That " Something Different"

[Mobasser]

Over the years, I've read countless articles on bass fishing, and studied the styles of famous fisherman.                                  Some examples are, Flipping, in the style of Dee Thomas, and later Texans Tommy Martin and Larry Nixon.               Light line fishing, in the style of Charlie Brewer, Billy Westmoreland, and Guido Hibdon.                                                          Topwater fishing in the style of Charlie Campbell, and Zell Rowland.                                               At times over the years, I even went as far as trying to have the same tackle as they used, down to rods, reels, lines and baits, and tried to duplicate what they were doing to be so successful in bass fishing.                       At some point, I realized that this wasn't working for me.             What I realized is that these men, as well as most great fisherman, have that " something different". It may be a small detail, that others can't copy, that makes they're style unique. It could be anything that sets them apart from the rest of the pack, and is probably something they developed with years of experience.                                                         We can always learn from them, but the fact is there's only one man. What makes a champion is being unique, and having that " something different" that other guys don't have.                                                                 Successful fisherman probably all have something unique that sets them apart from others, and, it takes some time and dedication to find it.  This applies to both weekend fisherman and top professionals in our sport.                                                    Do you have something different in your own style of fishing that you feel has brought you success?                                                  And, do you agree or disagree with this " something different" idea?                         

[garroyo130]

vs me ...  jack of all trades master of none

[A-Jay]

11 minutes ago, Mobasser said:

Over the years, I've read countless articles on bass fishing, and studied the styles of famous fisherman.  Some examples are, Flipping, in the style of Dee Thomas, and later Texans Tommy Martin and Larry Nixon.  Light line fishing, in the style of Charlie Brewer, Billy Westmoreland, and Guido Hibdon.  Topwater fishing in the style of Charlie Campbell, and Zell Rowland.                            At times over the years, I even went as far as trying to have the same tackle as they used, down to rods, reels, lines and baits, and tried to duplicate what they were doing to be so successful in bass fishing.  At some point, I realized that this wasn't working for me.  What I realized is that these men, as well as most great fisherman, have that " something different". It may be a small detail, that others can't copy, that makes they're style unique. It could be anything that sets them apart from the rest of the pack, and is probably something they developed with years of experience.  We can always learn from them, but the fact is there's only one man. What makes a champion is being unique, and having that " something different" that other guys don't have.              Successful fisherman probably all have something unique that sets them apart from others, and, it takes some time and dedication to find it.  This applies to both weekend fisherman and top professionals in our sport.   

Do you have something different in your own style of fishing that you feel has brought you success?   And, do you agree or disagree with this "something different" idea?                         

 

Interesting topic ~

Several years ago I tried my hand at a Bill Murphy imitation.

(Author of In Pursuit of Giant Bass)

Despite my best efforts, to say I crashed & burned would be a serious understatement.

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/118320-in-pursuit-of-giant-bass-~-one-mans-journey/

 

  But like you, I did learn (eventually) that 'stitching' wasn't going to work here and I would be much better served to stop with the "wanna be" act and figure out my own deal. 

So this many years later, while it's clearly still a work in progress,  I'm having quite a bit more success 'doing it my way'. 

 

 As for me having 'something different', not really sure.

I certainly don't feel as if I possess any type of bass fishing super power,

but years of experience and some repeatable success occasionally, does breed confidence;

which in my world can be important.

 

 I think the bassheads that have and believe in a sort of 'bass fishing philosophy',

and are willing and able to apply it effectively, can have an edge over the random & casual angler. 

Mine own revolves around being at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.

Sounds & seems so simple & basic, but getting it right has me using the scale & camera quite a bit more often.

Fish Hard.

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

[Deleted account]

A lot to digest in the OP's post. I see 3 main unrelated topics. First, high level competition requires something in the competitors who can consistently do it at the highest level that is indeed different and rare, and isn't related to the specific discipline. It's a mindset and makeup that can't be thought. Sure anyone can become better at competing, but in champions it is innate. 

Second, trying to imitate someone in mechanics and equipment is more often than not a recipe for disaster. Not so much in fishing as in other sports, but a bad idea nonetheless. Another item often not seen or mentioned in bass fishing is the fact that constantly using different equipment can be detrimental to achieving a high level of performance, particularly for enthusiasts who are beyond the beginner level, but haven't achieved mastery of the equipment.

And lastly, fishing isn't difficult, most anyone who dedicates a decent amount of time and effort can become competent and catch fish in a consistent fashion. The biggest deterrent to this is ironically the passion some folks have for fishing and the emotional approach to it in addition to the human perspective often assigned to fish. You know the old "10% catch 90%"? add 90% of fishing is finding the fish. The actual picking a lure and jiggling it just right  is a distant second. 

[newriverfisherman1953]

A big part of their success is time spent on the water learning rather than reading forums to learn. You can’t beat time on the water. 

[scaleface]

I use to try every new lure and technique that the pros did,  too .  Not anymore . My talent is to evaluate the cover or structure I'm targeting and use the lures that I think will work there . Thats all there is to it . I dont over-think it and much more successful fishing like that .

[Deleted account]

7 minutes ago, newriverfisherman1953 said:

A big part of their success is time spent on the water learning rather than reading forums to learn. You can’t beat time on the water. 

Amen.

[Catt]

I was fortunate enough to fish around many of bass fishing's legends, but not only was it who, it was when.

 

I was bitten by the bass fishing bug during the 70s when this sport's technology exploded.

 

We went from 12' jon boats with 9.8 Mercs to Skeeter Wranglers with 115 Tower of Power. Now we could fish the entire 65 mile Toledo Bend in a day.

 

We went from Abu Garcia Ambassador 5000s with fiberglass rods to Shimano Bantams on Fenwick Lunker Stik®.

 

We went from a Super 60 to LCR deep finders.

 

That something different is I'm Old School, i still cast Jig-n-Craws & Texas Rigs on deepwater structure like I did in the 70s.

 

I just do it with better technology ?

[Spankey]

I think you are correct in what is seen in some of these past greats. They made it what it is today. Maybe the underlying reason why I love bass fishing so much. Bass fishing for me has been a live and learn process. Can't say that I've ever idolized any of them. Or tried to walk in anyone shoes. My life is too different. My field of expertise is not fishing and I don't live in the bass mecca of the country. I can only make the best of what I have in my area. Try to keep it real to what the potential is to my area. I fish to break my personal best.

 

I admit to buying a crankbait that KVD has his name attached to or a VMC jighead Ike was pushing and a Hack Attack Jig Greg was endorsing. Fortunate enough to catch on them. I would not know where to begin to find out what is in their personal arsenal. We may fish the same things, I doubt it.  

I possess nothing special, no style, no true edge over any fisherman or fish, no real success story to attach myself to.

 

I do know that I never give up. I keep trying on those tough days (a lot of tuff days). I try to fish like I'm hungry. I fish hard to keep from a possible skunking, I try to fish for a new personal best every time out. But I keep it real. It is what it is.  

[RDB]

In my opinion, it’s not the style that differentiates good from great.  Christie didn’t win this week because he can reel in a spinnerbait better than me.  I could have been in the boat with him, reeled just like him, and I still would have gotten smoked.  Those guys are at a different level when it comes to consistently presenting a lure in places that most anglers wouldn’t attempt and even if they did, would have a low success rate.  Very few wasted casts, consistently keeping lures in the most productive areas every time.  Most of these pro’s aren’t successful because they have 100 techniques in their bag.  Most rely on 5 or 6 different offerings the majority of the time.  Instead of learning a new technique, I would benefit much more by improving my accuracy from every possible angle to ensure my bait stays in the most productive areas.  I have always considered myself pretty fair stick but when I have had the opportunity to share a boat someone I consider great, I quickly realize I’m just a poser.

[slonezp]

Successful people are passionate at what they do. I'm passionate about fishing but not to the point where I am obsessed. I've met and attended seminars by some of the pros and they are a step above. I have also spent many years fishing against a current BASS elite member who will be dropping out of BASS if he has another crappy year. Mind you, he's a great fisherman that he qualified for the Elites,  but he isn't the Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods of the sport.

 

I have a nephew with a form of autism. If he was "interested" in fishing, he would be the next KVD or Clunn. Instead, he's obsessed with the Japanese culture and will be going to college in Japan. He taught himself to speak Japanese over the last 2 years while in high school. He can recite the Star Wars movies verbatim and then become very reclusive if he is confronted with something that does not interest him. 

[scaleface]

If you want to see a pro that fishes differently , watch Taku Ito . That guy fishes his style and  is very successful .

[Deleted account]

What I see a lot in fishing as well as other sports, are folks who are so passionate and obsessed, that they dive in and delve in the minutia without being able to discern what is important and what isn't. Sure they will learn, and improve despite themselves, but they often end up limiting themselves both in the short and long term. If you look at the greats in any discipline, most of the time they are originals, or do it their way to a large extent. 

[DitchPanda]

The only something different I have over my bass buddies is I catch bigger bass then them...right @walt-14?

[RDB]

47 minutes ago, scaleface said:

If you want to see a pro that fishes differently , watch Taku Ito . That guy fishes his style and  is very successful .

He is turning into one of my favorites.  Seems like he is having the time of his life.

 

I’m not suggesting pro’s don’t have styles or preferences.  I’m suggesting that an average angler would be much better off focusing on improving their casting than focusing on expanding their techniques.  I can learn every play in the playbook but if I can’t throw the football, I’m never going to be a good quarterback.

[MIbassyaker]

7 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Interesting topic ~

Several years ago I tried my hand at a Bill Murphy imitation.

(Author of In Pursuit of Giant Bass)

Despite my best efforts, to say I crashed & burned would be a serious understatement.

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/118320-in-pursuit-of-giant-bass-~-one-mans-journey/

 

^^^^That link is recommended reading, folks -- an epic tale of ambition, struggle, failure, and ultimately, acceptance.  One of my favorite threads on the whole site.

[E-rude dude]

I have a tackle store of lures in my boat from trying to catch them like a pro did.??

[Spankey]

Years back Bassmasters held an event in Pittsburg on the rivers.  I believe KVD won it. At that time I had my dad out with me fishing. He said to me “I believe you (me) could place in that event with any of those guys”. Was a bit flattered by the old mans comments about that and my commitment to catch river Smallies. 
 

To some degree I do believe that. And not just me. Many of y’all also. I said to him “thanks and I appreciate that but I believe I could hang in there with them but if I needed to find that one more good bite, that last solid bite, that bite to cull off that necessary fish. It would not work in my favor. That’s were I would get smoked. That’s where they stand out. That’s what sets them apart”. I believe that 110%.
 

We on here are not that far from those guys in skill and ability. It’s their routine and time on the water. If you didn’t need to work and have a job and could fish all day and have the industries best at your disposal, you could be there also. 
 

 

[Biglittle8]

14 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Mine own revolves around being at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.

It sounds simple enough, but obviously, you or anyone else doing those things right comes with experience, perseverance and determination. Seeing some of the fish that you and other seasoned anglers are catching on a regular basis tells me you've put the work in. To me, that is the key. Even if it is enjoyable!

[Bubba 460]

I believe, "That something different" a is passion for fishing to the point of obsession where fishing is the focal point of their lives. A driving commitment to push further. The same drive you would find in any sport, be it bodybuilding, golf, baseball, hunting and so on. There are those who stand out through sheer determination, tenacity, drive and talent for the love of the sport. Add that with top fisherman living or moving to the top bass producing areas of the county to better their chances of producing their desired achievements. Fishing becomes their job, their life.

 

   Take Pat Cullen of Valdosta, Ga, for example  ~"By daylight, he had boated 10 bass weighing 92 pounds, and was permanently addicted to trophy bass fishing." If you don't know about Pat Cullen look him up. This man was obsessed with catching big bass at night on a black buzz-bait and he boated well over a thousand 10 pound plus bass. Who does that night after night for years in alligator infested waters after working all day ~ not your average guy! This man was "driven". Like most others who have made a name for themselves.

 

 The world record bass was not caught by a man who was driven, he was just there to catch something to eat. Yet he is world known...These are not the type of people we are talking about. Most people who fish do it because the enjoy it. They may get out a couple times a year or a few times a week but are not driven. The enjoyment factor may vary in each of these individuals but they are not obsessed. On the other hand, some are so obsessed that they use unscrupulousness methods to achieve notoriety.

 

The average fisherman, although one can be "competitive" does not approach "obsessed" and that I believe is the difference. You cant mimic obsession.

 

       

[softwateronly]

I'm not at all versed in any of the pro aspect of this sport, but it has to be the same formula for all of us except for the time/weight calculation...

 

productive water>presentation>lure choice

 

The only "style" I see is how one reads and interprets conditions to make the above decisions.  I somewhat believe that the casual angler can get swept up in the style stuff and miss the true skill.  I also believe that all the pro's physical skill sets fall in a range that doesn't effect the outcome.

 

scott

[Deleted account]

LOL.

I have had this conversation several times with enthusiasts of several sports. Bottom line, if you think you can on your best day beat Jordan one on one, go a round with Mike Tyson, or keep Gretzky from skating around you and embarrassing your goalie, It's not going to end well, no different with fishing.

[softwateronly]

9 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

LOL.

I have had this conversation several times with enthusiasts of several sports. Bottom line, if you think you can on your best day beat Jordan one on one, go a round with Mike Tyson, or keep Gretzky from skating around you and embarrassing your goalie, It's not going to end well, no different with fishing.

Exactly!  Except it doesn't even need to be the greats.  Any Pro has proven they have it.  In fishing, my contention is that the skill is all between the ears.

 

scott

[Deleted account]

18 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

Exactly!  Except it doesn't even need to be the greats.  Any Pro has proven they have it.  In fishing, my contention is that the skill is all between the ears.

 

scott

Yes, and no. Professional bass fishing is a misnomer, as a majority of the "pros" are actually contributing $ to the sport and the economy rather than making a living from it. They are all excellent anglers nonetheless. 

[softwateronly]

6 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

Yes, and no. Professional bass fishing is a misnomer, as a majority of the "pros" are actually contributing $ to the sport and the economy rather than making a living from it. They are all excellent anglers nonetheless. 

 Fair enough, my pros comment was geared more towards the other sports you mentioned, but you are correct in pointing out that pro fishing is unique.  Also agree that they're all excellent anglers.

 

scott