Absolute's 2025
Mike L reply :
We all have feelings about what to use when we don't know what to use..
We all have opinions of what would be better to use in a given situation..
We all have confidence in one bait or one presentation over some others..
But how many of us have certain, no doubt about it, Absolute's? ..I mean the "don't try to talk me out if it", "I don't want to hear it", "no matter what you say" Absolute's!
For me it's...
*Will not use mono for anything, ever
*65# minimum braid for punching matt's
*Tie a snell knot on punch rig
*A frog is always first
*High quality flouro for all bottom contact baits
*Have a professional clean and lube all reels
*Retie everything before I leave the house and after 3 fish hooked, landed or not
*Put the hat I was wearing when I caught my personal best either in my lunch bag or on my head
Whats your's?
Mike
Fish4bigfish reply :
Lol hmmm Bill Murphy said in his book there are no rules to bass fishing and therefore no absolutes! Bass fishing is freedom. Freedom to choose what lines, lures and colors to use. To catch big bass I have to have no absolutes. I absolutely must fish 3 days minimum a week. I must use the best gear I can afford and learn to maintain it. I never cheap out on line and hooks!
Scott F reply :
1. I absolutely refuse to make fishing complicated.
2. All braid, all the time
3. I wont use flouro or mono leaders. (See rule 1 above)
4. No tournament fishing.
5. If it ain't fun, pack up and go home.
scaleface reply :
I always use mono . Thats about it .
Ratherbfishing reply :
Before I take any reel apart to clean it, the following conditions MUST exist (no exceptions):
1) The room MUST have wall to wall shag carpeting.
2) The ceiling fan and several box fans MUST remain on full blast.
3) The floor and desk MUST each slope no less than 15 degrees (combined to acheive a 30 degree slope-minimum)
4) I MUST first have had a really bad day at work and in traffic
5) The reel MUST have been engineered by a close relative to the Marquis de Sade
6) Most of my tools and screwdrivers have been borrowed by a friend and I MUST be reduced to a pair of oversized channel locks and a bent screwdriver.
7) The cat, who USUALLY prefers to keep to herself MUST feel a sudden and persistent urge to climb in my lap.
8) All but one of the light bulbs in the room must be burned out
lo n slo reply :
must take a good dump before leaving the house
must have plenty of bullets, hooks, and worms, 2 rods minimum
water to drink
check the plug
know the weather
Jaderose reply :
Well.....I don't throw crankbaits into algae...at least not on purpose! other than that, I don't throw a frog on anything less than 30 lb braid and I will NOT catch a fish unless I'm wearing my raggedy old hat that looks like ***** and drips brown when it rains. When it finally falls apart it will have a proper burial at sea.
Oh yeah...and the dump thing like lo n slo.
S. Sass reply :
Well I think I have to fill the live well as the one time I didn't I had a horrible fishing day.
Don't eat to much before leaving out. See lo n slo 1st comment above.
Always and I do mean always measure everything before you put in live well. Don't hurry and enjoy the bite while it's on and think you can go back and cull .
Always have ice and water on board.
davecon reply :
Only absolute in fishing is that there are no absolutes !
riverbasser reply :
If its that time of the month LEAVE the wife at home!
Never forget the plug. . . (again)
If you see a beer in my hand at the lake don't ask how's the fishing.
slonezp reply :
Always stop for donuts on tournament day
soflabasser reply :
Always be ready and prepared for the next big bite.
Gundog reply :
Absolutes....not any I can think of except if I ain't catching anything change it up. Move to another spot, throw a different lure (some days my canoe looks like a bait & tackle shop threw up in it), try a different technique.
Catt reply :
Absolute's
*Texas Rig weighted or unweighed tied on 24/7/365
*Jig-n-Craw tied on 24/7/365
*Start the day on deep water structure
*I'm ain't here just to fish...I'm here for your fish
*You will only underestimate me one time!
doyle8218 reply :
Enjoy fishing.
Jar11591 reply :
@lo n slo's first rule is about my only absolute!
Fish the Mitt reply :
Absolutes imply a willful disregard to learn and grow as an angler. I have no absolutes. Every trip, every cast, every moment, is a learning experience. Now, I am not a seasoned angler so my unintended provocation is not meant to deter nor offend. In time, as I grow as an angler, perhaps I will develop absolutes - but for now, I'm a sponge. Get me wet!
Mike L reply :
On 7/8/2016 at 9:34 AM, SemperBass said:Absolutes imply a willful disregard to learn and grow as an angler. I have no absolutes. Every trip, every cast, every moment, is a learning experience. Now, I am not a seasoned angler so my unintended provocation is not meant to deter nor offend. In time, as I grow as an angler, perhaps I will develop absolutes - but for now, I'm a sponge. Get me wet!
Respectfully and completely disagree with your first sentence. The purpose of my thread wasn't intended to imply that anyone who hasn't developed any over the years is any less a student of the sport than those who have. "Learning experiences" never end, nor should they
Good Luck
Mike
Evan K reply :
On 7/8/2016 at 6:48 AM, Ratherbfishing said:Before I take any reel apart to clean it, the following conditions MUST exist (no exceptions):
1) The room MUST have wall to wall shag carpeting.
2) The ceiling fan and several box fans MUST remain on full blast.
3) The floor and desk MUST each slope no less than 15 degrees (combined to acheive a 30 degree slope-minimum)
4) I MUST first have had a really bad day at work and in traffic
5) The reel MUST have been engineered by a close relative to the Marquis de Sade
6) Most of my tools and screwdrivers have been borrowed by a friend and I MUST be reduced to a pair of oversized channel locks and a bent screwdriver.
7) The cat, who USUALLY prefers to keep to herself MUST feel a sudden and persistent urge to climb in my lap.
8) All but one of the light bulbs in the room must be burned out
That was one of the best things I've read recently. 
I tried to think of some but couldn't at the moment. I will fish pretty much regardless of anything. If any small thing with my gear is not quite right (such as last week when I broke a guide off my rod- it still worked perfectly fine) it bugs me to death but I'll still fish.
papajoe222 reply :
For you married guys; Never, Ever put your girlfriend's number on your favorites list.
everythingthatswims reply :
Unless I am in heavy vegetation, I will NEVER throw braid without a leader. EVER.
Catt reply :
On 7/8/2016 at 9:34 AM, SemperBass said:Absolutes imply a willful disregard to learn and grow as an angler. I have no absolutes.
Absolute: free from limitations, restrictions, or exceptions; unqualified: an absolute choice.
I absolutely will have a Texas Rig & Jig-n-Craw on the deck of my boat 24/7/365!
I absolutely will start my day/night out on deep water structure!
Cgrinder reply :
I will absolutely buy more reels than I need.
A-Jay reply :
I will Absolutely Hate to put the boat up this & every Winter. 
And will Absolutely Love getting it out in the Spring.
A-Jay
Oregon Native reply :
Absolute: Thank the good Lord for each and every day on the water. Sometimes I have taken them for granted and when I didn't get to fish for several months and it was awful. Have fun relax..don't get caught up in all the BS....tourneys or not.
frogflogger reply :
Absolute #1 - Have hook/lure in water
Steveo-1969 reply :
I absolutely will not catch any fish while sitting on the couch at home.
Fish the Mitt reply :
On 7/8/2016 at 10:16 AM, Mike L said:Respectfully and completely disagree with your first sentence. The purpose of my thread wasn't intended to imply that anyone who hasn't developed any over the years is any less a student of the sport than those who have. "Learning experiences" never end, nor should they
Good Luck
Mike
And mine wasn't implying that either. I have a feeling both you and Catt misunderstood what I was going for. Perhaps it was in my wording. Eitherway, my point was as a newer angler, I have not developed any absolutes (in regards to gear/equipment) as I 'personally' feel I've got much to learn before doing so. To me, absolutes derive from tried and true experiences. For example, Catt states he will have a TRig and J&C tied on 24x7. I believe that comes from Catt's tried and true experiences. I, being a newer angler, lack the experience to be remotely certain about anything. Therefore, I have no absolutes. I am learning daily. Now, and again, that is MY opinion and holds true only to me. I do not speak for or on behalf of anyone else and certainly meant no implications to such.
whitwolf reply :
One absolute: Enjoy every minute fishing. Or at least strive too!
The ultimate goal Is to catch fish but the older I get the time spent on the water Is a real source of joy. I take It all In and never take for granted how lucky I am to be able to do something I love.
Relative absolutes: TX rig and jig tied on always.
scaleface reply :
I absolutely will learn a little more every time I go fishing .
Hog Basser reply :
I will absolutely enjoy every time I go fishing, whether I catch anything or not.
I will absolutely sacrifice my fish catching time if it means helping my nephews or my sons catch more fish.
I will absolutely always try multiple baits while fishing until I get completely comfortable with what my absolute baits for that particular body of water and conditions will be.
I will absolutely fish every chance I get (which isn't as much as I'd like).
I will absolutely keep an open mind and learn as much as I can about fishing my whole life.
GORDO reply :
I will absolutely (in no particular order):
Make sure there is oil in the boat and the trolling motor is charged
Have a jig and crank bait tied on
Try new spots/techniques
Handle fish with respect!
WRB reply :
Absolutely will not;
Hook up the boat and trailer without checking tires, lights, batteries, gasoline/oil, drain plug, PFD's and drinking water.
Use my rods and reels without checking drags, line and tie fresh knots on any lure/hooks for sharpness before using them.
Checking sonar units and trolling motor before launching.
Fish during day light without sun screen, hat and sun glasses.
Launch the boat if it's severe stormy weather with high winds, lightning and heavy rain.
Tom
Neil McCauley reply :
On 7/8/2016 at 12:26 PM, A-Jay said:I will Absolutely Hate to put the boat up this & every Winter.
And will Absolutely Love getting it out in the Spring.
A-Jay
(January, 2016)
Absolutely refuse to put it up at all!
A-Jay reply :
On 7/9/2016 at 1:10 PM, Neil McCauley said:
(January, 2016)
Absolutely refuse to put it up at all!
Good Luck with that ~
A-Jay
Fishinthefish reply :
If I can't find fish, a stick bait, or a worm texas rigged under a dock will always get me at least one fish.
No reel on this planet is nearly as good as a Shimano Core
The NRX is over rated
If my wife is okay with me going for a long period of time I will most likely end up getting skunked
the reel ess reply :
Don't stop fishing even when it's cold.
I always keep a poorly balanced combo to justify buying either another reel or rod.
My phone doesn't work when I'm fishing unless I catch one worthy of a pic. Then I notice I have calls and texts.
When I think they won't bite, they will...and vice versa
I'll be home "after dark".
The less they bite, the harder I fish. I'm stupid like that.
The fewer gadgets and motors you use, the more time you get to fish (I kayak fish private waters and even rivers/creeks and K.I.S.S.) Last two times I used my big boat, I fought the trolling motor all evening.
Though I plan a trip days, even weeks in advance, and tell my wife, she will still look for something for me to do when the time comes.
BadContrakt reply :
I suppose my only absolute is to never give up. If the bite is really slow, it's only because I haven't figured them out yet. No reason to go home. Keep changing baits, keep trying different presentations, and find the pattern of the day.
"hamma" reply :
HMMM,..? absolutely, everytime, ALWAYS!: have a jig and pig tied on a flippin stick, a spinnerbait, topwater, jighead and grub, and jerkbait, tied on, hooks sharp, line checked. ,.....(knocking on wood) I always check the plug before launching. I have extra rods in the rodlocker, for certain presentations just in case. Have the batteries charged, Bring food for full days, a hat, sunglasses, apply sunscreen and bugspray away from the boat before launching. Be careful, and have all safety gear checked and on board. Check the livewell plug
*Hootie reply :
Got nothing to do with fishing but I absolutely must have cornbread with my beans.
Hootie
frosty reply :
I will absolutely fight the urge to scream like a little girl when a snake slithers out from between my feet. I will absolutely drink to much coffee making it hard to do a finesse presentation.
GetBent reply :
Absolute- Take butt wipes when fishing.
Check to make sure I have butt wipes at least 3 times. (I hate IBS and the moments it raises its ugly head)
senko 6" stick bait and rage craws packed and ready. Speaking of butt wipes make sure I have some TRD for the Ned rig who has grown a place in my fishing arsenal.
Send pics of fish to friends and family while they are still at work.
frosty reply :
On 7/10/2016 at 7:31 AM, GetBent said:Absolute-
Send pics of fish to friends and family while they are still at work.
Your an evil man. Evil and mean!
IndianaFinesse reply :
My only absolute with fishing, is that I am going fishing!
.ghoti. reply :
A new absolute, which has only become so since I became a moderator, and have to read every thread: never, ever, ever reply to a thread who's title contains the words "what's the best....."
Fisher-O-men reply :
On 7/9/2016 at 4:47 AM, WRB said:Absolutely will not;
Hook up the boat and trailer without checking tires, lights, batteries, gasoline/oil, drain plug, PFD's and drinking water.
Use my rods and reels without checking drags, line and tie fresh knots on any lure/hooks for sharpness before using them.
Checking sonar units and trolling motor before launching.
Fish during day light without sun screen, hat and sun glasses.
Launch the boat if it's severe stormy weather with high winds, lightning and heavy rain.
Tom
I'll bet your garage is clean as well. You're a sick man, I tell ya, a very sick man! 
wytstang reply :
On 7/10/2016 at 7:31 AM, GetBent said:Absolute- Take butt wipes when fishing.
Check to make sure I have butt wipes at least 3 times. (I hate IBS and the moments it raises its ugly head)
Glad I'm not the only one, TP and wipes are always in my truck tool box.
Absolutely have coffee
Absolutely have a cigar or a Black & mild if I forget my cigar
Absolutely have a chatter bait w/crawdad as a trailer
Absolutely have a swim jig w/crawdad
Absolutely have MegaStrike original scent on my lures
Absolutely rather be fishing then at work 100% of the time
Jaderose reply :
Just thought of another one that I'm guessing is pretty universal....I will always have "just one more cast" that turns into about 10.
Last_Cast reply :
A nice bathroom break is a MUST.
Atleast 2 rods.
Most my gear.
Good Vibes(for the most part)
*Hootie reply :
Went fishing today. Will "ABSOLUTELY" go again tomorrow....lol.
Hootie
WRB reply :
On 7/10/2016 at 1:00 PM, Fisher-O-men said:I'll bet your garage is clean as well. You're a sick man, I tell ya, a very sick man!
My garage is like my desk, cluttered but I know where my stuff is.
Tom
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/11/2016 at 4:23 AM, WRB said:My garage is like my desk, cluttered but I know where my stuff is.
Tom
I've tried to explain this to my wife about my tackle work benches and my tackle storage in my boat, but she doesn't understand.
RMcDuffee726 reply :
I will only fish if I am going to put 100% effort in on the water. Anything else is absolutely not acceptable!
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