I don't know about the rest of you, but I always check behind me and beside me before I cast. Sometimes, especially from the bank, an unexpected onlooker or spot bomber will sneak up on you without warning. I'd hate to hook the wrong cheek! So I always check to make sure no one else is in the danger zone. Then I make sure I'm not too close to any trees, cause I catch more trees than I probably do fish! Then I consider wind and how it will affect my cast and retrieve. Make sure the spot I'm tossing at has a fair chance of having fish based on whatever criteria I've decided. Most importantly, I make sure I'm enjoying the experience. Then let it rip! Yeah, I'm simple. I like simple. If I wanted to do a ton of thinking, then I'd probably be playing video games, working... anything but fishing!

Mine is allways "have  

I tightend my drag back down?"

 

Caught a 16" smallie my first cast of my first wading trip last spring with spinning reel drag all the way backed off.  It took me about 15-20 seconds to figure out what was going on. He ran stright downstream and almost spooled me before I got myself sorted out. 

When fishing from the bank... is my rod going to hit this overhanging tree?  Then I look back and make sure I’m not going to get a “snag-lash” if I hook something while casting.

Before making my first cast,  I check for people around me (even when no one was there,  someone may walk up behind you). location of where I want to cast. does it look like a good spot, Am I in someone else's spot, is there structure?  take note of wind, temp, depth of water.  I also look for schooling fish on the surface.  

7 hours ago, ratherbfishin1 said:

When fishing from the bank... is my rod going to hit this overhanging tree?  Then I look back and make sure I’m not going to get a “snag-lash” if I hook something while casting.

I do make a 1\2 speed false cast almost all the time before I cast for real.  It's a time waster 95% of the time but it has saved me a few rod tips for sure.  I've gotten to the point where I don't even think about it and just do it as a reflex.

21 hours ago, mattkenzer said:

Distance from Boat Deck to the Trees .....

There was this one small lake in upstate NY, that I fished as a child. Found my first lure (#9 blue back/silver floating Rapala) in a tree there. For some reason, there were more lures in the trees there than any other place. I got good at climbing trees, and throwing a make shift grapple on a rope. busted my a$$ a couple of times too. Must have found around 50 lures there. 

 

 

I always use the In'Fisherman's formula: F + L + P = Success!

 

I'd say 90% of success is the "L" factor. You gotta be fishing where they are. The rest is less complicated in my opinion.

Before I make that first cast I'm usually trying to remember to look up and just say "Thank you"

I used to overthink all the variables. Since I've fished the same lakes for years I've got a pretty good idea what should work. Now after all these years Im just glad to be out there!

My first cast, I alway hope for big fish after 100 casts I hope for any kind of fish then 1000 cast I know it SKUNKED again.

I make sure that I have everything before I leave the house. I’ve left tackle, water, and lunch sitting in the garage before. 

Did I lock my car door?  

On 3/6/2018 at 9:38 AM, Dwight Hottle said:

Check my drag. 

 

 

THIS!!!!!!!!

8 minutes ago, slonezp said:

THIS!!!!!!!!

X2!

I’ve lost a fish or two over the years because I forgot to check the drag, then when the first big hookset occurs, it’s a nice backlash and goodbye fish. 

On 3/8/2018 at 6:40 AM, Oregon Native said:

Before I make that first cast I'm usually trying to remember to look up and just say "Thank you"

I do that every time I wake up in the morning and realize that I'm still alive!

If I'm ready to cast im already in the spot I want with the lure I want tied on......only thing left is where to cast....

Where's my fishing license?

 

On 3/6/2018 at 7:59 AM, scaleface said:

You are on the water  ready to fish either from boat or bank . Before you make your first cast what all are you taking into consideration ?

Spool tension, casting brakes and drag set?  Leader and knots OK? Fish grippers/Boga, net, and pliers/hemos ready (lots of pike where I fish)?  Camera and scale handy?  Remind myself I'm out to have fun, and then make that first cast.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

The fact that I'm fishing and not at work! Thank God!

Am I wearing pants?