Before you make your first cast ...

[FishDewd]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I always check behind me and beside me before I cast. Sometimes, especially from the bank, an unexpected onlooker or spot bomber will sneak up on you without warning. I'd hate to hook the wrong cheek! So I always check to make sure no one else is in the danger zone. Then I make sure I'm not too close to any trees, cause I catch more trees than I probably do fish! Then I consider wind and how it will affect my cast and retrieve. Make sure the spot I'm tossing at has a fair chance of having fish based on whatever criteria I've decided. Most importantly, I make sure I'm enjoying the experience. Then let it rip! Yeah, I'm simple. I like simple. If I wanted to do a ton of thinking, then I'd probably be playing video games, working... anything but fishing!

[fishwizzard]

Mine is allways "have  

I tightend my drag back down?"

 

Caught a 16" smallie my first cast of my first wading trip last spring with spinning reel drag all the way backed off.  It took me about 15-20 seconds to figure out what was going on. He ran stright downstream and almost spooled me before I got myself sorted out. 

[ratherbfishin1]

When fishing from the bank... is my rod going to hit this overhanging tree?  Then I look back and make sure I’m not going to get a “snag-lash” if I hook something while casting.

[Chris Brunk]

Before making my first cast,  I check for people around me (even when no one was there,  someone may walk up behind you). location of where I want to cast. does it look like a good spot, Am I in someone else's spot, is there structure?  take note of wind, temp, depth of water.  I also look for schooling fish on the surface.  

[fishwizzard]

7 hours ago, ratherbfishin1 said:

When fishing from the bank... is my rod going to hit this overhanging tree?  Then I look back and make sure I’m not going to get a “snag-lash” if I hook something while casting.

I do make a 1\2 speed false cast almost all the time before I cast for real.  It's a time waster 95% of the time but it has saved me a few rod tips for sure.  I've gotten to the point where I don't even think about it and just do it as a reflex.

[Deleted account]

21 hours ago, mattkenzer said:

Distance from Boat Deck to the Trees .....

There was this one small lake in upstate NY, that I fished as a child. Found my first lure (#9 blue back/silver floating Rapala) in a tree there. For some reason, there were more lures in the trees there than any other place. I got good at climbing trees, and throwing a make shift grapple on a rope. busted my a$$ a couple of times too. Must have found around 50 lures there. 

 

 

[Crestliner2008]

I always use the In'Fisherman's formula: F + L + P = Success!

 

I'd say 90% of success is the "L" factor. You gotta be fishing where they are. The rest is less complicated in my opinion.

[Oregon Native]

Before I make that first cast I'm usually trying to remember to look up and just say "Thank you"

[Mobasser]

I used to overthink all the variables. Since I've fished the same lakes for years I've got a pretty good idea what should work. Now after all these years Im just glad to be out there!

[JustJames]

My first cast, I alway hope for big fish after 100 casts I hope for any kind of fish then 1000 cast I know it SKUNKED again.

[Bankbeater]

I make sure that I have everything before I leave the house. I’ve left tackle, water, and lunch sitting in the garage before. 

[Chefster]

Did I lock my car door?  

[slonezp]

On 3/6/2018 at 9:38 AM, Dwight Hottle said:

Check my drag. 

 

 

THIS!!!!!!!!

[Way north bass guy]

8 minutes ago, slonezp said:

THIS!!!!!!!!

X2!

I’ve lost a fish or two over the years because I forgot to check the drag, then when the first big hookset occurs, it’s a nice backlash and goodbye fish. 

[Crestliner2008]

On 3/8/2018 at 6:40 AM, Oregon Native said:

Before I make that first cast I'm usually trying to remember to look up and just say "Thank you"

I do that every time I wake up in the morning and realize that I'm still alive!

[canbassguy]

If I'm ready to cast im already in the spot I want with the lure I want tied on......only thing left is where to cast....

[Wildbillb]

Where's my fishing license?

 

[desmobob]

On 3/6/2018 at 7:59 AM, scaleface said:

You are on the water  ready to fish either from boat or bank . Before you make your first cast what all are you taking into consideration ?

Spool tension, casting brakes and drag set?  Leader and knots OK? Fish grippers/Boga, net, and pliers/hemos ready (lots of pike where I fish)?  Camera and scale handy?  Remind myself I'm out to have fun, and then make that first cast.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[RB 77]

The fact that I'm fishing and not at work! Thank God!

[Jaderose]

Am I wearing pants?