Are You Really Trying To Get Better? 2024
Teal reply :
Every time I go out ( which wasn't much this summer and fall), I make a real attempt at getting better at this awesome craft. Wheather its roll casting into a quieter entry, skipping, perfecting and trying different or my weaker techniques, or just making logical attempts to pattern fish or using my electronics better, I always go out with the mindset to work on being a better fisherman.
What are some of the things that some of you actively concentrate on or things you have done both on and off the water to get better as a bass fisherman?
And do you go with this mind set ?
I'm eager to to hear what some of u do
Darren. reply :
Read up on stuff, test stuff out.
But I always end up falling back to things that work for me in general.
When I try something "new", I'll try to use that lure/method only during an outing...
My mindset is always to get better at what I do, although sometimes frustration sets in and things go south until I can get my head straight.
Just an honest 2 cents.
A-Jay reply :
My Logistical skills have improved.
Over the past couple of seasons, I'm much better at moving my rickety old carcass to where the Bigger Bass live.
A-Jay
tomustang reply :
I do just fine. What I try is different lakes or rivers and try to get good results
michael68w reply :
The last two seasons I've tried two new methods for when I fish for smallmouth and now I absolutely swear by them. I used both methods with some degree of success before but I never really focused on them until recently now both tube dragging and football jigging are my main methods. On the flip side I've fished senko style baits many times and while I do catch some fish I'm not blown away by it performance I'd say it catches as good as anything else (I know MANY people will say other wise lol) in the end the conditions play more a factor not only in the bait style but presentation as well I'm sure as I continue to try senkos and my confidence in the bait goes up the fish will come.
nascar2428 reply :
When I go to the city park( Which is a converted interstate gravel pit ) that is where I practice a new technique.because I know where the fish should be, which helps in my confidence to throw new baits. Once I catch some fish there using the new technique I will then try it on the bigger lakes that I frequent.
Darren. reply :
On 1/2/2014 at 10:23 AM, A-Jay said:My Logistical skills have improved.
Over the past couple of seasons, I'm much better at moving my rickety old carcass to where the Bigger Bass live.
A-Jay
Yeah, that would be Lake Baccarac, Mexico.... 
A-Jay reply :
On 1/2/2014 at 11:18 AM, DarrenM said:Yeah, that would be Lake Baccarac, Mexico....
And Lake Erie, USA. 
A-Jay
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
I practice casting in the backyard pretty often. From small bitsy minnow with baitcaster to landing spro frog on a frisbee.
Loop_Dad reply :
On 1/2/2014 at 10:06 AM, Teal said:Every time I go out ( which wasn't much this summer and fall), I make a real attempt at getting better at this awesome craft. Wheather its roll casting into a quieter entry, skipping, perfecting and trying different or my weaker techniques, or just making logical attempts to pattern fish or using my electronics better, I always go out with the mindset to work on being a better fisherman.
What are some of the things that some of you actively concentrate on or things you have done both on and off the water to get better as a bass fisherman?
And do you go with this mind set ?
I'm eager to to hear what some of u do
I'm like you always tend to try something.
But sometimes I realized I am trying too hard. What I do these days on purpose is try hard 1/2 of the time I have that day and go with the flow the other 1/2.
SirSnookalot reply :
I'm as good as the body of water I'm on and hopefully the fish are in a good mood. If they are on I'm catching them, if not I can get skunked like anybody. What I need is for the fish to get better, lol.
*Hootie reply :
I am going to try, to make, encourage, force, talk myself into using those dang 10" worms. Usually about a dozen casts, and I'm back to my 7" power worms. Ya gotta understand guys, I grew up using 6" Creme worms, 6" Manns Jelly worms, and 6" Mister Twister worms. So, to me, jumping to a 7" worm, was a "BIG WORM".
Hootie
Bluebasser86 reply :
I try to learn new techniques or get better at something every year. Last year I was really working on getting better at deep water fishing, deep cranking specifically. I had pretty decent results, including a 7 1/2 pounder that was my second biggest fish of the year.
BassWhole! reply :
On 1/2/2014 at 10:06 AM, Teal said:Are You Really Trying To Get Better?
No, I just try to catch some fish, and have a good time.
Bankbeater reply :
I still work on my pitching in the backyard, but out on the water I still catch myself casting side arm under tree limbs.
senile1 reply :
While I try to get better at some techniques every year, I am more into trying to become better at analyzing the water and structure to find the fish. I think this is an ongoing learning activity in which one can never reach perfection. I concentrate on getting better every year and it doesn't keep me from having a good time. As I get better I will catch more and bigger fish which translates to even more fun. Excluding those special moments when your child, family member, or some other friend is having a special day on the water, fishing is generally more fun when one is catching more and bigger fish. 
BassinLou reply :
I make it conscious effort to recognize what I am, and am not in control of while I am fishing. For example, I am in control of the physical mechanics that's involved in fishing. However, the biggest challenge is to control what is between my ears. Controlling my mind, when a fishing day is not going to plan. Accepting the fact that no matter what I do, or what I throw, sometimes fish flat out refuse to bite sometimes.
Felix77 reply :
Over the winter I casually read a lot of stuff about fishing. I pay particular attention to whatever techniques I am focused on mastering. Last year was the drop shot and mojo rig. This year it's the jig.
As for when I go out. If I have a few hours after work I generally hit the bank with a new technique in mind and try my hardest to focus on that one technique to get a feel for it. On other occasions I also bring my "go-to's" when I am truly just trying to shut my brain off and chill while fishing.
To me it's fun to try new things out. As crazy as this may sound it's not always about catching fish for me. Just the time away doing something for me is worth it.
Catt reply :
Why yea!
Even after 42 yrs on Toledo Bend, when fishing structure (shallow/deep) I'll idle over the area I just caught fish off of scanning for what held the fish. I not only want to know what held the fish but what breakline they were on & where it leads.
J Francho reply :
Every spring I have to "knock the rust off" and work on casting accuracy. After a long winter of infrequent trout fishing trips, I lose my casting skills. Thankfully, they come back after a few trips.
*Hootie reply :
On 1/2/2014 at 11:52 PM, J Francho said:Every spring I have to "knock the rust off" and work on casting accuracy. After a long winter of infrequent trout fishing trips, I lose my casting skills. Thankfully, they come back after a few trips.
Good to hear J Francho. I thought I was the only one with this problem. Just chalked it up to age, but hey, you're a young man.... WHEW!
Hootie
ww2farmer reply :
Every time I go out. I am confident in myself, but I know there is a whole lot of room for improvement. I learn more from the bad days/slow periods than anything else.
Fish'N Impossible reply :
I spend alot of time doing research on diffrent techniques, looking back at things that went wrong, and possible remedies. Review fishing logs and using Google Earth try to locate other areas on the lake that share alot of similarities to increase the potential options of areas of success. I am always trying to find that backwater area that none else is using.
geo g reply :
MichaeL W on fishing Seiko type baits. I fish them all the time and do very well, I will try to give you a few tips. Down size to 4" size. Watermelon shades. Go weightless if the wind allows. Don't over work the bait. Most important, slow down! Let it fall through the water column. 2 or 3 quick jerks and let it sit for 30 seconds. You will catch big fish. Pro bass sells a great 4" Seiko type bait.
geo g reply :
I fish almost everyday. I never think about working a technique. I think about relaxing and having fun. Fishing for me is a form of therapy. I don't do what I don't enjoy, I stick with what I love. It's all about fun.
NEjitterbugger reply :
Even if you are aren't trying to get better, your knowledge grows every time your on the water... Whether you catch 500 fish or 0...
Teal reply :
On 1/3/2014 at 1:01 AM, Fish said:I spend alot of time doing research on diffrent techniques, looking back at things that went wrong, and possible remedies. Review fishing logs and using Google Earth try to locate other areas on the lake that share alot of similarities to increase the potential options of areas of success. I am always trying to find that backwater area that none else is using.
That's me all day
AK-Jax86 reply :
Well my buddy is purchasing a boat!
So that means I will have to join the flipping and pitching craze that have some producing pigs! My next two purchases will be a rod that I can use for that as well as big swim baits! I have stumbled upon a nice instagrammer who likes my pics and is sending me a few 316 lures for free!! My understanding they are very expensive but I need some equipment that can handle them
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 1/2/2014 at 4:59 PM, hootiebenji said:I am going to try, to make, encourage, force, talk myself into using those dang 10" worms. Usually about a dozen casts, and I'm back to my 7" power worms. Ya gotta understand guys, I grew up using 6" Creme worms, 6" Manns Jelly worms, and 6" Mister Twister worms. So, to me, jumping to a 7" worm, was a "BIG WORM".
Hootie
You left out Burke worms. I'd get them not rigged.
*Hootie reply :
Yes, I remember Burke, "Put a Burke where they lurk". Remember the Burke "buckshot" worm?
Hootie
BassmanDan reply :
Since most of my time is spent fishing a few select lakes, I am always trying to find new big fish habitat and understand their movements throughout the seasons. It's more of a mindset to learn something new on every trip.
Fishing Rhino reply :
I don't remember the buckshot worm. We used mostly black worms, occasionally the natural color. Looking at the ad, it looks like the "actionizer" head could be a forerunner to the scrounger jig heads.
Nitrofreak reply :
Ever since I joined this forum , I wanted to work on things to make me and my family better anglers or at least give them a better experience on the water , since that time , I have learned so much about fishing , my problem is that I can't seem to get out there enough to put it all together , although the times that I do go out are far more productive and I try to participate and pass along the things I do learn , maps were a big issue , now , not so much , my journal has come a long way , understanding why the fish were where they were , changes that I make now are subtle ones first instead of wholesale , figuring out boat position and baits on any given day and where to look , what to try first , so yes I really am trying to get better .
*Hootie reply :
On 1/3/2014 at 6:03 AM, Fishing Rhino said:I don't remember the buckshot worm. We used mostly black worms, occasionally the natural color. Looking at the ad, it looks like the "actionizer" head could be a forerunner to the scrounger jig heads.
If you google burke buckshot, you can see a picture of an old ad.
Hootie
Fishing Rhino reply :
Looks like a string of pearls.
Bruce424 reply :
I just cant believe how far I came with a baitcaster. From asking my brother in law how to figure one out. To learning myself. Getting proficient. Now easily skippingjigs under bushes and pitching jigs accurately. Roll casting spinnerbaits...and still workin at it
mjseverson24 reply :
every time out I try to learn as much as possible. I do this by trying different lakes, different locations on lakes that I have fished before, and different techniques. most of my fishing is either pre fishing tournament waters, or during a tournament, probably only one day a week is spent on non tournament waters, so I am almost always fishing with a purpose and needing to learn how to catch bigger fish more consistently. sometimes it happens sometimes it doesn't, thats fishing.
Mitch
lmbfisherman reply :
I really really try to be better. This year I did focus on trying to get better with the Drop Shot, Crankbait and actually catch fish with a Senko. (The year prior I kept getting blanked) I did improve significantly on two of the three goals (Senko and DS). However, crankbait I was not so successful. The downside trying to focus on getting better at these areas, I neglected my favorite way of fishing (jigs). Although not on my list of goals, 2013 was the year of soft jerkbaits for me. I set my PB for Smallmouth and Large mouth...and caught tons of pike using a Zoom Super Fluke. It was my big confidence bait this season, normally it is jigs and spinnerbaits.
lmbfisherman reply :
Wow just realized my last post was post number 1000...Sweet!
Bruce424 reply :
Also this past season I tried to catch at least one bass with a different lure. One with a jig. One with a spinnerbait. One with a crankbait...etc.
....succeeded!
Nitrofreak reply :
On 1/4/2014 at 5:28 AM, Bruce424 said:Also this past season I tried to catch at least one bass with a different lure. One with a jig. One with a spinnerbait. One with a crankbait...etc.
....succeeded!
Congrats , really nice job !!!
Bruce424 reply :
Thanks nitrofreak
pbrussell reply :
I try to get better but that rarely happens 
whitwolf reply :
The one thing I did this year was to simplify things. If I want to learn a new technique I simply took that bait(as I was taught back In the early 80's) and fished It hard and In many different places.
On other days I tried things that I thought might work like a smallie beaver on a shakeyhead. It was durn good.
On a few other days I threw baits that were quite successful 10+ years ago but went by the wayside for the "new" catch every bass In the lake bait.
And lastly I vowed to have fun no matter what. It's amazing what can be accomplished If you slow down, enjoy every minute on the water, unclutter your head , and I'll speak only for me, not be afraid to fail. That one tenant alone caught me some fine fish!
I don't know If this qualifies on wanting to get better but It has absolutely made each trip a pleasure.
Sam reply :
Usually try new techniques and sometimes new baits in my double secret pond.
Will be practicing the Jika rig in the pond but have to be careful with all of the submerged wood that eats lures like candy.
After one or two fish I stop and go to something else.
Will have to wait for warmer weather as I hate cold temperatures.
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