began learning the difference between structure and cover. This caused me to started looking at potential bass holding waters much differently. The success I had from having some productive Jig fishing outings provided me the confidence to try other methods & techniques; many of which are now staples of my arsenal. Additionally, The Bass Resource Forum has played a Major Role in many of my most memorable Outings. A-Jay Quote
CDobber Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 The single biggest breakthrough for me was when I found BR. No exaggeration. Pretty much sums it up for me as well. I'm learning on the fly without the guidance of a bank partner, and without BR, I'd still be lost. I'm starting to learn structure (and finding it) as well as so many other important aspects. I've caught far more fish this spring/summer than the previous couple of years, and will eventually translate to increased success from the boat and in quality of size in catch. Quote
Siebert Outdoors Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 Probably my biggest two are Scuba diving. This taught me how bass react under water, hold to structure, and even feed. Learning to use an open mind to all fisherman's opinions and how they fish. There are so many different styles and techniques compiled with everyone different approach to a situation that without an open mind you will not advance as fast or possibly at all. Knowledge is key and the unwillingness to learn or accept opinions will slow your learning curve. Using these techniques you can adapt others styles to fit your style of fishing. 3 Quote
slimshad Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 Thinking about this, I have had a huge breakthrough when I got a swimming pool. Doing drop/swim tests with jigs, texas rigged creatures, worms, tubes, craws, even swimbaits and crankbaits. The pool test can let you know alot about the baits you are throwing. Quote
boostr Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 Probably my biggest two are Scuba diving. This taught me how bass react under water, hold to structure, and even feed. Learning to use an open mind to all fisherman's opinions and how they fish. There are so many different styles and techniques compiled with everyone different approach to a situation that without an open mind you will not advance as fast or possibly at all. Knowledge is key and the unwillingness to learn or accept opinions will slow your learning curve. Using these techniques you can adapt others styles to fit your style of fishing. I thought your breakthrough would of been, "Holy $#!7 I can make killing if I sold my awesome CUSTOM JIGS FOR STICKING PIGS!!" 1 Quote
bassguytom Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 My breakthrough moment was when I caught a bass on a very unassuming piece of plastic with a hook stuck right through the middle and it dangling like a piece of crap. That was the day I discovered the wacky worm rig. I was hooked after that and wanted to learn as much as I could about bass fishing. I use all kinds of techniques now and am still learning but I have to say the wacky rig has overall been my most productive. Props to the guy that thought outside the box on that one! Quote
Super User K_Mac Posted June 25, 2014 Super User Posted June 25, 2014 I have had several times over the years that have changed my fishing: My first fish dragging a t-rigged worm. My first fish bouncing a jig and pig down a deep water shelf. My first fish at night on a jig. My first big fish on a spook over 60+ feet of water. My first time using a wacky rigged Senko (directly as a result of this site). The most recent was catching nice fish pitching a beaver into very shallow heavy cover with the air temperature over 100° and the water temp not too far from it. Who knows what's next?! One thing for sure is there will always be something new... 1 Quote
deadadrift89 Posted June 26, 2014 Posted June 26, 2014 My first was 25yrs ago when i watched someone on tv use a Texas rig. Went out next day and caught several fish. I have been hooked on that "TAP" ever since. Second would be meeting my fishing partner and one of my best friends several years ago. He did work on my house and asked me to go fishing. Come to find out he fished tournaments for years and i've learned a wealth of info from him during our friendship and trips on the water. Quote
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