The Measure Of Success

[Mobasser]

Bass fishing may mean different things to different fisherman.             For some, it could be targeting the biggest bass.                 For others, it could mean catching numbers of fish, regardless of size.                                 Still for others, it could be winning a tournament, and placing in the money.                            Then, there's another group. These are people who don't put a big emphasis on size or numbers, but just like being out there, near the water, and enjoy the whole act of fishing, catching bass if and when that happens.                                                 It may be hard to determine what makes a successful bass fisherman, and, how to measure success in this sport.                                                       It means different things to different fisherman.                                In your own opinion, what makes a successful bass fisherman? How do you measure success in bass fishing?                                                      I fall into the latter group. I love to catch bass, but I also love casting, finding fish, choosing the correct bait and retrieve. If I catch fish, it only makes the day better. But if not, I'm still happy, just being out there.                                                       What's your own measure of success in bass fishing?

[WRB]

Catching numbers of big bass is my goal and simply enjoy every aspect of fishing.

Tom

[Team9nine]

E. - All of the above   This is multiple choice, right?

[roadwarrior]

Catching the biggest fish in a given lake or river.  In Tennessee these are the targets:

 

https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2015/02/14/teacher-catches-record-largemouth/23433607/

 

https://noogatoday.6amcity.com/kentucky-tennessee-both-claim-world-record-fish/

 

[The Bassman]

My measure of success is to enjoy myself whether it's catching foot longs or bigs. Right now as we're as deep in winter as it gets I'm looking forward to an early March day in the 50-60's with a southwest breeze and non stop bite.

[Bluebasser86]

If they're having fun and enjoying themselves, they're successful. 

[MN Fisher]

Enjoying time on the lake, free from the hassle of 'real life'.

 

If I catch something, it's a bonus.

[Boomstick]

It seems like this is a rabbit hole I don't want to go down myself. It puts me in a bad mood, often for a bad reason.

 

For example I'm hitting the water on what seems like optimal conditions for a shot at a new PB. So I set the reasonable goal of catching a 5 pounder, only I catch a limit of 20lbs or so, not a bad day by any means but none broke 5 lbs and then I'm disappointed I didn't get s 5 pounder. Or on other days, maybe I get skunked entirely.

[KSanford33]

I've learned that as long as I'm enjoying myself, the results will come. Maybe not today, but they'll come. So I enjoy my time on the water and let the rest take care of themselves.

[Tennessee Boy]

As long as I don't break something,  it's a good day on the water.  

 

I enjoy figuring them out the most.  Solving the puzzle that is fishing is very rewarding.

[gim]

The most rewarding part of bass fishing (and fishing in general) is when I catch a big fish, take a photo for the memory of it, and then release it fully alive.  The satisfaction I get knowing that fish survived for so long and will very likely continue do to so as long as I'm able to release it quickly is my measure of success.

 

Years ago when I mostly walleye fished I might have said "if I came home with fish to eat."  That's just not important to me anymore.

[TnRiver46]

I suppose it’s different every day but this is what success looks like to me 

 

[Catt]

IDK! ?

 

Aiden, Evan, & Lissie Rose

 

 

[crypt]

I measure success by just going. everything else is gravy...or frosting.......whatever you like better.

[Bankc]

Fishing is my reward for being successful in other areas of life.  A successful day on the water is one that facilitates another day on the water in the future.  

[EWREX]

depends on my "reason" for fishing on a particular outing. if i'm fishing a tournament, my goal is always to catch a limit. i feel if i do not catch a limit, i was not successful in meeting my goal. fun fishing is a different story and my goal is always to just try to enjoy the outdoors and to catch a fish, no matter the size or numbers

[Bird]

Never losing that high level of enthusiasm, the excitement and anticipation before each trip......That in itself spawns success. Imo

 

 

[A-Jay]

Pretty sure we all have 'our own individual way' of measuring bass fishing success. 

Certain that varies wildly between bassheads.

So there might not really be an accurate way of projecting my version of it onto any one else.

Either way, the A-Jay version of true measure of success,

only happens a few times each season.

And I'm OK with that. 

It's when I find myself

in the right place,

at the right time

and doing the Right thing.

And it has to equate to trophy brown bass;

at least one anyway. 

When this doesn't happen, I do not consider that time a failure, per se.

Instead it's merely a stepping stone.

Just one more day closer to the parade.

Because as long as I keep my head down and fish hard,

it's just a matter of time.

btw @Mobasser You Sir are on a roll !

A-Jay

 

[Mobasser]

7 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Pretty sure we all have 'our own individual way' of measuring bass fishing success. 

Certain that varies wildly between bassheads.

So there might not really be an accurate way of projecting my version of it onto any one else.

Either way, the A-Jay version of true measure of success,

only happens a few times each season.

And I'm OK with that. 

It's when I find myself

in the right place,

at the right time

and doing the Right thing.

And it has to equate to trophy brown bass;

at least one anyway. 

When this doesn't happen, I do not consider that time a failure, per se.

Instead it's merely a stepping stone.

Just one more day closer to the parade.

Because as long as I keep my head down and fish hard,

it's just a matter of time.

btw @Mobasser You Sir are on a roll !

A-Jay

 

A-Jay, it's winter, I'm mostly retired now. I probably have too much time on my hands...

[cyclops2]

I enjoy doing a different puzzle every day. Even if I do not complete it for a couple of days.  I fish first for my home bound perch friends.  Then I fish for SMB   C & R.      

[LrgmouthShad]

Idk what it means for me I just know 2022 ain't seen nothing yet. Hurry up and warm up!

[volzfan59]

I am very much a Henry David Thoreau, "Many men fish all of their lives and don't realize it's not the fish that they are after." kind of guy. My apologies to HDT for possibly butchering the quote.

 

I love the peace, solitude and the challenge that bass fishing, particularly river bass fishing, brings. Now, that said, don't get me wrong. I absolutely love to catch bass, especially big 'uns! I also enjoy chasing big bluegill and trout, but I digress. I used to fish a lot of buddy tournaments but stopped because it stopped being fun. Just like when I raced stock cars, when it quit being fun, I stopped doing it.

[RB 77]

Get out on the water, enjoy the outdoors, build camaraderie, stay safe and catch a couple of few fish! 

[SC53]

There’s a few things for me. 
First and foremost is to arrive back home safe. At 68, that’s is a priority. 
Secondly would be that I do catch bass based on what I thought would work that day. 
Third would be did I catch enough for dinner ( even thought I don’t keep bass) if I needed to. It’s part of my survival instincts. 
Last and by far not least, did I catch the “one” I wanted, that being a particular size trophy for that location, time of year, etc. 

[Jaderose]

When I'm on the water and the brain is shut off and I'm just taking reacting to conditions and 6 hours passes in the blink of an eye, I know I've had a successful day.  it means fish were being caught and I was dialed in and enjoying my surroundings.  I'm not worried about numbers or weights.  Just peace of mind