Any Pre-Fishing Rituals/superstitions? 2024
Preytorien reply :
In sports, many athletes have pre-game rituals. Wayne Gretzky would put his pads on in a certain order, Wade Boggs ate chicken, the list goes on.
What pre-fishing outing rituals or superstitions do you have?
I don't know if mine is more common sense or ritual, but I pretty much can't throw a lure in the water until I've first reseated the line on my baitcasters (at least once, many times twice).
And concerning superstition I have this one baseball cap.....and darned if I get skunked every time I leave the house without it! 
Bluebasser86 reply :
I have to have everything rigged up before I go, hate having to rig up at the ramp and lose precious time during that early morning bite!
jonnysmith reply :
i need 2 have everything ready the day b4,i go thru my check list..i even leave the boat hooked up2 my truck..if the day b4 the fishing trip things start going wrong, i think of it as a warning sign that the fish day is gonna suck..like if i invite 4 buddy & they cancel,if its gonna be a gorgeous day & the weather changed..if in the morning my trucks battery is dead or i have a flat tire..i know its sily but its thinks i think about,,lol
alberto-1 reply :
I dont like to eat before a tournament really. Not really supersititious but just kind of how Ive always done it.
Darren. reply :
Probably the most consistent thing I do before going out is to check the barometric pressure.
I'm still undecided on whether or not it *really* makes a difference in fishing.
I mean, I went out this past Monday which had a low BP, but I couldn't buy a bite. And I've been out on days where the BP was high and had a great day.
So it's just something I do with regularity before hitting the water.
Felix77 reply :
Not proud of it but it became routine for me to have one for breakfast around 7 or 8 while I fish.
A-Jay reply :
I too follow the Barometric pressure as well as the moon phase, so I usually know what it is daily and definitely before I go.
I have certain songs that I listen to in the truck on the way, and they're different for each lake.
The one thing that I do ensure prior to launching the Old Town and this might be more of a self-preservation move than a superstition -
Don the PFD ~ don't like dying.
A-Jay
Fishes in trees reply :
I like to take a shower and wear clean, weather appropriate fishing clothes when I leave the house and be certain that rain gear is in the truck. I eat breakfast on the road - usually 2 slices of Casey's breakfast pizza and a large coffee. When I get closer to the lake, stop and buy ice and anything else I might need that has occurred to my during the drive. I try to keep a couple of different sets of weather appropriate fishing clothes in the truck. At the end of the day, after I've loaded the boat and transferred gear int0 the truck as necessary, I like to change clothes. I find driving home in hot sweaty clothes is annoying and should I decide to stop at a restaurant on the way home, I think that walking into an eating establishment when you are sweaty and stinky is rude. I know that there are occasions when that can't be avoided, but for the most part I think it is rude.
Other superstitions/habits would include rods rigged and ready to go. If I'm going to be fishing soft plastics primarily, I want to have my first few color choices out of storage and easy to get to.
Dwight Hottle reply :
I only have one. Most of my fishing involves a boat ride before fishing. The question I always debate is should I fill the livewell first before fishing when I arrive or wait until the first legal fish is caught to fill the well? Will I jinx myself if I fill it in anticipation of that first nice fish? And the debate continues every trip.
Fishing Rhino reply :
Get up. Get dressed. Hook up the boat. Go fishing. I know it's crazy, but I am convinced that if I don't get up, it won't be a good day on the water.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/20/2013 at 3:37 AM, Fishes in trees said:, I like to change clothes. I find driving home in hot sweaty clothes is annoying and should I decide to stop at a restaurant on the way home, I think that walking into an eating establishment when you are sweaty and stinky is rude. I know that there are occasions when that can't be avoided, but for the most part I think it is rude.
I do this as well - depends on the weather; but definitely if it rained.
There are some funny looks occasionally shot my way stripping down next to the truck.
A-Jay
tomustang reply :
I wet my line with saliva before I tie the knot 
Nice_Bass reply :
On 12/20/2013 at 3:40 AM, Dwight Hottle said:I only have one. Most of my fishing involves a boat ride before fishing. The question I always debate is should I fill the livewell first before fishing when I arrive or wait until the first legal fish is caught to fill the well? Will I jinx myself if I fill it in anticipation of that first nice fish? And the debate continues every trip.
I go through the same thing- I also have a similar situation with when and where I will take out my net from where I keep it stowed.
There is 0 correlation between either of these things and my success or lack thereof for a day on the water- but it crosses my mind every time.
Brayberry reply :
I have to get everything ready to go to the lake the night before, if I'm going to start with soft plastics, I'll have the bag I'll start with in a pocket or right on top.
I have to have a hat on, if I forget it, I'll get skunked.
Being a southern boy I HAVE to bring at least a gallon of sweet tea
Catch a fish on your first cast guaranteed to be your last, so if the 1st cast gets bit I won't set the hook
No bananas in the boat
AK-Jax86 reply :
When I am driving to my fishin destination I always play my "fishing" playlist on my Iphone lol
basshole8190 reply :
On 12/20/2013 at 4:14 AM, Fishing Rhino said:Get up. Get dressed. Hook up the boat. Go fishing. I know it's crazy, but I am convinced that if I don't get up, it won't be a good day on the water.
Thats true you'll definately catch more on the boat than in the bed
On 12/20/2013 at 3:40 AM, Dwight Hottle said:I only have one. Most of my fishing involves a boat ride before fishing. The question I always debate is should I fill the livewell first before fishing when I arrive or wait until the first legal fish is caught to fill the well? Will I jinx myself if I fill it in anticipation of that first nice fish? And the debate continues every trip.
My father in law always laughs at me when i tell him not to fill the livewell before we've caught fish. i also debate about taking my landing net out of the storage box.. (the net one always comes back to bite me when i leave it in the box)
Frog Turds reply :
I never start my day without consuming the "The Big Country Breakfast" i call it ='s 3 eggs, one whole shredded potato for hash browns, 4 pieces of bacon, 2 pieces of toast, a big glass of milk & a half glass of orange juice...
I don't like wasting time eating on the water, so that pile of goodness sits heavy and sticks with me...all i need is a chunk of jerk mid outing and i'm good...
MarkH024 reply :
On 12/20/2013 at 5:23 AM, Frog Turds said:I never start my day without consuming the "The Big Country Breakfast" i call it ='s 3 eggs, one whole shredded potato for hash browns, 4 pieces of bacon, 2 pieces of toast, a big glass of milk & a half glass of orange juice...
I don't like wasting time eating on the water, so that pile of goodness sits heavy and sticks with me...all i need is a chunk of jerk mid outing and i'm good...
If I ate that, i'd be circling the lake looking for an outhouse about an hour into my trip. You must have a cast iron stomach or the convenience of the toon to drop bombs when you want. No wonder the water you fish is always so d**n murky... 
Jaiden reply :
I check BR on the way to the lake. Other than that I double check the plugs on the boat...
Caylub reply :
On 12/20/2013 at 5:23 AM, Frog Turds said:I never start my day without consuming the "The Big Country Breakfast" i call it ='s 3 eggs, one whole shredded potato for hash browns, 4 pieces of bacon, 2 pieces of toast, a big glass of milk & a half glass of orange juice...
I don't like wasting time eating on the water, so that pile of goodness sits heavy and sticks with me...all i need is a chunk of jerk mid outing and i'm good...
That's a great idea. I usually go light on breakfast and bring a bunch of junk to eat. I'm doing The Big Country Breakfast before my next outing and bring some teriyaki jerky for a mid day snack.
boostr reply :
Hit the snooze bar once or twice.
noway reply :
Very short first cast so I don't catch one. Several times I've got them on the first cast and then no more for that session.
WRB reply :
Pre fishing to me means getting ready for a $$ tournament and I do not believe in donating any $$ to other tournament anglers. Pre fishing is all about winning a tournament, so everything must be in top condition, batteries checked, engine oil, spark plugs, electronics, trolling motor cables, every reel with new line, every hook sharpened. All my stuff organized so I know where it is when it's needed. Extra clothing, rain gear, hats, sun screen, drinking water, snacks, cell phone charged, every item on my check list.
Pre fishing isn't fun fishing and I don't want any distractions and avoid ramp chatter.
I rarely tournament fish anymore because it can be stressful, rather fun fish.
Tom
Hyrule Bass reply :
On 12/20/2013 at 9:05 AM, WRB said:Pre fishing to me means getting ready for a $$ tournament and I do not believe in donating any $$ to other tournament anglers. Pre fishing is all about winning a tournament, so everything must be in top condition, batteries checked, engine oil, spark plugs, electronics, trolling motor cables, every reel with new line, every hook sharpened. All my stuff organized so I know where it is when it's needed. Extra clothing, rain gear, hats, sun screen, drinking water, snacks, cell phone charged, every item on my check list.
Pre fishing isn't fun fishing and I don't want any distractions and avoid ramp chatter.
I rarely tournament fish anymore because it can be stressful, rather fun fish.
Tom
i think youre confusing prefishing for a tournament with prefishing as in what you do before you actually go fishing. this thread is about what you do before you go fishing, and not tournament prefishing.
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me i guess i dont really have any rituals before i go fishing. atleast none that are obvious enough for me to think of right now lol
Ratherbfishing reply :
Me? I always leave the drain plug out so the bottom of the boat gets a good soaking. It also serves to get my heart racing at a sufficient level.
crankbait2009 reply :
On 12/20/2013 at 5:12 AM, AK-Jax86 said:When I am driving to my fishin destination I always play my "fishing" playlist on my Iphone lol
what exactly does this list consist of?
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 12/21/2013 at 12:51 AM, crankbait2009 said:what exactly does this list consist of?
Music that a majority of this site doesn't like... hip hop lol
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 12/20/2013 at 5:23 AM, Frog Turds said:I never start my day without consuming the "The Big Country Breakfast" i call it ='s 3 eggs, one whole shredded potato for hash browns, 4 pieces of bacon, 2 pieces of toast, a big glass of milk & a half glass of orange juice...
I don't like wasting time eating on the water, so that pile of goodness sits heavy and sticks with me...all i need is a chunk of jerk mid outing and i'm good...
I couldn't tell you last time I have eaten breakfast in the morning.
I sometimes have breakfast for dinner, love me some breakfast food!
I eat the Big Country Breakfast but I have sausage as well and my eggs are scrambled (with green peppers, onions, ham, and cheddar western omlet style but scrambled lol)
FishinDaddy reply :
On 12/20/2013 at 3:40 AM, Dwight Hottle said:I only have one. Most of my fishing involves a boat ride before fishing. The question I always debate is should I fill the livewell first before fishing when I arrive or wait until the first legal fish is caught to fill the well? Will I jinx myself if I fill it in anticipation of that first nice fish? And the debate continues every trip.
Me too, Dwight. Usually I wait until the first keeper of the day.
Also, big fish always go in the left side livewell. Not sure why.
bassman31783 reply :
I do many things but only one is a ritual.
I pray & thank God for another day of fishing. It always puts things into perspective for me. Catching fish is icing on the cake. The real blessing is to be able to fish & have the time to do it.
ColdSVT reply :
I take a dump before I leave the house and that's about it lol
Oregon Native reply :
I usually ask the good Lord to come fishing with me and help me to think clearly and to please watch over my family. But I like going through all my tackle anyway so its usually always ready for battle. I usually have a routine for hooking up boat and such so that nothing is forgotten.
Pretty much hook up and go fish.
gr8outdoorz reply :
Well since I don't live in Colorado or Washington, I can't legally say
SirSnookalot reply :
No superstitions but I do my homework about an hour before I leave which is 4 or 5 am. The weather and tide determines everything, from clothing to target species to combos I take (usually 3) to location. My gear needs no prep time other than checking my swivel knot and adding a fresh leader. I don't make lure decisions until I start fishing, the water depth and current speed may not always be what I envisioned.
ww2farmer reply :
For tournaments, I rig everything the night before.........and thats about it.
Sam reply :
You know, it is interesting you asked that question.
Growing up in south Louisiana with a Cajun grandmother who was very superstitious has me carrying on many superstitions in my life.
The only one applying to bass fishing parallels the others on this site: NO BANANAS IN THE BOAT!
While in high school I would not only have to dress and undress for sports in the same way but use specific name brand products.
Reinforcing my superstitions was attending LSU with other Cajun related guys who very superstitious. Even some of the football, basketball and baseball players had strong superstitions they carried into to college from their families and playing sports.
No rituals in fishing but the banana superstition remains very strong.
Bankbeater reply :
I always check my tackle before I leave the house to make sure I didn't forget anything.
Catt reply :
I'm not just here to fish...I'm here for your fish!
My ritual is to prepare every day like the Bassmaster Classic is on the line. Just because I aint in a tournament doesn't mean I'll back off the throttle one tiny bit. Why? Because the waters I fish are quite capable of producing a 10+ on any cast.
If y'all come fishing me you will only make the mistake of underestimating me one time.
Oh yea if all y'all got is putting a banana in my boat you just donated your entry fee!
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 12/22/2013 at 2:17 AM, Catt said:I'm not just here to fish...I'm here for your fish!
My ritual is to prepare every day like the Bassmaster Classic is on the line. Just because I aint in a tournament doesn't mean I'll back off the throttle one tiny bit. Why? Because the waters I fish are quite capable of producing a 10+ on any cast.
If y'all come fishing me you will only make the mistake of underestimating me one time.
Oh yea if all y'all got is putting a banana in my boat you just donated your entry fee!
Spoken like a true warrior. I like your style.
zachb34 reply :
I never ever touch the scale before a nice fish sometimes I prefer to be without it lol
Mike L reply :
On 12/22/2013 at 2:17 AM, Catt said:I'm not just here to fish...I'm here for your fish!
My ritual is to prepare every day like the Bassmaster Classic is on the line. Just because I aint in a tournament doesn't mean I'll back off the throttle one tiny bit. Why? Because the waters I fish are quite capable of producing a 10+ on any cast.
If y'all come fishing me you will only make the mistake of underestimating me one time.
Oh yea if all y'all got is putting a banana in my boat you just donated your entry fee!
You Sir, just made my "I gotta go fishin with him Buckett List"!!!
Mike
KyakR reply :
On 12/21/2013 at 2:23 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Music that a majority of this site doesn't like... hip hop lol
I actually like hip-hop (Black-eyed Peas), but not too loud 
I almost always fish from twilight into the night. I like watching everybody else leave
KyakR reply :
Oh, and I also usually go to the gym at about 1 or 2 in the afternoon. It quiets me, makes me feel steady and ready
BuckMaxx reply :
I look over at my non boater with a serious face and say.... No screaming!!
Dave P reply :
Poo before you go. Preferably twice. Don't un-stow the net or fill the livewell until you have a fish to put in there. That's about it.
WRB reply :
On 12/20/2013 at 11:07 PM, Red Earth said:i think youre confusing prefishing for a tournament with prefishing as in what you do before you actually go fishing. this thread is about what you do before you go fishing, and not tournament prefishing.
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me i guess i dont really have any rituals before i go fishing. atleast none that are obvious enough for me to think of right now lol
Look up Pre Fishing in this sites definitions or online. What the OP posted was pre fishing, not Preparing to go fishing.
Tom
Catt reply :
On 12/24/2013 at 12:35 AM, WRB said:Look up Pre Fishing in this sites definitions or online. What the OP posted was pre fishing, not Preparing to go fishing.
Tom
Pre-fishing for a tournament starts long before the boat gets wet!
WRB reply :
Check #23, a short list!On 12/24/2013 at 6:30 AM, Catt said:Pre-fishing for a tournament starts long before the boat gets wet!
Merry Christmas Tommy, you crusty old Cajun and hope you are heathly enough to kick some bass in 2014, good luck and Happy New Years!
Tom
Hyrule Bass reply :
On 12/22/2013 at 10:49 PM, KyakR said:I actually like hip-hop (Black-eyed Peas), but not too loud
I almost always fish from twilight into the night. I like watching everybody else leave
Black Eyed Peas used to be hip-hop....before they sold out and went pop and hooked up with Fergie...
in my opinion, not all rap is hip-hop, but im an elitist when it comes to hip-hop lol...
cbass12 reply :
On 12/23/2013 at 8:45 PM, Dave P said:Poo before you go. Preferably twice.
This ^^^^ This is my duck hunting ritual/habit also, every time we pull up to the boat ramp it always seems to hit me no matter if we're going fishing or hunting.
boostr reply :
Its the nerves and the excitement 
... Makes you almost poop yer trousers.
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