As a columnist for a few different publications, I frequently cross back and forth with my subject matter. Such was the case when I recently interviewed a bunch of top pros for a Bass Fishing Magazine piece. The object of the article was to uncover their secrets while learning what others do wrong.
You see, each year, hundreds of anglers make an attempt to become professionals. Most never make it. Over the course of my 25 years in fishing, I’ve watched dozens of friends and cohorts set out to make a name for themselves, yet very few remain actively engaged in fishing today.
Just where do they go wrong?
I asked this question to anglers from 25 to 50 years of age; all extremely successful in today’s game. The commonality of their response was stunning.
Experience. Lack of time on the water.
Now I’m summing things up a bit, but that was the overwhelming answer. That was the reason that most anglers try and fail to make a living fishing, according to some of those who do it best. It’s no wonder, given our current culture.
Yesterday, I went online to research a snorkeling spot for my upcoming vacation. In a matter of minutes, I was watching several uninterrupted versions of other enthusiasts swimming in my chosen locale. Underwater video accompanied all of the YouTube pieces I gobbled up. In short time, I knew how to get to the correct beach, which way to swim to reach the hot spot and what fish to expect to see while diving. It was as good as being there. I had received an education on the swimming hole by several teachers, in essence making numerous dives myself. I felt like an expert.
But, really, I was far from it, as you know. When I visit, the conditions facing me will likely be different. If history is any indication of my luck with weather, the waters will be rough and cloudy, and fish hard to find.
It appears the same scenario is happening with many tournament bass anglers. Because, from what some big names tell me, the number one thing they see others doing wrong is spending too much time “learning” online.
Too much time learning. Is that even possible?
Maybe. Our propensity of late is to learn all we can from others through the world of social media. We all do it, and it can be a big help for everything from poaching an egg to hanging drywall. But bass fishing?
In order to properly learn bass fishing, you must learn for yourself, according to my panel. Nothing replaces time on the water. One expert summoned that the biggest downfall of young anglers is going into an event with preconceived notions on what the fishery will offer, despite having no experience on the water itself. Such makes it impossible for those anglers to fish with an open mind and make choices based on conditions.
I couldn’t agree more. In terms of my own fishing, the best days almost always occur when I stumble on something I really hadn’t anticipated. And, often, experimenting pays off.
Ask yourself this: How many times have you fished a new body of water and done best on your very first outing there, when compared to subsequent days or additional visits? It’s the old “win at practice” scenario coming back around.
Frequently, anglers will take to a lake to practice for a tournament and have far better days than those of the competition itself. Sure, practice allows for more flexible, longer times and less fishing pressure. But practice also sets itself up for experimentation and fishing on the fly. What have you got to lose? Tournament competition, however, often gives us a feeling of being locked into one way of fishing. Such often spells disaster.
It’s important to always go out and make your own angling decisions based on the day you’re given.
Here’s another real-world example. Some fisheries are known for specific baits and techniques, maybe even hot lure colors. When big tournaments come to town, we’ll often see those same local favorites play a role. But, more often than not, a few top pros will use a completely different approach and beat some of the best locals around.
They made their own decisions based on the circumstances and their personal knowledge base, and used those decisions to the fullest. I’m constantly reminded of Stephen Browning and his refusal to throw much of anything but a ChatterBait while racking up the checks on the BPT in recent years. Browning chooses his tried and true method because he has supreme confidence in it; confidence that can only come from time on the water. YouTube, local favorite, hot colors; none of that overrides his choice.
Time on the water. I’m not sure who coined that phrase, but it pops up in bass fishing more than most, and seems to have a resurgence every decade or so. More than ever, it appears nothing is replacing real-world experience. Like, outside, away from a “device”. With a fishing pole.
I’m sure a major factor is also skill. Nearly every competitor is, in fact, better and more prepared these days going into an event, thanks to online research. Therefore, to separate from the pack, more is needed.
I made some quick generalizations here; you need to check the magazine. There, you’ll get the full scoop on what many of us do wrong, according to names like Rose, Faircloth, Shuffield and more. Because, after all, they would know.
(Joe Balog is the often-outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)
