What NOT to do?

[Bass_Akwards]

Name one common mistake, or uncommon mistake, that's made by bass fishermen, that we should all avoid.

I'll start.

Confidence/Go to Baits. The mistake is that people fall in love with one bait, and fish it even when they're getting no bites on it. I've seen guys throw a Senko ALL DAY and not get bites. Mix it up! An angler needs to understand when his "go to bait" isn't working and to tie on another bait to try and catch bass. I struggled with this for quite some time.

[AZfishrman01]

The easiest thing I believe is not manually flipping closed the bail arm when using spinning reels. It literally takes less than a second. We've all seen it. We've all read it or heard it from others. Simple and easy fix.

Another one I see is people using a snap swivel for every lure. That really grinds my gears. haha

[dinkman]

The biggest one I used to make is making fishing complicated and really over-thinking it.  Last year I finally realized what I was doing and made a serious effort not to get to caught up in "dock talk" or hot new lures but just going and fishing the moment. 

The other big thing I used to do was make a few casts with a bait and then retie with something else, I give each bait a while longer now and try to work it every possible way before I decide to change it.

[Captain Obvious]

Not adjusting the knobs on bait-casters when we make a lure change causing unnecessary back lash

[D4u2s0t]

I think people rely WAY too much on bait selection and bait color.  The best most magical bait in the world in the top producing color ever made will simply not catch fish if there are no fish where you're casting.

[BassThumb]

The easiest thing I believe is not manually flipping closed the bail arm when using spinning reels. It literally takes less than a second. We've all seen it. We've all read it or heard it from others. Simple and easy fix.

Another one I see is people using a snap swivel for every lure. That really grinds my gears. haha

I have to second this.  It's just so common.

[Paul Roberts]

I guess there are enough potential "mistakes" to be made on any one outing, that I wouldn't even call them that.

But, some things we can control, before we even make a cast, and a top one is sharpening hooks. They matter SO much.

The GoTo/fishing history thing is a necessary evil I think. You gotta start somewhere. Versatility, like confidence, takes knowledge and experience.

Maybe "bad habits" is a better word than "mistakes"?

[stealthcaster]

One big thing I have worked on over the years is, when fishing is slow, don't let yourself lose focus.  Keep working your lure the way you normally do and remember to switch it up.  Be glad to be out on the water and keep trying your best.

[Skunked in DR]

Check your line and knots or as this is what not to do - Don't check your line and knots regularly.

Periodic retying will save you lots of fish in the long run.

[Blade-Runner]

On the other extreme where folks change lures too often.

[Jake.]

Some fishermen base way too many decisions on what the "pros" are using. Skimping on hooks to save 40 cents doesn't make much sense to me either.

[Paul Roberts]

One big thing I have worked on over the years is, when fishing is slow, don't let yourself lose focus. Keep working your lure the way you normally do and remember to switch it up. Be glad to be out on the water and keep trying your best.

X2

Man, that is a big one! The things that make a difference, or trigger fish, can be subtle. Being asleep at the switch is a deathknell -relegating you to the "hoping the fish find YOU" syndrome.

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

I think people rely WAY too much on bait selection and bait color. The best most magical bait in the world in the top producing color ever made will simply not catch fish if there are no fish where you're casting.

Let me add to that: Also if the fish don't want it the way your retrieving/working it. The one holding the wand creates the magic.The lure is a tool and is only as productive as the person using it.

Touching back to the original post about always using your go-to or favorite baits. I know a few people that not only want to use the same thing every time but they work it the exact same way on every single cast every outing. Caught bass a few times using this bait this certain way,in this particular type of area before so this must be how your supposed to use it,right? Big mistake.

I know its hard to keep focus when things go south and I am as guilty as any on occasion of doing this too.

[Raul]

Not checking the line frequently in search for signs of abrassion.

Never mind what the bait "imitates", you just worry to present the bait in a manner that it looks alive and an easy prey ( wonded, scared, dying ).

Purchasing EL CHEAPO hooks and line.

Not changing lines/leaders oftenly.

"Go to" baits ? what the hell is that !   :-?

Learn to know your lures.

[bigfruits]

dont rip your lure from the tree branch without sunglasses on.

[Beastie Bass]

I see people freeing a snag with their rod all the time! DO NOT DO THIS! IF IT BREAKS, IT'S YOU'RE OWN d**n FAULT!

[BigEbass]

Secure loose rods/reels while not using them to avoid kickent them over, catching one in a backcast, and them bumping up and blowing out while motoring (this happened to 4 of my rods - bounced up at 45mph in a fairly secure spot - hit a bit wake and they just bounced up enough and caught the wind - now somewhere in ~ 30 feet in the middle of lay lake).

So SECURE YOUR RODS!!!!

[powerman970]

Biggest mistake is not learning from your mistakes.  We all do goofy stuff and have brain farts or get home and realize something we SHOULD have done or tried.  The important thing is that we learn from it and use it the next time the conditions call for it.

[RobbyZ5001]

dont rip your lure from the tree branch without sunglasses on.

x2 x2 x2

[K_Mac]

RobbyZ5001 I saw a guy at the coffee shop the other day with that same piercing. ;D

[RobbyZ5001]

RobbyZ5001 I saw a guy at the coffee shop the other day with that same piercing. ;D

He probably paid more then I did!  ;D

[Catt]

Name one common mistake, or uncommon mistake, that's made by bass fishermen, that we should all avoid.

Not learning what structure is, how to truly identify it, interpret it, and then fish it effectively.

Not learning the predominate prey species in your lake and how that species relates to structure with each season...morning, noon, and night.

Not understanding that next after location is timing; just because you don't get bite does not mean the bass aren't there or you tied on the wrong lure.

Failing to understand the #1 key to consistently catching bass is between your ears not between the folds of your wallet.

[Luke at Gouldsboro]

I'd say don't have a "lucky" spot on you're favorite lake. I see guys spend a lot of time in one area and don't catch a thing. fish move, so should you