Presuming that no one out there has been fishing tournaments all their lives, what is the best thing that tournament fishing has taught you?
Humility or is it humiliation?
Waging war against the clock?
How to measure bass that don't want to be?
Learning that Boaters/Backseaters aren't so bad after all?
Let us hear from you, even if you have only a few of them under your belt. Or even if you are a BassinUSA Pro Staffer or Officer.
Let's hear it, guys. JoeM

OK, where do I start? Well first of all, I've only been a "bass fisherman" for approximately 5 or 6 years now. I still do not consider myself a "fisherman" because I do not fish for anything else other than freshwater bass. I fell in love with bass fishing after being introduced to it by my brother. He was very instrumental in teaching me the very basics I would need to get started, but it really wasn't until I joined L.I.B. that I gained an even greater education and respect for the sport. The club environment has taught me to keep an open mind, share information, and listen very carefully to others as they extend critical stratedgy and/or technique to the rest of us. Tournament fishing has opened my eyes to the fact that there is absolutely a lot more than "luck" involved when it comes to this type of competetive fishing. Since fishing tournaments, I have aquired a new sense of patience, a new sense of focus, a greater respect for both weather and nature, and how to fish competetively for eight hours with no sleep LOL! I have also learned how to pace myself, change tactics with conditions, and remember that every minute counts! In addition, I've learned to keep up with the preventive maintenance of both my boat and vehicle, and try as hard as possible to eliminate anything that may distract me while competing in a tournament. I've learned that bass can be caught in almost all conditions, a bass isn't caught until it's in the boat LOL, and sometimes trying something brand new pays off big time! But above all, I think the most important thing I have learned from tournament fishing has to be the respect for the bass! Caring for these fish while they are in my possesion ranks very high in my book! Good fishing!!!

Ed- Excellent post!

Thanks for sharing how Bass Fishing has really changed your life. All over America there are guys just like you who could make similar statements about what tournament fishing has taught them.

As to there being a lot more than luck involved, that is true as far as good luck is concerned. Bad luck, on the other hand, always tries to find a way to ruin your game plan. Of course you have already indicated you have learned when to change tactics or location (most times. No one does it right all the time) The other way to fight bad luck is to go back to basics (like you would to fight your way out of a batting slump)and to check and re-check all the things you can do to help yourself. (Like retying, keeping sharp hooks, changing line, etc.)

The best part is where you said you have really developed respect for the bass. That's great! Y'know, a lot of non-Club fishermen & people who don't fish think that we abuse fish in our livewells. If they could be aboard your boat or mine, they would quickly realize that we take better care of the bass than we do of our sleep-deprived selves.

Thanks again. Keep the posts coming. Good Fishing. JoeM

Joe.........

I greatly respect your comments regarding my previous post. However, I truly believe that the "luck" which we speak of, is generated by ones decisions or actions. In other words, "luck" whether good or bad, is simply an excuse resulting from a good or poor decision or action. I'm a firm believer in that we control our own destiny, and "luck" plays not much of a role at all. "Keep reelin em in!" ED

Challenges are what you make of them. They can either be stepping stones or stumbling blocks, its what you make of them. This holds true for fishing as well as life. If you think positive, you will have a good day on the water.

"Luck occurs at the moment Opportunity and Preparation Collide"

That is why we fish regularly and focus when we do. All of the fishing you do once you commit to fishing seriously as a sport and not just a sight seeing tour, is in preparation for the big moment. Be it a big fish or the ultimate bite when the whole school turns on and you are the only one that figures it out. Whether or not you are prepared to seize that moment depends on if you have practiced diligently and with intelligence, those two factors have put you in the right place to have the opportunity, and to realize that you are in that position at the time you are there.
Ukey 28

ukey28 (Frank)......

"Luck simply doesn't occur in bass tournaments!" "Luck is a myth!"

To say that it does, would be an insult to bass fishermen everywhere who have worked very hard to skill themselves for this highly competetive sport. Proof of this skill is demonstrated when the same small group of fishermen constantly win tournaments. Try telling them that it was just luck!

WEBSTERS DICTIONARY
DEFINITION: "LUCK" an unknown and unpredictable "phenomenon" that leads to a favorable outcome;

Hey Guys- Great series of posts. Boy, do we need more of these.

Remember one specific in my comments above. I am talking about BAD luck. The batting slump bad luck, Gil Hodges in the World Series, Roland Martin in almost every Classic. It happens to them all. When you recognize what has happened, that is the time to make strides against any setback. I'm by no means suggesting that anyone throw in the cards just because something goes wrong. However to deny that such things take place isn't in your best interest in the long pull.

I'm glad you all try to look at the big picture and won't let one day, one tournament, one trip, one season or one year throw you off your journey to success. That is real enthusiasm! Keep it up.
Good Fishing. JoeM

Hey Folks. I am new to the board and thought I would say something about Tournament fishing.

Tournaments have taught me the meaning of all the above. Some all in the same tournament. I found that luck has nothing to do with it. It is what you make of it. All the luck in the world will not do you any good if you are not fishing in the right place at the right time with the right bait.

I have found that if I go with the "gut" feeling it turns out to be right. The days that I have relied on luck have brought me to the scales empty handed and disapointed.

I love tournament fishing there is no other feeling like it and I can not get enough of it. I am glad I found this sight with so many other Tournament fishermen to relate to.

Thanks
Conley

"MOFISH".....

I APPLAUD YOU!!!! My thoughts exactly!!! You, and you alone determine the outcome (luck) based on decisions you make throughout the event! Good post, and good fishing!!!

ED F.