Do You Think Catching a Big Bass is Luck? 2024

Dock Master reply :

I am talking about if you are not fishing known big fish waters and you are not using huge baits. Also, if you aren't sight fishing for them.

So watch do you ladies and gentlemen think?

I just thought about this as an open debate, so don't bash me posting it.

Dwight Hottle reply :

A quote from a fishing friend. "When preparation meets opportunity it is not luck." ;D

bigtimfish reply :

Yes and No. I think it's luck if you are able to locate a giant. And I think it's luck that it wants to bite what your throwing. I think it's skill to persuade the monster to bite. Sometimes you can throw your whole tackle box at a fish and not get a bite. No matter what you throw,or how you present it. If a fish don't want to bite, it won't. But that's if your sight fishing. If you don't know it's there, it is ALL luck just for locating it.

Shad_Master reply :

I'll be watching this thread with a lot of interest - our club always has a "Big Bass" pool (optional) at our club tournaments - it has always been my argument that this is "just one lucky cast" - but you would be surprised at the number of guys who swear they "only fish for big bass". BTW, we also have a "calcutta pool" (i.e big stringer) that pays out 1st, 2nd and 3rd place - average payout for 1st place $35 - average payout for big bass $60 - $70 - doesn't make sense to me, that's why I never get in.

ring fry reply :

Lee Travino once said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get." I think this applies to golf, bass fishing, pool, and about any other skilled activity. JMHO 8-)

D4u2s0t reply :

If you can do something consitently, it's not luck. sometimes, yes, you do get lucky. but i don't think a rookie on his first day out is going to pull in too many 10 pounders.

J-B reply :

IMO, I think that a mass majority of it is skill. Lots of practice makes for a better presentation that will catch the big fish's attention. If you have the skill, and knowhow, to make the bait you are fishing with look, or act like something that is enticing, you then have a much greater chance catching that big fish. One also has to have some knowledge of what to look for to be able to catch that fish; examples: structure, water temperature, how to fish the type of water (clear, muddy, dingy) and what type of feeder fish are in that particular water. I also think that there is luck involved with the big fish being there and wanting what ever type of bait you are throwing at that time.

Catt reply :

Every time you think you have the bass figured out they will prove to you that you don't

I have left the boat launch on many occasions believing I had all the percentages in my favor only to be skunked. In 07 I was zipping across the lake at wide open throttle when I get this felling I should stop at a spot that had never produced a double digit fish; followed the hunch and caught 3 over 10 pounds.

Luck? I don't know what you would call it

WRB reply :

Catt, it's called intuition.

No, anyone can catch one big bass at anytime. To catch big bass consistently is a totally different ball game. The vast majority of bass fishermen don't have a clue where big bass live or how to catch them.

WRB

Bass_Akwards reply :

It doesn't matter if it's luck or not on the first big bass. There's a saying in Poker "Luck never gives, it only lends."

Nothing can be truer. Since you NEVER know if catching one huge bass is luck or not, you have to assume it IS luck until you start doing it more and more often. After you catch big bass more and more often, you can assume it CAN'T be luck because as I said, "Luck never gives, it only lends"

So keep practicing and fishing and experimenting and you'll notice after a while you won't be asking "was that big bass I just caught just luck?" You'll KNOW it's skill after catching lots of big bass.

fishfordollars reply :

You earn your luck. Lots of hard work and preparation.

wisturkeyhunter reply :

1 big bass is luck s

several big bass is a whole bunch of things but not luck

Raul reply :

Yes and no.

Anybody can luck out the first one, but "luckying" the next ones I don 't think so.

My first 10 pounder ---> luck

My PB ---> luck

All the rest in between ---> no siree.

So why I say my first 10 and my PB were luck ? wasn 't doing anything special or particular, I was just fishing and ¡ surprise !, the other ones, I went looking for them.

SW Florida Kid reply :

It depends.

Every year, I get better and better at fishing. I keep on telling my fishing buddy that we are getting better and better.

I can only speak of my own experiences and I can tell you that the reason why I keep getting better is because of skill.

I'll start knowing the lakes I fish more and more every time I fish them.

I'll know what type of bait they like in a particular area.

I'll know which times to fish which places.

I'll know what certain spots fish hang out at.

I can talk all day about it, but the short answer is no... it isnt luck. The more a fisherman studies, experiences, fishes, and understands the aspects of bass fishing, the more often you are going to catch the big bass.

Just like someone said earlier. A rookie can luckily catch a big bass, but he wont be able to do it over and over again.

The experienced bass fisherman will be able to land bigger bass more often because they know the environment, circumstances, they know the bait better, they know what bass like.

Hope that helps the discussion.

NasTMcfingas reply :

Quote
You earn your luck. Lots of hard work and preparation.

X2 Good things come to those who wait and earn it.

Fish Chris reply :

Their is certainly an element of luck involved. And I will definately take all the luck I can get :-)

I've often said, "I'd rather be the luckiest guy on the water, holding the lake record, that the most skilled angler, who got skunked" ;-)

Seriously though, I've definately caught a few big ones at times and places where I didn't think my odds were so great.... But then most of the time, I don't even bother to go fishing at all, if I don't think I have a good chance at sticking a big one.

I'd say the recipe is:

Go fishing at the best places, with the most big fish, as much as you possibly can. Try to use lures and baits known to catch big fish. Pay close attention to all the fine details. Find and follow the lead, of other successful big bass guys. {in other words, stack all of the odds as high as you possibly can, in your own favor} Throw in a big, fat scoop of luck, and Bam ! You really can't miss ;-)

Peace,

Fish

bassman31783 reply :

A bit of both.

Like fishfordollars said, you earn your luck. However luck comes into play just a little when you catch any bass IMHO. Sure you had your idea as to what lure, what color, what depth, and action the fish would want but it's up to the fish to say "Ok I'm going to eat that." We do our best to imitate what we believe the bass wants to eat on that given day, but the ball is always in their court. We have to trick the bass.

DINK WHISPERER reply :

Right place at the right time along with skill and persistence imo!

Mottfia reply :

Quote
Their is certainly an element of luck involved. And I will definately take all the luck I can get :-)
I've often said, "I'd rather be the luckiest guy on the water, holding the lake record, that the most skilled angler, who got skunked" ;-)

Seriously though, I've definately caught a few big ones at times and places where I didn't think my odds were so great.... But then most of the time, I don't even bother to go fishing at all, if I don't think I have a good chance at sticking a big one.

I'd say the recipe is:

Go fishing at the best places, with the most big fish, as much as you possibly can. Try to use lures and baits known to catch big fish. Pay close attention to all the fine details. Find and follow the lead, of other successful big bass guys. {in other words, stack all of the odds as high as you possibly can, in your own favor} Throw in a big, fat scoop of luck, and Bam ! You really can't miss ;-)

Peace,

Fish

I complete agree with you, Fish Chris. My dad always says" I'd rather be lucky than good" but I think it always helped that he is pretty darn good to begin with. ;D

Mottfia

RoLo reply :

The whole idea is to factor out as much luck as possible.

The better you become at that, the more luck you will have

Roger

Marshfisher reply :

I think it's partly both. Skill surely catches more but luck can help too.

I have a lack of both so anything is good for me

burleytog reply :

I'm living proof that luck exists.

Bad luck.

cart7t reply :

22 years ago I was fishing Table Rock lake in early spring. I pulled a brand new Rogue out of the package and prepared to weight it to get it to suspend (back then they didn't have suspending baits). I was standing on the dock, casting and tuning the thing when a 5 1/2 lber hit.

That was luck.

I caught my PB, 8 1/2 lbs on a wiggle wart fishing a point in spring that I knew from experience held larger female bass at that time of year.

That was skill.

Fishing Rhino reply :

Let's take a look from this viewpoint.

Take the total number of small bass. Of that number, tag an amount of them equal to the number of big bass.

Collect a ten dollar reward for each tagged bass caught.

Would you consider yourself lucky to catch one of the tagged bass?

As the tagged bass are caught, then returned to the pond sans tag, the small bass are fewer in number and thence harder to catch.

When it gets down to one small tagged fish in the pond it will be much harder to catch that particular fish.

Some on here have posted that they are seeking only a record or real trophy catches. They gladly sacrifice quantity for quality.

Since they only catch these super lunkers occasionally, and not on a regular basis, a certain measure of luck has to be involved.

Is it all luck? Of course not. Neither is it skill alone.

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

I just got off the water, fished 1am to about 8. I threw 1 bait, a 9"/ 3 oz wake bait and got 4 fish over 4 lbs.

luck?

Definitely.

Lucky someone turned me on to these things a few yrs ago!!

Paul Roberts reply :

Quote
I'll be watching this thread with a lot of interest - our club always has a "Big Bass" pool (optional) at our club tournaments - it has always been my argument that this is "just one lucky cast" - but you would be surprised at the number of guys who swear they "only fish for big bass". BTW, we also have a "calcutta pool" (i.e big stringer) that pays out 1st, 2nd and 3rd place - average payout for 1st place $35 - average payout for big bass $60 - $70 - doesn't make sense to me, that's why I never get in.

Curious:

Who wins the big bass pool? Anyone in your tournaments win the big bass pool regularly? Are the guys that tend to bring in the most consistent catches the ones who also tend to bring in the big bass? Or are big bass catches random?

Paul Roberts reply :

FishChris wrote:

Quote
stack all of the odds as high as you possibly can, in your own favor

ditto.

But we can only control so much of that. The rest is "luck", or whatever you call it.

Tin reply :

Things happen for a reason.

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

luck is being at the right place at the right time after that it takes skill ,knowledge and determination

WRB reply :

Quote

Quote
I'll be watching this thread with a lot of interest - our club always has a "Big Bass" pool (optional) at our club tournaments - it has always been my argument that this is "just one lucky cast" - but you would be surprised at the number of guys who swear they "only fish for big bass". BTW, we also have a "calcutta pool" (i.e big stringer) that pays out 1st, 2nd and 3rd place - average payout for 1st place $35 - average payout for big bass $60 - $70 - doesn't make sense to me, that's why I never get in.

Curious:

Who wins the big bass pool? Anyone in your tournaments win the big bass pool regularly? Are the guys that tend to bring in the most consistent catches the ones who also tend to bring in the big bass? Or are big bass catches random?

The anglers or teams that win most tournaments also catch one of the top big bass. The reason is they know where the larger size bass over 4 lbs tend to locate and it's all about location and presentation, not luck.

The adage that is is better to be lucky than unlucky is true. The best scenario is to good and lucky; meaning skilled at big bass fishing and having good luck.

Staying focused on all the little details and keeping in the right frame of mind tends to create good luck. Knowing where to fish and when requires a lot of time on the water and time dedicated to the sport of big bass fishing to be consistent at catching them. Contrary to the common belief that big bass locate at the same places smaller do is simply not true. That doesn't mean that an occasional big bass will mix with smaller bass, they do during the spawn and at other random times. Hoping to catch a big bass when fishing for average size fish is a very long shot at best.

You must fish for big bass to catch them consistently; at the right location, at the right time, with the right lure or bait.

WRB

Blue Streak reply :

A young lady was on a local lake with her boy friend, while he fished for crappies she sunned herself because she hated to fish. He talked into throwing a bobber and minnow near a brush pile and she caught a 10 pound largemouth. It was her first and last fish, she handed him the rod and said "that's it I am done, I still don't like to fish". That bass is the record for that lake, the previous record was about 8 1/2 pounds. This lake has been pounded for years by many good anglers looking for a big bass.

Nothing but dumb luck here.

done reply :

I would say both. It takes skill, experience, and knowledge to get to the spots that have the highest probability of holding a good sized Bass. It takes a bit of luck that the biggun will be there that day, at that time, and want to bite. You can go to the same place same time of day, same conditions, and have different numbers and sizes of fish there each time.

It takes a mix of skill and luck to use the correct bait. Skill and experience enable an angler to determine the most likely colors and type based on the water clarity, time of day, depth, etc and to ADJUST when it does not work out. How many of us though have caught fish like gangbusters on days or in conditions when experience has taught us that it should not work?

It takes skill and experience to develop the right presentation for your baits, in specific conditions. An angler can entice even a stubborn Bass to bite in many cases but not all.

Once you set the hook, to get the fish in, is pure skill. Setting your equipment the right way, keeping the lines tight, getting them into the boat, etc.

IMO, it is still a game of odds but skill and experience give you MUCH better odds.

Shad_Master reply :

Paul Roberts and WRB - this is why I was really interested in this topic - the guys who consistently win the big stringer do not necessarily always catch the big bass - it is more random.

I guess to put it into perspective for me would be in a head-to-head situation - - two guys in the boat, fishig the same stretch of bank or the same brush pile - both fill their limits with keepers, but one guy has the big bass of the tournament - does that make him the better fisherman or just lucky?

Paul Roberts reply :

Quote
Paul Roberts and WRB - this is why I was really interested in this topic - the guys who consistently win the big stringer do not necessarily always catch the big bass - it is more random.
I guess to put it into perspective for me would be in a head-to-head situation - - two guys in the boat, fishig the same stretch of bank or the same brush pile - both fill their limits with keepers, but one guy has the big bass of the tournament - does that make him the better fisherman or just lucky?

Depends on the fisherman I would like to think. But I would guess usually it's luck. One cannot depend on, within a given 8hr stretch, to catch a bass of unique size. Ask any BIG bass chaser here and they'll say fishing tournaments and fishing for BIG bass (unique specimens) are different games.

Tin wrote:

Quote
Things happen for a reason.

Ditto. If you can figure out the reasons, even predict them to a certain point, skill (knowledge) begins to play a larger role. Luck may still play an equal role: but instead of one limit or one Xlber (pick your number) you might end up 5. 8-)

Big-O reply :

Luck plays a role in everything we do and I am lucky to be alive.....

I am no authority on big fish, but I do have some opinions... ;D I also believe that there is no single key but several points to consider to consistantly catch larger than normal fish regardless of species, as well as information and experiences to learn from.

Only fish lakes or bodies of water that are known to have big fish....pay attention to little things in big water....if it's extremely hard to find, better chance others haven't found it....study the most popular maps and electronic chips then go to the lake and find everything that they don't show......once you find them, learn the sweet spots and angles to fish depending on wind directions and speed......manage them by not fishing each location too often and always release every fish immediately where caught......

Fish the most when and where others fish the least, allow no one to see you and tell no one......understand your fish to know what they will bite and when......study and learn to use peak times and moon phases......Big fish seem to prefer bigger slow moving baits......stay away from the bank and go for broke......Be happy to leave small fish in your wake......Avoid spoiling the spot with approach and exit noise, sneak in and sneak out......study seasonal patterns of bass and bait fish in your area lakes and locate prime secret locations in each part of the lake depending on the season......

Always fish with your best gear and make sure it is in top condition......learn to fizz......avoid Carolina rigging with smaller than 4/0 hooks and stay alert to avoid deep hooks......never cut the line and leave the hook in the gut, learn proper hook removal techniques......like farming livestock, treat them as a resource and not as a foe to conquer......Be patient, don't stress about not catching many or any fish, big fish and small fish don't normally run together and there are many, many more small fish than big ones......Consider yourself blessed if you catch one......don't mess it up by disregarding any of the above mentioned.

There are other comments and ideas I think are important but they are even more Anal than the ones I noted here.... ;D

Big O

www.ragetail.com

Catt reply :

The record books of every state are filled with anglers who by luck caught giant fish of every species; so much so I would not hesitate to say more than experienced anglers.

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

Best definition I've ever for "luck" was....

"Luck is when opportunity meets preparation"

Shad_Master reply :

I think if I was going to summarize what I have learned from reading this discussion it woud be:

"Skill catches the bass - luck catches the bigguns"

90x reply :

Luck does not exist in my eyes. You either place the bait and work it correctly and get bit, or your casting all over with no technique whats so ever and not landing any fish. The better you become at reading the water and fish as well as mastering the bait you are using, you will catch big bass. Also, knowing where the big ones are and matching the bait to them, you will catch them.

I do also believe in karma. The universe will eventually reward you for your fishing. If you treat nature with respect, the big one will find you.

avid reply :

It can be.

If your fishing a lake that has big fish it in you can "luck" into a big bass. Not because you knew anything.

Then again to consistently catch big fish is a skill. A really excellent skill too I might add.

mrlitetackle reply :

well, i didnt read all the responses....

but here's my take on it........

yes.... if you are not specifically targeting them as you said, then sure its luck.....

now if im hunting for them, then no.......

consistantly catching high numbers of fish is not luck, but catching one large one.....unassumingly, probably is.

but most all of us in here have a good grasp on the sport, so we may not consider ours to be "luck".........

but some newb fishing a spinner upsidedown with a bobber and a rubber worm....... well, i think we all know the answer to that one

FishinDaddy reply :

I think that fishing in general is luck...skill, practice, preparation only increases your chances. There are days that you go out and catch only small one or get skunked. Does that mean you no longer have any skill? No, just unlucky that day.

CRFisher reply :

Luck has a part in it. The more time, effort, skill, and money put into fishing, luck starts having a lot less to do with it.

Nitro 882 reply :

Back in the late 60's, my new bride and I went to Bull Shoals Lake for a few days of bass fishin'. I asked the old gent who ran the General Store/Bait Shop about how the fishing was and he showed me some photos of an 8# 13oz. bass that had been caught the week prior by some guy who claimed it was the first bass he had ever caught.

I said "man, how lucky can you get." The old man pointed out that it was the worst thing that could have happened to the new bass addict as it was likely that he would fish the rest of his life and never catch another near that size.

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

Quote
I think if I was going to summarize what I have learned from reading this discussion it woud be:
"Skill catches the bass - luck catches the bigguns"

I'd class it completely the opposite. Luck (odds) catches bass, skill catches bigguns

ArcticCat500 reply :

Quote

Quote
I think if I was going to summarize what I have learned from reading this discussion it woud be:
"Skill catches the bass - luck catches the bigguns"

I'd class it completely the opposite. Luck (odds) catches bass, skill catches bigguns

I agree with LBH on this 100%. I had the pleasure to fish with him a short time ago, same boat, same conditions. And he SLAMMED the Big Bass, and not just one. While I caught fish, they were nowhere near the size.

bass wrangler569 reply :

Quote
I think that fishing in general is luck...skill, practice, preparation only increases your chances. There are days that you go out and catch only small one or get skunked. Does that mean you no longer have any skill? No, just unlucky that day.

It doesn't mean you don't have any skill, it means you didn't have enough skill to adapt to the tougher conditions. Getting skunked doesn't have much to do with luck IMO.

I personally think that when you first start out fishing, most of the bigger bass you catch are by luck, as you get better, it has a lot less to do with a luck and a lot more to do with skill and knowledge. Like others said, catching one big bass may be luck, catching big bass consistently is skill.

WRB reply :

When you consider the number of big bass fishermen verses the number of bass fishermen who fish to catch keeper size bass, the % of trophy bass fishermen is tiny, less than 1%. The odds of a weekend fishermen to luck into a record bass is very good. The odds of that same fishermen ever catching another big bass is very small, let alone anything approaching a record.

Arguably the best trophy bass fishermen today is Mike Long, if you consider his outstanding record of giant bass. Doug Hannon's record of 300 bass over 10 lbs;, then Hannon is certainly a very lucky bass fishermen. If you consider my top 5 bass and several hundred over 10 lbs, then I'm also a very lucky bass fishermen and I agree; we are all lucky to have had the opportunity to catch these rare bass.

WRB

PS; edited "if" from DH sentence.

Eddie Munster reply :

Quote
It can be.
If your fishing a lake that has big fish it in you can "luck" into a big bass. Not because you knew anything.

Then again to consistently catch big fish is a skill. A really excellent skill too I might add.

Well put Avid.

My PB was luck. No doubt about it. I was fishing and my boat (9' Pond Prowler) started leaking. I pull it up the ramp to let it drain and figure I'll cast a couple near the shore by the dam. I just happened to see a swirl near further down the shore and threw a plastic worm there. She barely twitched the line but I got a good hookset and got her in. What started out looking like bad luck (boat leak) turned out to be good luck being in the right place at the right time with the right bait.

Muddy reply :

I am with you Avid. If they ain't there, you can't catch em. I don't fish for size or competition, it is not why I love this sport.

Fourbizzle,Fish Chris are at that game, and while I enjoy reading their posts and respect their niche, it is not why I fish.

I fish to spend time with my closest friends and escape the pressures and competition of daily life in the business world.

The feeling I get from fishing, has not changed much from the time I was a kid, chasing Snapper Blues, with spearing and bluegills with night crawlers.

If I catch a 10 lbr, it would be a miracle, never mind luck

I do not attach any status to the size of fish caught for me it is how a man acts in his community and family that counts. Fishing is my sport and escape, it is not how I define myself.

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

Quote

If I catch a 10 lbr, it would be a miracle, never mind luck

You could always hit 'em with the motor Muddy!!

Bass Wrangler has touched on something that brings alot of the grey area into focus.

In the beginning there is more luck involved. As you gain experience, the luck/skill see saw starts to level out and eventually leans towards the side of skill. (provided the angler is challenging himself and encouraging new growth/diversity)

Then there's the definition of skill. There are more variables,......does the angler only catch the bigguns on the lake he's fished for 25 yrs? (cough, me,cough) or can he catch with consistency from coast to coast? I can do well anywhere in New England (my lake is so nice because it has just about every feature found in NE lakes,all in 1 spot), but put me in California and I'm catching the same fish 85% of the general public can catch.

Bassnajr reply :

No...like killing that huge whitetail buck, there is much skill involved....unless you are fishing at Carbuncle pond with a meal worm. :

Shad_Master reply :

Okay, let me try this another way:

If it's skill that catches the bigguns - then it must be unlucky when a dink hits your line :-/

Bassnajr reply :

Where there are dinks there are bigguns. The skill comes in figuring what the big ones want to eat and how to catch 'em.

Shad_Master reply :

And they never eat the same things the dinks eat, huh? So to keep them pesky keepers from ruining your day of Hawg!! fishing, just avoid using them there dink baits 'cause your skills far out weigh the average fishermen that would think they had a good day loading the boat with dinks.

I guess that's why the BASS and FLW guys never have to measure their fish to make sure they are legal before putting 'em in the live well. 'cause they got all them skills and don't rely on luck.

I'm sorry if this sounds snotty - I just can't get over the fact that so many people have problems letting "luck" into the equation. Of course it takes skill to be a consistent fish catcher - but you can't catch 'em all and some are gonna be bigger than others. Even Mike Long, that has been mentioned here, probably has days when he hooks one that is less than 10 lbs. But that doesn't take away from what he has accomplished - by the same token that guy who caught the 8#+ on his first day ever should be rewarded for doing something that some of us only dream of, although he may never do it again.

LBH calls luck - odds -- sure the more you fish the better your chances of pulling in a monster - I have been fishing for over 50 years and have several 6+#ers in my memory bank but that is it - part of it does have to do with location - I can't help that - I fish where I live most of the time. But even those 6#ers had some luck attached. Does that make me less of a skilled fishermen than some other guy - maybe, but it makes me more skilled than lots of other as well and lucky enough to have been in the right place, doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time when them 6#ers decided to show up.

roadwarrior reply :

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Yes and no.
Anybody can luck out the first one, but "luckying" the next ones I don 't think so.

My first 10 pounder ---> luck

My PB ---> luck

All the rest in between ---> no siree.

So why I say my first 10 and my PB were luck ? wasn 't doing anything special or particular, I was just fishing and ¡ surprise !, the other ones, I went looking for them.

Very interesting reply. I think this is probably

the case for most big bass hunters.

8-)

UrbanRedneck reply :

Consistently catching large fish is not luck.

Butch Brown gets my vote for best big bass fisherman of all time.

Shad_Master reply :

You may be right - I don't know the gentleman - however, the original question did not have to do with catching big bass consistantly it was simply about catching a big bass. If you can show me someone who never snags a dink and only pulls in hawgs in the "big bass" class (what ever that is, I suspect it varies from place to place) - then I am willing to concede that luck is not a factor, but until then I will continue to carry my lucky coin, rub my rabbit's foot, etc. until I manage to "out skill that really biggun".

roadwarrior reply :

Quote
If you can show me someone who never snags a dink and only pulls in hawgs in the "big bass" class (what ever that is, I suspect it varies from place to place) -then I am willing to concede that luck is not a factor...

When Fish Chris is fishing for "Big Bass" I don't think he catches

many "dinks". Anyone that "doesn't bother" weighing 7 and 8lb

bass is pretty focused.

8-)

WRB reply :

One of the best books written to date on big bass is Bill Murphy's "In Pursuit of Giant Bass". The late Bill Murphy was a true pioneer in modern trophy bass fishing and credits earlier pioneer's like Mike Brown, Bill Wade and Red DeZeeuw, fishermen who could consistently catch big bass, as his mentors. Other pioneer's like Buck Perry, developed controlled trolling methods that helped locate big bass in deeper water, before sonar units were available.

If you want to catch big bass consistently, reading Murph's book would be a giant step in the right direction.

Giant bass are simply the largest bass in any regional lake or river, not necessarily world record class bass. Bill's largest bass was 17 lbs 1 oz., with several hundred 10+lbs.,he never lucked into a 20+.

WRB

Bassnajr reply :

LUCK....

Yes, luck does come into play.

Are you lucky enough to fish every day, or almost every day?

Are you lucky enough to live in an area that has big fish ponds?

Are you lucky enough to have the money to have good equipment, lures, and time to study up on the sport?

Are you lucky enough to live in an area of the country that has good weather year round?

Just a few examples of luck.

Yes, dinks do eat the same things as lunkers...maybe just smaller.

Skill...

Knowing when to fish, where to fish, and what to fish at the optimum time.

J Francho reply :

I prefer the term serendipity. There is a great quote from Wikipedia's article: "luck is probability taken personally." This discussion will go on and on.....no one will be right or win, since it is linked to an individuals beliefs. Its too deep rooted for it to be anything other than what each of us thinks it was. Most of my biggest fish weren't luck. My very 1st big fish probably was, though.

Shad_Master reply :

Boo on you J Francho! Your'e trying to introduce logic into this conversation - what fun is that?

You are absolutely correct and quite frankly in the long run none of this really matters. It has been a fun discussion though and thanks to all of you who put your $.02 in.

Muddy reply :

If we are to believe Hannon, give me a break. This is the part of this big bass stuff that puts a pain in my psyche. Not all do, but another angler will put up a big fish, then comes the biological arguments,photographic detective work and general disparaging remarks. Where is the documentation of all the big fish , everyone has caught. This is the part of the big bass game, that I really dislike

George Welcome reply :

I'm just so lucky - lucky in the area of having a lake that supports big fish. I am always looking for the bigger fish in the lake and as luck will have it we catch many. Lucky, lucky, lucky.

Catt reply :

The question is "Do You Think Catching a Big Bass is Luck?"

The word or letter "A" in this question means singular or one; no where is the question does it indicate 10 pound plus.

Anyone can "luck" into one big bass

rboat reply :

I think luck does play a role. Even the pros, Vandam, Iconelli, Reese, etc. have said things like this on stage, "I knew I was on to them and had a good weight but was still unsure, when I was lucky enough to get this big girl to bite."

This thread reminds me of a story I once read in a fishing magazine.

A young boy with an old zebco was casting off a public ramp with a small spinner for bluegills. Meantime, a big bass tournament was launching beside him. 40 boats worth 40 grand each, experienced anglers with the best equipment. In the end, The largest bass of the tourney 5.5 lbs. The young lad caught one that was over 8.

I think the kid was lucky.

My problem, my luck is mostly bad.

etommy28 reply :

as several people have said, YES and No. No cause u have to be around fish and in areas where big ones live. Yes cause u have to also have a fish that will eat and put a lure on that fish.

FEVER Erie - St Clair reply :

I would put experience against luck any day. Experience, in my view, will win. Are there exceptions? Sure. But the odds are, and have been, in the favor of experience.

And there are two ways of looking at this as well. Tournament fishing is one thing. Big bass fishing is another. How often have you heard this; "I'll go for my quick limit at my first spot then look for big fish." I've done that so many times in the past, I couldn't count them all. That paid off sometimes after drastic pattern changes from "keepers" to big fish patterns, and ended in successful wins. Other times it didn't pay off. On the other hand, years later, I worked on big fish patterns to start with. No fishing for quick limits. I started with places where bigger fish live. I finished with places where the bigger fish were. My overall tournament wins increased.

You can spend 4 hours catching a limit of pound and a half keepers or you can spend those same four hours catching two 5 pounders. So, in the case of tournaments, which would you rather weigh in?

But fishing for big fish, to me, is different. This often means slowing down. It sometimes means waiting for the fish to move, or trigger, in a particular depth, point, or other area. Especially in the summer pattern months. You often have to do things different depending on the lake type, location, and fishing pressure. We all know we fish OVER and through more fish than we catch . . .

Still, those who catch big fish consistently do so for other reasons. Weren't they lucky they took the time to change their line last night? Weren't they lucky to check the bottom underneath the boat for fiberglass or aluminum scratches that might cut a line on a big fish? Weren't they lucky to have forced themselves to read hours and hours about liminology, so they can understand any lake type that they fish, anywhere, and how those fish relate to those systems.

Personally, I don't believe in luck fishing (on a consistent basis). To a lesser degree SIZE might be influenced, based on the lake type, forage, health, growing season (north or south), etc. But luck? Like the guy or gal who catches a big bass on the first trip out? Well, that's like winning the lottery. It happens (usually to someone else!), but not nearly as often as a good, knowledgeable fisherman that has upped his odds, and who can put consistent big fish in the boat.

Just my humble opinion.

csizzle reply :

Quote

The whole idea is to factor out as much luck as possible.

The better you become at that, the more luck you will have

Roger

Ditto

paul. reply :

Quote
I am talking about if you are not fishing known big fish waters and you are not using huge baits. Also, if you aren't sight fishing for them.
So watch do you ladies and gentlemen think?

I just thought about this as an open debate, so don't bash me posting it.

well, based on the original question, i'd have to say that catching a big bass without (1) fishing big fish waters, (2) using big baits, and (3) sight fishing makes it more likely that you will have to rely on pure luck if you're gonna catch a big bass. why? because the 3 things eliminated here are proven big fish techniques utilized by a lot of skilled guys who catch big fish consistently.

if you eliminate other proven big fish techniques in addition to the ones above (fishing deep structure, fishing heavy cover, fishing slowly and methodically, using live bait, and fishing during peak times for instance) then you nearly guarantee that any big bass you manage to catch is nothing but pure luck as you have all but completely eliminated skill and intelligent fishing from the equation.

this was a great thread. i really enjoyed reading the responses.

JellyMan reply :

I tend to catch more larger sized bass than smaller size.

But thats also 18+ years off bassin.

Experience+knowledge= Biggins.

I have caught big bass in my younger years too but not nearly as consistantly as I do now.

Mattlures reply :

If I catch a big bass dropshotting, I was lucky. If I catch one on a swimbait then there was no luck. I do not factor luck into anything I do. Does it exist? yes but not for me. If I succeed its becuase I learned how to. If I failed, I was not unlucky, I simply was not good enough that time. Thats when I try to figure out why I failed so I dont make the same mistakes.

Muddy reply :

Hy Big Bass Guys: Question, in seaching the web, of state records an such : Would you say that a good portion of States Records and large bass are taken on LIVE BAIT, instead of artificials, with Large Shiners and Crawfish doing thier share of the damage?

George Welcome reply :

Put some reality in this: You have learned to use your equipment to cast to the area where you "think" there are bass". You have become proficient with electronics, topography reading, and all the other skills needed to put you in the running.

Below you are 30 bass, one large one and 29 small to medium ones. As you cast to your expected target area, one of the bass inhales your bait.

Let's review: you cast with your equipment to an area in which all you can see is water. One of the bass stepped up to the bait: which one? Is that luck? Yep.

This is the only sport where you are operating in the blind. Is there a degree of luck? You bet there is!

The more often you are out there, the luckier you will get: maybe!

SW Florida Kid reply :

Quote
If I catch a big bass dropshotting, I was lucky. If I catch one on a swimbait then there was no luck. I do not factor luck into anything I do. Does it exist? yes but not for me. If I succeed its becuase I learned how to. If I failed, I was not unlucky, I simply was not good enough that time. Thats when I try to figure out why I failed so I dont make the same mistakes.

I agree with you.

Luck is thrown around a lot. I'd like to use the word "chance" instead.

Jaric reply :

Well, I'd say if I catch a big bass, it's probably luck.

But if someone who knows what their doing catches one, it's probably skill.

WRB reply :

"The whole secret to catching trophy bass consistently is finding the right spot and being there when they are active", quote from Bill Murphy.

As I stated at the beginning; anyone can catch one big bass. Catt noted the record books are full of big bass caught by novice fishermen, a true statement. The fishermen were lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time.

I don't consider a jig with pork trailer as being a big lure, it is a big bass lure.

The big lure big bass syndrome is a self fulfilling prophecy. The reason I catch big bass mostly on jig & pig is also self fulfilling; I spend over 50% of my fishing time fishing jigs, the odds favor jigs for me. I fish swimbaits and nearly everything else, just have more confidence with jigs. The fact that I try to be at the right location when big bass are active is why I've had some success at consistently catching big bass.

Does live bait catch more big bass? IMO; yes, less skill to fish properly than an artificial, however need to be at the right place at the time.

WRB

PS; may need to add a giant or (big) bass location thread.

paddle4bass reply :

Quote
"The whole secret to catching trophy bass consistently is finding the right spot and being there when they are active", quote from Bill Murphy.
As I stated at the beginning; anyone can catch one big bass. Catt noted the record books are full of big bass caught by novice fishermen, a true statement. The fishermen were lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time.

I don't consider a jig with pork trailer as being a big lure, it is a big bass lure.

The big lure big bass syndrome is a self fulfilling prophecy. The reason I catch big bass mostly on jig & pig is also self fulfilling; I spend over 50% of my fishing time fishing jigs, the odds favor jigs for me. I fish swimbaits and nearly everything else, just have more confidence with jigs. The fact that I try to be at the right location when big bass are active is why I've had some success at consistently catching big bass.

Does live bait catch more big bass? IMO; yes, less skill to fish properly than an artificial, however need to be at the right place at the time.

WRB

PS; may need to add a giant or (big) bass location thread.

Agreed....I really need to start using jigs, i have some, never have taken the time to catch fish with them, but i know once i do, I will have the confidence to throw them more.

Mattlures reply :

Muddy back in the 80's dads were the big bass bait of choice. In the 90's waterdogs were a popular choice. They have since outlawd dogs. Bluegill would be a goto except they are illegall in most places.

Now the artaficials, mainly swimbaits are the best producers. There are still guys getting them on dads but not as many as swimbaits. I believe the biggest reason for this is that live bait is a hassle. Its also slow and borring compared to moving and casting. Dont get me wrong bait is effective. This is how it is out here. I assume in FL the big shinners are still the #1

WRB reply :

Quote
Muddy back in the 80's dads were the big bass bait of choice. In the 90's waterdogs were a popular choice. They have since outlawd dogs. Bluegill would be a goto except they are illegall in most places.
Now the artaficials, mainly swimbaits are the best producers. There are still guys getting them on dads but not as many as swimbaits. I believe the biggest reason for this is that live bait is a hassle. Its also slow and borring compared to moving and casting. Dont get me wrong bait is effective. This is how it is out here. I assume in FL the big shinners are still the #1

Matt, Some of today's bass fishermen use live bait, just not in tournaments. Example; the live bait shad bite following post spawn.

When I was fishing live bait back in the late 60's to early 70's, we fished everything from crawdads, waterdogs, salt water mud suckers and golden shiners in the SD lakes. Casitas and Castaic in the 80's to mid 90's was the bug & dog; Kadota & Crupi era.

The big difference today is the average bass fishermen does not like to anchor, or even own a anchor, to effectively fish most live bait. Casting a swimbait lets you cover water faster and catch big bass.

To the best of my knowledge Texas bass lakes still have a lot of live bait fishermen and as you mentioned Florida the roach (golden shiner) is the preferred live bait used by guides.

WRB

PS; back in the early 80's there were so many waterdogs free swimming in Casitas, you would have thought they were a native species.

RoLo reply :

Lots of good stuff here fellows;

I agree with WRB, the Big lure/Big bass syndrome is a self-fulfilling prophecy (yes, the golden roach is still King in Florida).

I agree with George Welcome who states that luck is always part of it, like it or not.

I also agree with Matt who blames himself for poor results, rather than blaming bad luck (I do the same).

If we blame ourselves for every bad day, then we can take the credit for every good day.

Luck is not good because it cannot be depended on, so the goal of the angler should be to factor out

as much luck as possible by optimizing 'Where', 'When' & 'How' to catch Big Bass.

In the final analysis, the better we become at reducing the luck factor, the luckier we get ;-)

Roger

Fish Chris reply :

Hey WRB

Quote
The big difference today is the average bass fishermen does not like to anchor, or even own a anchor, to effectively fish most live bait.

Maybe the average fishermen. I myself though, won't go out "without" an anchor. Heck, I'll drift up onto a spot (using the water drift, or breeze) just so I don't have to use my trolling motor whatsoever. Quietly lower my anchor.... and then throw swimbaits ! Don't want my boat drifting all over the place.... or, me pulling myself, while reeling in a swimbait.

So, needless to say, if I'm fishing a dad or crawler, I absolutely use my anchor every time !

BTW, I feel that their is a TON more to know about fishing live bait > to it's fullest effect < than their is to just throw out a swimbait, and slowly reel it back in.

And I know you must have heard me say this before, but my biggest bass on a live dad, was just a "measley" 13.2 lb'er.... and on a crawler, it was just a "ho-hum" 14.1, while all of my BIG bass, have been caught on artificials...... and this is coming from a guy who loves fishing live bait. It just has not been my best method for getting the really big trout-eaters.

Peace,

Fish

Catt reply :

The first question I ask when someone wants me to fish with them is do you have an anchor if not go buy one. I do not believe you can effectively fish structure when you have to constantly reposition with your trolling motor. Yes you will catch a few but you will not truly see the full potential the structure has to offer; yes I know the first response will be the Pros don't use one. Enter the Power Pole!

I think today's anglers do not want to use an anchor for the same reason they do not want to admit luck has anything to do with their success; it's called pride (ego). As much as it helps our egos to regard bass fishing as complex, this type of thinking is often the biggest obstacle between you and your fishing success.

George Welcome reply :

"As much as it helps our egos to regard bass fishing as complex, this type of thinking is often the biggest obstacle between you and your fishing success."

Right there is the gospel. This bass fishing thingy is quite simple, and the more complicated you make it, the more complicated it gets.

WRB reply :

Good way to change your luck is to slow down and present your lure in a realistic manner. Anchoring you have a stable platform to fish from and it certainly slows you down.

The modern bass boat is made to be on the move. Fishing with the front controlled trolling motor changed bass fishing allowing fishermen to maneuver with easily. The era of moving and hunting; hitting several spots for quick active bass bites became popularized by the tournament fishermen. Today it's the run and gun era; run up to a spot, drop the trolling motor and hit the areas fast, pick up and gun to the next spot. The chances of catching big bass out side of the pre spawn and spawn periods is small when running and gunning. Swimbaits help because they can be cast a long distance and need to be retrieved slowly to be affective. The slower retrieve doesn't fit the run and gun style of bass fishermen, one reason few anglers have success fishing swimbaits.

WRB

paul. reply :

i would tend to agree with catt and george - to a degree. in general, catching bass is a pretty simple proposition. find them and if they're on, you'll catch 'em. put a decent presentation in front of them and you're probably gonna get bit. you can make all kinds of mistakes and STILL catch 'em if they're on. if they are NOT on, it gets a little tougher and you have to work a little harder to produce results. even then the results might not be what you were looking for.

but if we are talking about BIG bass here, i do not think it's quite so simple. now don't get me wrong. i don't think it's rocket science. but i don't think it's second grade math either. look at a list of state record bass. what you will see is that many of these are several years old. in this day and age where fishermen have access to the most advanced tools and knowledge ever, state records would be falling left and right if catching BIG bass were truly simple.

as a rule, you cannot make a lot of mistakes and catch big fish consistently - they just won't let you. even when they're on, you still have to do things right. call it what you want - intelligence, instinct, experience, conditioning, etc. big bass are just harder to catch - and it's not just because there aren't as many of them.

i agree with catt's statement about ego - sometimes. but i also think that many times the opposite applies. i think many times fishermen use a simplistic view of fishing to massage bruised egos. "well they just weren't biting today." if i leave the lake after a poor showing believing this, it removes any feeling of accountability or responsibility on my part for my lack of success. it also removes any need or desire to examine what i'm doing and make changes. after all, with this simplistic philosophy, it was the fish's fault for not biting rather than mine for not figuring them out and making adjustments. truth is, maybe i could have done something different and changed my "luck". so i don't think oversimplifying is the answer either.

but i try not to over analyze things like this. i just try to enjoy myself. sometimes it's hard to catch 'em. sometimes it's easy. but it's always fun to try.

donbeatya reply :

I most definatly do not think it is luck. ive been religiously bass fishing since i was about 14 ( im now 23) and ive had the opportunity to catch three double digit bass. i remember days of skipping school to get out in my float tube on the local spots in san diego when knowone else was out there. i dont know it all but i do know that persistance pays off. and iff you wanna catch big bass use big baits but my most recent big bass 10.22LBS came in EL PASO, TX on a 1/8oz shakey head zoom trick worm. fished on a american rodsmith finesse rod and 8LB trilene sensation

George Welcome reply :

I am curious donbeatya why you have limited yourself to catching only 3 bass over ten pounds since you feel that it's all skill and no luck.

This question is for any of you that feel you have reached the ultimate skill level and no luck plays in this chase.

Even in a game of ultimate skill such as golf, Tiger Woods will agree that there is an element of luck.

donbeatya reply :

yes of course everything we do has luck in it. To drive your car from one place to the next without getting in a wreck is of course luck but id bet kyle busch would fair better than most.

George Welcome reply :

At least with driving you can see where you are going.

donbeatya reply :

and in driving a blow out is always possible!

Catt reply :

I agree with George and Roger that we can not remove luck from any sport regardless of how skilled we may think we have become. Luck is that intangible that will either works for or against us.

If you do not think luck plays a part take a kid fishing and they will prove every time how skilled we aint.

Paul one must keep things in prospective by not over complicating or over simplifying but it is quite easy to over complicate rather than over simplify.

We know that bass are controlled by certain environmental factors; reproduce effectively, feed efficiently (maximize food intake and minimize energy output) and prosper during extreme seasonal changes. If we use these environmental factors to our advantage catching becomes simpler.

Big bass are actually the least intelligent because of the fact they must out compete and out eat the rest of the population or they would have never become the size they are; these characteristics are classified by science as anti-survival or dumb.

donbeatya reply :

also if anyone on here knows who mike long ( a SoCal local legend) is then you'll truely understand that catching big bass is not luck.

donbeatya reply :

CATT,

Please do help me understand how a big bass means its less intelligent. that goes against anything that biologist, and bass fisherman alike have come to know. also i do agree with you on luck being an intangible factor that we cannot ignore but i believe the more we talk or focus on the luck of catching BIG Bass then we at that point are beginning to fail ourselves. BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITY, GEAR AND OVERALL COMPETENCE OF CATCHING BASS OR BIG BASS FOR THAT MATTER AND YOU'LL BE SUPRISED AS TO WHAT CAN COME OF IT

donbeatya reply :

CATT,

Darwins theory: survival of the fittest

senile1 reply :

Quote
also if anyone on here knows who mike long ( a SoCal local legend) is then you'll truely understand that catching big bass is not luck.

Some have already said it and I'll say it again. It requires skill and luck to catch big bass. Why does it have to be one or the other? Why can't it be both? It's obvious that Mike Long has excellent large bass catching skills but that doesn't rule out the element of luck . . . . . being at the right place at the right time, deciding to make that final cast after one decides to leave, etc. The big bass skills of the angler will absolutely make a difference over the years in how many big bass he/she catches, but it doesn't eliminate luck. Luck will always be involved because there is so much going on under the water that we will never be aware of. And we can't read the pea brain of the bass. Those of us with less developed skills depend more on luck than someone like Mike Long, but some of Mike's fish are still caught due to luck.

donbeatya reply :

personally if i had to measure it id go 90/10. i personally believe in my ability and al others should to knowone should limit themselves too the time or knowledge they have. its all learning and it comes with time.

senile1 reply :

I don't think they are saying it's all luck. I hope no angler thinks they should stop trying to learn and improve and just rely on luck. We should always try to improve what we can control, but we also have to recognize that there are some things we will never be able to control in bass fishing. If we could control everything we would catch our quarry every time. That wouldn't be any fun.

Catt reply :

Big bass did not get big by lying around letting the smaller bass feed first while it (the big bass) ate the leftovers; big bass eat the most and are first to respond to feeding opportunities. Too many anglers imagine lunkers to be cagey, reclusive, picky eaters which rarely feed. That just won't get it done when it comes to out competing, out eating and out growing the rest of the fish. That characteristic is anti-survival or dumb in that it may become the first caught.

paul. reply :

tommy and george - to some degree, i agree with what y'all are saying about luck. but by the same token, here is a question for y'all. both you have caught a ton of giant bass. much more than most of us ever will. definitely more than i ever will. if this is luck, how can luck be so partial to y'all? do y'all lead charmed lives or something? both of y'all have to be the luckiest guys i've ever known. since y'all are this lucky, PLEASE tell me a winning lottery ticket number so i can quit work and come and fish with y'all.

and tommy i agree that big bass out-compete their counterparts to get big. but they also out-compete all the anglers who are looking to put a skin mount above their fireplace or a bass fillet in their belly. does this make big bass smarter or dumber? maybe it just makes them "luckier". ;D

Catt reply :

Paul when you catch a big bass do you actually believe it was because you are so skilled that you figured out every possible intangible involved correctly?

paul. reply :

Quote
Paul when you catch a big bass do you actually believe it was because you are so skilled that you figured out every possible intangible involved correctly?

nope. where are you coming up with this? i never said luck was not involved. it's a variable in the equation, but it's definitely not the whole equation.

tommy when you catch a big bass, do you actually believe it's because the planets happened to align perfectly that day?

Mattlures reply :

I disagree with Catt and George. I dont think its simple or easy. Yes to catch small bass it is and thats why anybody can catch them. Big bass might as well be a different species. Yes they outcompete their smaller kin but they make far fewer mistakes. I would lave for anybody who claims bass are dumb and predictable and easy to come to socal and catch these big bass. Ha ha they would come away with a new perspectice. Thesxe fish have all been caught numerious times and they have LEARNED. Maybe a big ol bass in a non pressured area can be simple or easy but that is not the case out here. Catt you asked Paul if he thinks he has figured out all the intangables? You dont have to. You just need to figure out some of them and dont do anything to screw it up while your fishing for them. You can totaly understand your quarry but make a bad cast and put the fish on alert.

Catt reply :

Well Paul how does me believing luck plays a part in fishing equate to the above response?

And yes Matt I understand California bass are smarter than any Cajun

Mattlures reply :

Catt I am not saying the bass here are smarter. I believe conditions dictate how easy or difficult they are to catch. When you have deep clear water that is heavily pressured then the fish are naturaly more difficult to catch. Add in that our lakes are tiny comparred to most other lakes and now these fish see lures every single day the lake is open. Catch and release is the norm so these fish have all been caught numerous times. They get harder to catch. They simply make fewer mistakes. Anywhere that has conditions like these will have similar results. The fish arent smarter, they have more negative experiance.

Out here the bigger the lake the easier it is to catch fish especialy the small ones. The small lakes have a few monsters but man, they dont screw up often.

Mattlures reply :

I will use Dottie as an example. Dixon is open every day. For 5 years people threw eveything at here. The lake is less then 100 acres. she was only caught durring spawning and the last time she wasnt even caught, she was snagged. She learned, addapted,became more aware of danger etc.. Now put that same fish in a lake that has never been fished and she would have been stupid and easy

donbeatya reply :

mattlure,

i miss dottie and hey man come get me seriously people are way to hyped over here in texas about big bass. but man So Cal would blow texas away i miss places like barret, san vicente, casitas

Muddy reply :

My life is complete now

Catt reply :

Dear God, please put your arms around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth.

paul. reply :

well, not being familiar with texas or cali, i can't really say which would be a better place to fish. either way, next time y'all go make sure you carry a rabbit's foot in one pocket and a horseshoe in the other.

and we can stop all this posting about cover, structure, peak times, seasonal patterns, bait choice, and all that nonsense. here's all you need to know right here. :

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/643297/27_popular_good_luck_charms_and_symbols.html

WRB reply :

Lucky Japanese angler just caught a new world record LMB; 22.31 lbs (10.12Kg), 29.4" long, lake Biwa, Japan.

donbeatya reply :

must have been lucky

paul. reply :

wow wrb!!! at first i thought you were just having a little fun with us. then i found this:

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/bass-club/150107-news-flash-world-record-largemouth-contender.html

you broke the story. please tell us what you know. if this is for real, this is HUGE news!

donbeatya reply :

cant wait to see how people start bashing this guys catch. great job for him hope it stands. it would be great for the world of bassing could you imagine multi national federations and such

Jaric reply :

That thing is ginourmous.

I can't imagine pulling a monster like that out of a lake.

WRB reply :

Paul, this is the same guy who caught a 18lb from the same lake last year. There was some question about trespassing when the 18 was caught? He will need all his luck to get this bass listed by IGFA as a co record and pass Ray Scott's influence with the IGFA. So far it looks legit.

Tom

bigbill reply :

First "luck" is at the casino or finding money on the sidewalk thats luck.

The better fisherman you are, its the more skilled you are its all being educated, practicing and honing your fishing skills.

I posted this many years ago on this very website;

Its not luck in fishing its skill!!!!

Now about cahtching BIG bass thats another story. I believe we have big bass all across our country. Your just not fishing for them at the right times and using the right baits(lures) to catch them.

I have caught up to 10lb bass but i have even seen larger fish that just seem to swim by. I pulled out a 6lb1oz large mouth once which was tearing up the lilly pads on the surface chasing the baitfish. She was working the pads for a few mornings just out of my reach from shore. She finally got close were i could cast past her and she missed the first pass but turned and hit it again when i stopped my topwater bait. I had her in my hand when i seem the lillies still being torn up by another big bass. My point is there are probably more than one big bass in most smaller ponds. You need to put your time in and fish every day or chance you get. I like to fish the wee hours of the morning just before day break and i will fish from 3:30am until around 8 or 9am. My biggest bass have been caught at sunup.(dusk) In fishing my 3 or 4 small places i have seen big bass in all of them, this leads me to believe we have bigger bass in every place but were not catching them. Its all about what time your fishing and how you fish plus the baits your using.

Remember being stealthy is the key to hooking into big bass. Handle your tacklebox and rods very quietly. Any sounds will spook big bass. Even a coff to clear your throat will spook them too have have done this and watched a big wake swim away from me in the shallows.

Never talk !!!!!! Be very quiet!!!! Don't step on rocks while walking to the waters edge. There like microphones and send your step thumps into the waters edge.

The key thing is stealth so the fish don't know you are there. Once you aquire this stealth and practice it your success will happen sooner or later just keep going. 8-) Focus on your presentation too. Never think about anything else while fishing just focus on your fishing.

Its all about having the skill and that leads to success just stay focused :

You can achieve anything in life if your willing to put your time in and work for it. Nothing is a given nor free. You can set your goals and go for it!!!!!!!!!!! 8-)

WRB reply :

Quote
Paul, this is the same guy who caught a 18lb from the same lake last year. There was some question about trespassing when the 18 was caught? He will need all his luck to get this bass listed by IGFA as a co record and pass Ray Scott's influence with the IGFA. So far it looks legit.
Tom

This is the Ray Scott reference that caused a negative reaction.

The IGFA doesn't require a lie detector test for authenticating a world record catch. Ray Scott has published that he will not accept a new LMB record without a lie detector test.

Tom

Muddy reply :

That's him, not the sanctioning body! I read what Ray said, and he was talking at a time when the Lolyds 1 mil. insurance policy " gamble" was in effect. If I am wrong correct me, that is no longer in Lloyds portfolio.

Mr.Sott and some others involved with BASS, had put a 1 mil bounty head on the record, backed by Lloyds. This has since disappeared. This quote from Mr.Scott , comes from an outdated article that was covered by , Sport's Afield,Outdoor Life,BASSS magazine and maybe ESPN. RIGHT?

This kind of insanity is why I am glad it was broken, as it will be again in the near future

WRB reply :

It was Bass'N magizines big bass reward program, Scott didn't have anything to do with it. The reward got up to 8 million, before Dickerson caught Dottie, then LLyods of London dropped the insurance and the contest ended.

That program was a real circus and agree the whole world record pursuit during that period was bad for the sport. It brought out the worst in trophy bass fishing, more cheating and poaching then anyone will ever know.

I believe Ray Scott's interest was in trying to keep some integrity in the world record. We had several potential world record bass frauds; the True and Dupree bass, both reported to be 24 lb bass caught in northern Cal, for examples. The promise of money tends to bring out cheating. The Japanese are honest by nature, but there is still a lot riding on this new record and I believe Scott will insist on a lie detector test. Time will tell. The fact that the bass was a live bait fish removes the lure dealing issues.

Not all trophy bass fishermen are lairs and cheaters, most have discovered catching giant bass requires complete dedication to details, bass behavior and hundreds of 15 hour days on the water.

Tom

Muddy reply :

Thanks for clearing up the accuracy, I did not know all the details, it was starting to get repulsive to me at the time.

DOVERANGLER reply :

yes and no you can look at the area around a lake and see where fish should be, but you never really know what is going on under the water. the place you think there might be a big boy laying you might catch a small on or nothing and other times you could just through a crank or spinner bait in the middle looking to cover some water and get a reaction bait and theres your monster. luck plays its part as well as skill

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Do You Think Catching a Big Bass is Luck? 2024

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