What do you have to force yourself to do in 2020? 2025
billmac reply :
I have to concentrate on varying my retrieves. I've always been pretty much a cast and reel kind of fisherman and I find it hard to get out of that mode. I've known I should do it of course, but it was borne in on me this year when I caught several fish that struck when I accidentally paused my retrieve. For crying out loud I caught two fish while picking out the same backlash!
I'm also going to try to force myself offshore. I'm far more comfortable casting at visible structure and I know I'm limiting myself. I almost landed my PB bass this year jigging deep (for me) on a ned rig, and I'd like to get more used to that.
BillP reply :
I have to learn to use the tackle I have instead of buying more.
I have to learn to use my baitcaster better so I get less backlashes.
And lastly...
I have to learn to accept that there are some poor lost souls that do not like fishing.
A-Jay reply :
With the vast majority of my plus size smallmouth success coming from offshore structure, I need to force myself to fish shallower or at least somewhat closer to the bank during post spawn for brown bass.
Also I really should fish some new lakes. That is a tough one though as what I've been on, has been pretty good. Tons of options still.
#possibilities
A-Jay
galyonj reply :
I'm going to try hard to force myself to focus on – hurk
Sorry. Try again.
I want to do more fin – gag
FINESSE FISHING
There I said it.
FishinBuck07 reply :
I have to gain the confidence and force myself to take the boat out and fish on my own more often, my fishing partners suck. (Can't pull their heads out of their you know whats long enough to go fishing). Last year was the first year I have owned a boat and was a little iffy going out by myself. Also need to force myself to fish finesse more than I have been.
Dens228 reply :
I'm going to force myself to bring a drop shot rod out each time. I didn't say use it, baby steps! LOL
moguy1973 reply :
I have to force myself to actually go out and do some fishing. Had the boat out a total of 4 times the past 2 years. That's not going to cut it.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
I force myself to re-learn using spinning outfit more and more. First for crappie now for bass.
Recently just got myself another Tatula 1000 LT and soon 2500/3000s, no turning back for me now.
For the past month I’ve used majority spinning more than casting gear.
GreenPig reply :
Fish my magnum spoons(8 & 9")
Michigan Finesse reply :
A. force myself to bring a net out bank fishing. I lost three huge pike this year because they bit off at the bank ???? lost some great lures to those fish as well because I didn't have a net.
B. Go fishing at least once a week. even when the weather is unfavourable, and I don't think ill catch anything, because those days are always the best.
C. Learn T-rigs, poppers, and lipless cranks backwards and forwards. If I go at least once a week then that should be possible.
Catt reply :
Force myself to go more often! ????
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Force myself to actually wake up after the alarm goes off!
Oregon Native reply :
Should force myself to fish a carolina rig.......no....maybe....now I can say lifes to short!!!!
12poundbass reply :
I forced myself to not throw a Senko last year and I stuck with it. Same thing again this year, no Senko. I’ll also add force myself (again) to fish offshore. I fished offshore last year but would go back to beating the banks when nothing but offshore.
A-Jay reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 1:02 AM, DINK WHISPERER said:Force myself to actually wake up after the alarm goes off!
Just wish I could stay asleep right up until my pre-dawn alarm clock goes off !
I forget what the heck the stupid thing even sounds like . . .
#bugeyesallnight
Maybe this could help . . . .
A-Jay
NHBull reply :
God give me the patience to dropshot.
RickB reply :
Fish with a Zoom Fluke until I catch something, use a spinner bait less.
WRB reply :
I need to force myself to believe going bass fishing agian in 2020 is a reality.
I know my salt water off shore fishing days are over and was holding onto my fishing tackle for my son and that isn't going to happen so will sell everything.
Planning to sell my boat and most of the fresh water tackle and keep a few things for any future trips.
2019 wasn't a good for our family and pray 2020 brings some hope.
Enjoy your time on the water while you can.
Tom
roadwarrior reply :
I hope to fish some of the 95% of the tackle that has never hit the water
Well...Maybe not buy anything new...Well, that's just stupid.
Okay, fish a new lure that I don't like...NOT!
I need to fish something that is not Siebert Outdoors, Rage Tail, Seaguar or GYCB
,
Sam reply :
On 1/3/2020 at 11:00 PM, galyonj said:I'm going to try hard to force myself to focus on – hurk
Sorry. Try again.
I want to do more fin – gag
FINESSE FISHING
There I said it.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the results.
On 1/4/2020 at 2:36 AM, 12poundbass said:I forced myself to not throw a Senko last year and I stuck with it. Same thing again this year, no Senko. I’ll also add force myself (again) to fish offshore. I fished offshore last year but would go back to beating the banks when nothing but offshore.
I am thinking of throwing more YUM stick worms as they produced just as nicely as Senkos at a lot less cost.
detroit1 reply :
Wishing you the best Tom.
Fishingmickey reply :
I should work on fishing a wacky rigged senko... maybe.
FM
DanielG reply :
As a great fisherman and just plain great man, I need to seriously work on being more humble.
????
(Wife laughing hysterically over shoulder right now)
Actually I need to find out why most of my success is only with crank and swim baits.
jbmaine reply :
Sorry, can't think of a thing. The Mrs. and I are quite happy with where, how, when, we fish.
billmac reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 1:04 AM, Oregon Native said:force myself to fish a carolina rig.
Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!
txchaser reply :
If I'm hunting for active fish, keep moving if no bites. I tend to get tunnel vision on a spot and just throw more stuff at it, thinking they just need something different. It's even worse when I know for sure fish are there.
Find the balance between fishing my plan and doing something entirely different when I hit the water. Example from yesterday, there's a point with sharp drop-offs and standing timber that is also further offshore than about anything on the lake (60ac). Also has access to the deepest water. Caught some nice fish there. My plan was to go there first as water temps hovering around 50 degrees. There are fish out there that never make it to the bank, have very little pressure, and are in a pretty concentrated area. My plan was to scan it hard to figure out where they were, what they were doing, etc. I think there are bigger fish in this lake and if there are, this is one of the best spots for them to be, and I want to find them. I got distracted and started catching fish elsewhere... "oh I'll just run over there right quick" - ended up with only the last hour on the point. But sometimes you notice something
Be more willing to abandon a productive pattern, bait, or spot in search of larger bites. I learned "big fish don't do little fish things, or hang in little fish places" here, and I've found it to be mostly true... my biggest fish are very (very) rarely in the midst of mid-size or small fish, and never on the same presentation. It's fun to catch fish so it's hard to move/change what is 'working'.
ohboyitsrobby reply :
I have to learn to adapt. Be able to change on the fly. Because sometimes what I'm doing is either a) not working or b) catching fish but not the ones I need. I need to learn to read my graphs a little better too.
keagbassr reply :
I've got to force myself to be more kind to people who set up lawn chairs 3 wide on boat launches carp fishing with two rods apiece????
A-Jay reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 7:19 AM, keagbassr said:I've got to force myself to be more kind to people who set up lawn chairs 3 wide on boat launches carp fishing with two rods apiece????
Seems more like they might need to be kind to you . . .
????
A-Jay
BigAngus752 reply :
Gosh, I caught so many fish on techniques I had never tried before in 2019! I did great with wacky-rigs, Ned rigs, and drop shotting. I had never caught anything on any of those before. I guess this year I should start paying attention to those electronic thingies on the bow and console. I really only use them for water temp and depth. I've heard they are good for a lot more than that...
Log Catcher reply :
I need to use what I have that has never seen water and quit trying so many colors of soft plastics. I need to throw topwaters more and super flukes more. Some day I may try a Ned rig again. I have not and will never use an A rig.
slonezp reply :
I need to force myself to locate Lake Menderchuck
A-Jay reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 9:55 AM, slonezp said:I need to force myself to locate Lake Menderchuck
LOL ~
Good Luck with That !
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 10:22 AM, A-Jay said:LOL ~
Good Luck with That !
A-Jay
@12poundbass said he'd give me the gps coordinates for a 6 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon and some pickled eggs.
A-Jay reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 10:28 AM, slonezp said:@12poundbass said he'd give me the gps coordinates for a 6 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon and some pickled eggs.
Wow - that's a pretty steep asking price.
And I'm staying well up wind . . .
A-Jay
Derek1 reply :
When spring hits I’ll have to force myself to stay at work on the first warm afternoons.
Hook2Jaw reply :
Fish offshore. It's fairly difficult to do from a kayak.
slonezp reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 10:30 AM, A-Jay said:Wow - that's a pretty steep asking price.
And I'm staying well up wind . . .
A-Jay
@12poundbass is easy, but he's not cheap.
12poundbass reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 10:28 AM, slonezp said:@12poundbass said he'd give me the gps coordinates for a 6 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon and some pickled eggs.
I’m not a ‘bro’ (That’s bro beer) and somebody must have hacked my account and told you that. Oh wait I have no clue where lake Menderchuck is. I’m pretty sure it’s close to Sneaky Lake though.
On 1/4/2020 at 10:34 AM, slonezp said:@12poundbass is easy, but he's not cheap.
Awe, you’re making me blush!
slonezp reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 10:38 AM, 12poundbass said:I’m not a ‘bro’ (That’s bro beer) and somebody must have hacked my account and told you that.
30 years ago PBR was one step below water one step above urine, and 2 steps above Coors. That says a lot about the hipsters that drink it today
A-Jay reply :
And it's Officially January on the BR Fishing Forum ~
A-Jay
MN Fisher reply :
1: Try more than one technique in a given spot - the area I'm casting may LOOK like spinner territory, but I have to be willing to try a jig or t-rig
2: Pay more attention to my sonar - if it says the larger fish are at 12'...don't toss lures that only get down to 6'-7'
3: Be willing to put more miles on the TM - the bass might not be hanging out within shouting distance of the launch.
On 1/4/2020 at 10:47 AM, slonezp said:30 years ago PBR was one step below water one step above urine, and 2 steps above Coors. That says a lot about the hipsters that drink it today
Actually - that describes almost all lagers (diehard Stout drinker)
slonezp reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 11:06 AM, A-Jay said:And it's Officially January on the BR Fishing Forum ~
A-Jay
It's been January since July for me, which was the last time I wet a line. Last years family issues have been resolved with both death and life. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, and the warm winter I'll be hitting the water again real soon.
My boy bought his first house today. I'm proud. I'm jealous. Lakefront property. I'm giving him the 14 foot Lund for a housewarming gift.
A-Jay reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 11:25 AM, slonezp said:It's been January since July for me, which was the last time I wet a line. Last years family issues have been resolved with both death and life. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, and the warm winter I'll be hitting the water again real soon.
My boy bought his first house today. I'm proud. I'm jealous. Lakefront property. I'm giving him the 14 foot Lund for a housewarming gift.
Well that sounds like it's mostly good Stuff.
My Friend, I'm Hoping the best for you & your boy
A-Jay
Drew03cmc reply :
On 1/3/2020 at 11:24 PM, moguy1973 said:I have to force myself to actually go out and do some fishing. Had the boat out a total of 4 times the past 2 years. That's not going to cut it.
Jim, I'll drive across the state if it gets you out. Let's do this.
I need to fish topwater more than this year, which, for me, was a lot.
stratoliner92 reply :
Maybe I'll pick up the NED again but I really doubt it????
Grim_Reaver reply :
I have to force myself to not reinvent the wheel. I've come to realize that most of these trendy new baits and techniques are no more effective than "old school" standbys.
Columbia Craw reply :
I need to take the time to use my electronics more. I become impatient and want to start casting when another twenty minutes of looking may mean a good day and a great day. I'm also going to force myself to sell off about a third of my tackle. I have way too much.
N Florida Mike reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 3:55 AM, RickB said:Fish with a Zoom Fluke until I catch something, use a spinner bait less.
It shouldn’t take long! I’m the exact opposite- I need to use a spinner bait until I catch some!!
scaleface reply :
Force myself to pick up a spinning rod every once in a while .
Hawkeye21 reply :
Being a kayak tourney fisherman I need to force myself to make a move when the bite slows down and I'm struggling. I really struggle with taking the time to move to a new location that will take time to get to and I end up wasting time in an area that isn't producing fish. It's so hard to decide on giving up time fishing to paddle far or even load up and move to a new spot but I think it has to be done sometimes. It's all about time management when fishing a kayak tourney.
BigSkyBasser reply :
I need to finally learn to fish jigs this year.
My early season success depends on it!
WRB reply :
On 1/5/2020 at 1:51 AM, BigSkyBasser said:I need to finally learn to fish jigs this year.
My early season success depends on it!
If you can catch bass using a weighted T-ring soft plastic worm or creature use the same technique and presentation with jigs. The only difference with jigs is strike detection is less noticeable sometimes.
Tom
fishwizzard reply :
- Get an aftermarket rack installed on my car so that I can leave my yak on top all spring/summer/fall.
- Get up earlier and stay out later. Fear of rush hour traffic keeps me from a lot of my best spots.
- Spend less time fishing the presentations I want to fish and more time trying to change it up and actually catch fish.
DSTN reply :
Take days off work in spring-summer-fall to get more time in the water.
Catt reply :
I'm not sure "force" would be the correct word but somebody definitely needs to Gibbs slap me occasionally!
The last couple of years I have ignored the Punch Rig even though I know it's essential in my area.
PourMyOwn reply :
Throw more deep diving crankbaits. I don't love the process but I do love the results.
Bankbeater reply :
Fish with hard jerk baits more often. I probably only use them 1 or 2 trips a year and then forget about them.
ike8120 reply :
Stop Feeding The "Bait Monkey"
islandbass reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 10:33 AM, Hook2Jaw said:Fish offshore. It's fairly difficult to do from a kayak.
And even harder for shorebound folk like me, lol. I’ve been tempted to buy a surf rod to really get it out and offshore from a shorebound POV.
I need to force myself to actually force myself to bass fish in the winter. Prospects are nearly zero chance from the shore this time of year for me. I don’t think I’ve fished for bass more than 5 times this past decade in the winter. Sad but true.
Fried Lemons reply :
On 1/6/2020 at 1:25 AM, ike8120 said:Stop Feeding The "Bait Monkey"
813basstard reply :
1. Fish all BFL’s this year (5)
2. Fish the trail I did last year when not fishing BFL and do better
3. Get a new boat and micro poles on my current one
4. Did 131 days fishing last year. Little over 100 in the boat. Get more out of each session.
Awesome topic
RB 77 reply :
Exercise and eat right... Oh we're talking about fishing? Haha. Well, the first part will help with that also but in all seriousness, the same as every year... Just GO more! I really need to fish more often! I probably had less than 40 days on the water including both fresh and salt water last year. Pretty pathetic for me under my circumstances (I know every ones circumstances are different and some would kill for that many). Also to fish brand new lures siting in my tackle trays, primarily "lipped" Crank Baits (I throw lip-less quite a bit). I need to force myself into turn them onto fish catchers instead of dust collectors.
LargeMarge reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 12:02 PM, Grim_Reaver said:I have to force myself to not reinvent the wheel. I've come to realize that most of these trendy new baits and techniques are no more effective than "old school" standbys.
What do you think are the most effective "old school" baits/techniques?
RB 77 reply :
On 1/6/2020 at 7:38 AM, LargeMarge said:What do you think are the most effective "old school" baits/techniques?
I know I'm not the OP of that post, but I totally agree. For me they are 1. Worm 2. Jig 3. Spinner Bait 4. Crank Bait 5. Top Water (Popper, Spook). That's my all-time top 5 and all very "old school" IMHO.
FishinBuck07 reply :
On 1/6/2020 at 1:25 AM, ike8120 said:Stop Feeding The "Bait Monkey"
Me also! But I know it is a losing battle!????
813basstard reply :
On 1/6/2020 at 7:48 AM, RB 77 said:
I know I'm not the OP of that post, but I totally agree. For me they are 1. Worm 2. Jig 3. Spinner Bait 4. Crank Bait 5. Top Water (Popper, Spook). That's my all-time top 5 and all very "old school" IMHO.
What do you think ‘they’ are catching them on?? Wonder bread and a bobber?
Boiled peanuts and miller lites?
They all catch’em on those five you listed. They just do it a lot more and a lot better than we do currently..
pauldconyers reply :
On 1/5/2020 at 3:08 AM, WRB said:If you can catch bass using a weighted T-ring soft plastic worm or creature use the same technique and presentation with jigs. The only difference with jigs is strike detection is less noticeable sometimes.
Tom
Tom, I would love to hear more about the technique you use to enhance strike detection while fishing jigs? Didn't you suggest with your non-reel hand holding the line in-between your index finger right before it enters the reel or something similar?
RB 77 reply :
On 1/6/2020 at 9:41 AM, 813basstard said:What do you think ‘they’ are catching them on?? Wonder bread and a bobber?
Boiled peanuts and miller lites?
They all catch’em on those five you listed. They just do it a lot more and a lot better than we do currently..
I'm not sure if "you're" being a smart ass/ grammar nazi because I used "they are" instead of "they're" or "the baits are", but thanks for quoting me and your insightful contribution. I have no idea who you're referring to with 'they'.
Hook2Jaw reply :
On 1/6/2020 at 2:11 AM, islandbass said:And even harder for shorebound folk like me, lol. I’ve been tempted to buy a surf rod to really get it out and offshore from a shorebound POV.
I need to force myself to actually force myself to bass fish in the winter. Prospects are nearly zero chance from the shore this time of year for me. I don’t think I’ve fished for bass more than 5 times this past decade in the winter. Sad but true.
I feel like most surf fishing is done with treble hooked artificials or chunk bait on circles, either hook being an easy set. The idea of setting a 4 or 5/0 jig or worm hook at the distance a good surf rod can launch one worries me, but I bet, just maybe, it might be a decent possibility.
On 1/4/2020 at 10:34 PM, Hawkeye21 said:Being a kayak tourney fisherman I need to force myself to make a move when the bite slows down and I'm struggling. I really struggle with taking the time to move to a new location that will take time to get to and I end up wasting time in an area that isn't producing fish. It's so hard to decide on giving up time fishing to paddle far or even load up and move to a new spot but I think it has to be done sometimes. It's all about time management when fishing a kayak tourney.
Getting into it this year. I have this problem already and I'm not even tourney fishing! I'll be on Lake Lanier in April though, trying to ****** big spots off beds and trying to win that KBF Open.
the reel ess reply :
On 1/3/2020 at 10:41 PM, BillP said:I have to learn to use the tackle I have instead of buying more.
I have to learn to use my baitcaster better so I get less backlashes.
And lastly...
I have to learn to accept that there are some poor lost souls that do not like fishing.
I fished with a Florida guide Dec 27-28. On the second day he said "I noticed you haven't backlashed yet." I suppose he sees a lot of inexperienced anglers in his profession. I said "I don't usually use Shimano Curados to chunk 3/4 oz. walking baits." ????
I need to force myself to go in Jan-Feb. I don't want to miss some of the biggest accessible bass of the year because it's a bit uncomfy out there. I did go Sat. I zeroed and watched my buddy catch a 5 pounder. ????
928JLH reply :
This year I'd say I'd have to crank more, fish river current, throw larger swimbaits, and get more comfortable fishing shallow.
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
Force myself to fish Flouro. Yuck
the reel ess reply :
On 1/3/2020 at 11:02 PM, FishinBuck07 said:I have to gain the confidence and force myself to take the boat out and fish on my own more often, my fishing partners suck. (Can't pull their heads out of their you know whats long enough to go fishing). Last year was the first year I have owned a boat and was a little iffy going out by myself. Also need to force myself to fish finesse more than I have been.
I have a buddy that likes to fish and does it more than I do. But I still prefer to go by myself most of the time. I'm my own best buddy.
On 1/4/2020 at 3:55 AM, RickB said:Fish with a Zoom Fluke until I catch something, use a spinner bait less.
Go to a pond. You won't be able to keep them off it.
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
On 1/5/2020 at 10:40 PM, Catt said:The last couple of years I have ignored the Punch Rig even though I know it's essential in my area.
Keep one tied on year round ????
MN Fisher reply :
On 1/6/2020 at 11:18 PM, NittyGrittyBoy said:Force myself to fish Flouro. Yuck
NOOO... do not go down the dark path....
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
On 1/7/2020 at 12:22 AM, MN Fisher said:NOOO... do not go down the dark path....
Trust me I dont want to. But I've been fishing alot more clearer waters here lately so I need to step up my game lol
MN Fisher reply :
On 1/7/2020 at 1:02 AM, NittyGrittyBoy said:Trust me I dont want to. But I've been fishing alot more clearer waters here lately so I need to step up my game lol
In place of FC, I use YZH...much more manageable and gives me most of the benefits of FC.
WesternBass reply :
1. Fish a Jig More: It's not secrete Jigs Produce Year Round and often Bigger Fish.
I am almost a master at flipping in the back yard , yet I rarely do it on the water. This is the Year.
2. Master the Drop Shot : the best way I can. I Use it Often , but not an expert, and quite frankly that darn thing tangles
so often, I am quickly beginning to hate it. So This Is The Year.
On 1/3/2020 at 10:41 PM, BillP said:I have to learn to use the tackle I have instead of buying more.
OMG I need to learn this.
Grim_Reaver reply :
On 1/6/2020 at 7:48 AM, RB 77 said:
I know I'm not the OP of that post, but I totally agree. For me they are 1. Worm 2. Jig 3. Spinner Bait 4. Crank Bait 5. Top Water (Popper, Spook). That's my all-time top 5 and all very "old school" IMHO.
That would be my list.
barongan reply :
Going to force myself to bring a drop shot rod out each time
The Maestro reply :
I'd like to get better at horizontal presentations/moving baits/covering water. I rely too much on fishing vertical and this messes me up when the wind picks up and boat control and accuracy becomes difficult.
MAN reply :
Force myself to put the live bait down
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