Control What You Can Control!

[Mike Boitnott]

Had a good friend tell me once when I asked how he wins so many tournaments?  "Control what you can control" he replied.  Might I add this angler has fished the classic twice.

This is how I make an effort to do just that and it has helped bring my fishing to the next level.

Preparing for a tournament is a very important discipline that separates angler’s degree of success.   Before an outing either for practice, tournament, or fun being prepared can make the difference of having a successful day or a frustrating one. 

First off, I try really hard to make sure all my equipment has been checked and ready to go.  This includes Boat, trailer, truck, and fishing equipment.  Being organized can also really help the day go better.  Nothing like coming unglued in the first 10 minutes when the boat don’t start or there is a loop in the reel.

I try to use every resource possible to be the most prepared on the body of water.  I use Navionics Charts and App., Google Earth historical data, my fishing log, and any other report or information available.  I have a lot of fishing buddies ask how I know the data is reliable.  Comparing everything that you find really tells a story.  As for my mapping I know that Navionics integrates all sorts of new data from official hydrographic services and private entities. The goal is to generate a comprehensive product that goes well beyond official HO charts. This is why they constantly scout new sources and carefully select the content that ends up in the final product as updates. Different sources are chosen for different areas in order to maintain a high standard.  #EscapeTheOrdinary

 

[Catt]

Control What You Can Control!

 

That's all we can do!  ?

[NHBull]

Kind of how I now live my life......these days

 

Wish I could get the Mrs to buy in...?

[Harold Scoggins]

"He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."  Tao Te Ching

[Deleted account]

Yes, but that's just the basics. Every successful competitor (in any sport) is going to be competent, prepared and experienced. Success often comes down to one or a few moments or actions in the heat of battle. Like they say there are many ways to skin a cat. If you think all your jerkbaits need to face the same way in the box for you to be successful, then they do. On the other hand, if you show up with a DSG bag full of baits with the receipt still in it, and proceed to crush the competition (seen it) then that's what works for you. 

[lo n slo]

2 hours ago, reason said:

if you show up with a DSG bag full of baits with the receipt still in it

☹️

[NHBull]

As a young man playing football, then coaching it for a couple decades ,I realized that most games came down to 4 plays (24 seconds) that were going to determine the outcome........and those best prepared for those 4 plays would usually win.  For me this translates well for fishing and other "life" skills.  Think the boy scouts also believe this...."Be Prepared"

[Catt]

To borrow from Skeeter Boats

 

Eat, Sleep, Fish!

 

Bass fishing aint a hobby to me!

 

I don't care if I'm going to the bayou across the street with my grandson or fishing the Bassmaster Classic, I know one way to fish & one way only.

 

Some say "I like relaxing fun fishing", this is fun to me!

[Big Rick]

On 11/16/2018 at 12:17 PM, Catt said:

Some say "I like relaxing fun fishing", this is fun to me!

The ONLY way I'm experiencing "relaxing, fun fishing" is when I am CATCHING fish!!  Otherwise, my brain is working overtime to try to figure out what the green fish want and just how do they want it!  While I love the thrill of figuring it out I am definitely too intense with the process to call it relaxing. 

[Mobasser]

Yes. Control what you can control to try to eliminate errors. That's all we can do.Being prepared is very important, as well as being able to change quickly when something is not working. 

[Mike Boitnott]

Exactly Mobasser,

 

I can’t tell you how many times I have worked really hard to put a plan together, put time in on the water before a tournament all to have the wheels fall off the bus on tournament day.  Not exactly major catastrophes but all things-it together makes for a non successful day. Examples are like making a top water change because of changing conditions to realize after two casts I had floura line on.  Refusing to put down what worked the day before.  Another one was having a boat full of Crankbaits but not having the one color of confidence to stay above grass in a changing tide.  Now as an example I carry multiple reels with different line instead of having 20 rods in the boat to become cumbersome.  Making good notes and having multiple condition scenarios marked on my Navionics map App.  Additionally, reducing all of the mixed match Crankbaits for the brands and same confidence producing Crankbait colors that will enable me to fish all of the depth ranges.  These are just a couple of examples that have really made a difference when it comes to a successful tournament day.  These examples are how I interpret “Control what you can control”.  There are many more this list could be a couple pages long and that’s only the ones I realize.  After all, we are still learning everyday regardless of how experienced we may think we are.

[NHBull]

While there is no substitute for being prepared, be versatile and adapting may be more important.  In fishing, I see be prepared as being efficient.

i have found that those that are good “Thin Slicers”.......which most professionals are, do well.

There are a couple books on the matter and worth the read.

[Deleted account]

15 minutes ago, NHBull said:

While there is no substitute for being prepared, be versatile and adapting may be more important.  In fishing, I see be prepared as being efficient.

i have found that those that are good “Thin Slicers”.......which most professionals are, do well.

There are a couple books on the matter and worth the read.

Yes, to paraphrase Tyson, everyone has a plan until I punch them in the face. What you make of the preparation when the day throws you a curve (or a nasty cutter) will most likely determine the outcome. I've had to work at this, and I've come up with a strategy that borrows from both (but never at the same time).

[Catt]

Success is when preparation meets opportunity.

 

 

[Mobasser]

2 hours ago, Catt said:

Success is when preparation meets opportunity.

 

 

Well said Catt. As fisherman we have to take advantage of opportunitys

[WRB]

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Niebuhr.

Tom

[dave]

On 11/16/2018 at 7:54 AM, Harold Scoggins said:

"He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."  Tao Te Ching

Isn't that an episode from Seinfeld?