Page 24 - Lady Bass Digital Magazine June 2023-Revised

Keys To Success- Learning from

Mistakes

We all make mistakes, and a good angler learns from to weed out everything that isn’t important, while
the mistakes they make. Bass fishing is a mental sensing everything that is important to catching bass.
thing. It is a game of concentration, awareness,
ability to adapt, versatility, being thorough in your
approach, having confidence at a high level, always
thinking positively, and learning to experiment.
To be a better angler, it is important to always be
conscious of these things.

While we know we will not catch a bass on every
cast, believing that you can on every cast is also
important. Visualize your bait as it moves through
the water and a bass busting it on each cast. Arriving
at this point mentally goes a long way in your
productivity on the water. Having this mental state
will keep you alert and help you to fish each spot
more carefully and thoroughly. This mental state Another mistake is spending too much time fishing
is probably the most challenging part of fishing. in areas we like to fish instead of fishing in areas the
Stay totally tuned in and concentrate on what you fish like. If an area you are fishing in isn’t paying
are doing. Not doing so can lead to simple mistakes off, try something different. Move shallower, or
like missing strikes, forgetting to retie, making poor deeper, and remember that finding fish is a process
casts, hanging up, not paying attention to depth and of elimination.
boat position, and not focusing on the presentation Experimentation
of the lure are all indicators that your focus on the is key to a well-
water is not what it should be. rounded angler. An
angler must learn
Granted, we all get excited when we catch a fish and, new techniques and
in our haste, to get the lure back for another bite, constantly check out
we can make some of these mistakes. The question new waters or new
is, are you aware of it? If you are not even aware areas on familiar
of the mistake, obviously your concentration and waters.
mental state are not where they need to be. If you
become aware of it, that is a great start in regaining To be a good angler, one must be versatile. One that
the necessary focus for a successful day on the water. can adjust or adapt to the conditions such as seasons,
When an angler is in tune, they pay attention to water temperature and color, use a variety of tackle
everything…the cast, the distance of the cast, the in shallow and deep water while understanding the
retrieve speed of the lure, the depth, boat position, habits and habitat of their prey on different kinds of
bait size, bait color, the water clarity, the type of lakes.
structure and cover, the wind direction and speed are
just a few of the things that should be in focus and Learning to fish structure requires dedication. Some
are in focus for the better anglers. key aspects are learning to read contour maps,
understanding your electronics, and having a lot of
A common mistake that anglers make is not being patience. This is probably the most time-consuming
aware of what is going on around them. An angler and challenging form of fishing, but it can also be
must be alert for clues that will help you catch more the most rewarding and productive for catching lots
fish. It takes practice and determination to learn of fish. Remember cover and structure are not the

24 Lady Bass Anglers Association
Keys to Success- Learn from Mistakes