I STUNK !

[carman]

DOES ANYBODY ELSE EVER FEEL THIS WAY? PLAN ALL WEEK-
THEN FISH AWFUL!! AFTER FISHING FOR 45 YRS YOU WOULD
THINK THAT YOU COULD HANDLE IT.

[SLIMSHAD]

I've stunk for two years now. I don't think I forgot how to fish, but I'm wondering. Started wade fishing and pond fishing for gills to re-learn me something. Hope it works. If not, I have remembered how to have fun again.....

[Barry]

Having the same problem, gald its just not me... At this point I'm not sure I can even catch a cold. lol

[Biggofish]

As a person who spends most of the time fishing or preparing for tournaments I have found a good way deal with the stress. I took a buddy to Taylorsville a few weeks ago to fish for fun. I left all my bass equipment at home so I would not be tempted to use it. I took a spincast reel and medium action rod, 4 norman tiny n crankbaits and 3 rooster tails. I dropped the trolling motor on the main lake and started fishing. I also left the electronice off so I wouldnt be tempted to watch them. After about 4 hours of fishing up the mainlake we had 40-50 fish of all species including a 3 1/2 lb largemouth. Now that was fun and, its how I grew up fishing. Made me kinda glad I was able to take a friend out and enjoy what fishing susposed to be about.

Take care,

The Fish

[know1]

So why not do that all the time instead of fishing tournaments?

[zx150]

It is fun to mix it up a bit from time to time. But I still like to fish The T'S.

[Viking]

Heh Gurl, I know what you mean about fun fishing. I love to fish for all kinds of fish. My favorites include jugging in the summer, sauger in the winter, crappie in the spring, creek anytime. I also enjoy bass tournaments. I guess it's a man thing, but when I hear someone bragging about how many bass they caught out of their new hydroblaster I tell them to put up some money and let's dance.

[SecretWeapon]

I am with you on this subject. This has so far been the worst year I have had, and last year is a close second.

Not to say I haven't caught any fish. I started out in March with some nice 5+ LM and some good fishing. But, after that my year has gone down hill.

I need a Barkley trip! LOL.

I am doing very well weighing in everyone elses fish LOL.

But, everytime I lose a tournament, and/or fish for fun and have a bad day; I have learned something. I've also gotten in plenty of casting pratice..LOL. These BAD times are what humbles you and makes you learn something for another day. It will pay off in the long run! I believe that's why it's called "Fishing not catching."

It is interesting to note: While some are having their worst year of fishing, others are having their best.

I believe this is due to the different conditions. Every year you hear certain baits/presentations that are working best overall. But, the next year something else is the ticket. The weird thing is; this is true all over the nation.

Being on Prostaff and a Rep. for several companies, I see and hear what is selling good and what's not.

So far this has been a great year for soft plastic sells; better than most. On the other hand, hard bait sells(crankbaits,spinnerbaits,buzzbaits etc. except the Catch all chatterbait?!)have been very slow. Now, I'm saying this as an average! This maybe untrue in certain places.

For example: I love to fish a buzzbait. Now it's an excellant bait, but not all the time of course. So far this year I've only caught 2 on it. Not even had many bits. But, last year I can't tell you how many I caught! Yet I keep on chunking it. Probably wasting my time, and could be doing better on something else.

Now, others let's say love to fish softplastics, and this year have been doing very well.

Don't get me wrong; I'm a versitale fisherman. But, there are only so many hours in a day. If you don't make the correct change at the correct time; you may only hookup with a few fish or none for that day.

Good luck for all fishin' and I hope those who are not doing well yet; find their groove soon!


Justin Hires
Tournament Director
www.USABassin.com