Just for fun, if you could give a new angler just ONE SINGLE unsolicited piece of advice, what would you share?  (Assume they want advice to become a better angler.)

 

Me, I think I would advise them to pay close attention to what worked and didn't work and begin logging it.  I think that would help a new angler to develop patterns quickly and having a log to go back and look at what worked when is a huge advantage.  I think it would also help a new angler to pay more attention to details which will pay dividends alone later on.

They same one we all know. ....and never listen to.

" Don't leave fish, to find fish! "

Stop watching Bill Dance on TV for tips LOL!!! Not everyone can fish stocked ponds like that all the time

 

Not hating on bill its just folks need to understand its called fishing and not catching. Log what works and make sure you take care of your equipment. If you can find an old timer to talk with in your area, do it! 

Interesting fact on Ole' Bill that I didn't realize until just a few days ago.  His PB is "only" a 13 pounder!

i would advise against spending a ton of money to acquire every bait and every technique.... i found that i didn't fish half the stuff that i bought, and would have been better served to re-invest that into the techniques i preferred to fish....

Don't overthink your time on the water, enjoy it, relax, and fish.

Don't overthink your time on the water, enjoy it, relax, and fish.

I agree - well said, Darren.

Interesting fact on Ole' Bill that I didn't realize until just a few days ago.  His PB is "only" a 13 pounder!

I wonder how many he has caught between 10 to 12 pounds???

Don't overthink your time on the water, enjoy it, relax, and fish.

X3

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/13845-guaranteed-to-catch-bass/

Do not try to force feed or relocate bass.  They may not be "smart" but you still have to find them and give them what they want.

Keep it simple, there are a few lures (worms, jigs, topwaters)that have been around for decades and work great today. Start with those and expand from there. Above all relax and have fun!

Never stop learning.  Pay attention and learn from evey fishing trip (yes even if you don't catch anything) and learn from others.  This sport is always evolving and when you decide to just get comfortable with "what you prefer to fish" you're going to find yourself on the outside looking in when things get tough and you have no clue on how to adapt to the conditions and change. 

Fish whenever you can, for as long as you can... Life is too short enjoy it while it lasts...

 

Mitch

Join Bassresource.

practice casting. and pick as many brains as possible (when welcomed to... dont want to annoy anyone)

Join Bassresource.

 

This really is a great site.  I tend to come and go in terms of activity, but even if you are a lurker - there's sooooo much great info here.

To become a better bass fisherman :

 

Go early and stay late

 

oh and fish a JIG

Don't ever get discouraged...unless you lose your roman-made, then it is okay to become discouraged.

To become a better bass fisherman :

 

Go early and stay late

 

oh and fish a JIG

 

 

I don't think anything will help you more than time on the water.  Put enough time in, and things will start to come together.  I just started fishing largemouths this summer and remember several days when I was on the water before sunrise and ready to quit at noon.  But I stayed out and kept trying, and had some great days because of it.

 

And for some reason, the most memorable fish might just be the first one I caught on a jig.  It wasn't the biggest, but it sort of boosted my confidence.  Confidence is what keep you out there, trying your best.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

Search "Cosmic Clock" learn basic bass behavior.

Tom

Dont spend hoards of money. 

I would have them fish plastics, and I would give them two pieces of advice. 1).Be a line watcher, and 2).Slow down. If you do those two things you will catch fish under many types of conditions.

Learn to Improvise, Overcome and Adapt.

With all that implies. ...

Example, but there are more...

Improvise...try new and different ways of what you already do and have confidence in.

Overcome...negative thoughts and impulse's, don't lose confidence in yourself or your abilities. You know how to do it just try not to overthink it.

Adapt...Always be aware of your surroundings. Try to keep up with changing conditions. Don't lock youself into thinking "well let me try this, this always works" or "Ive always caught fish there, let's go"

You got the idea

Mike