Some thoughts on Bass Fishing

[Catt]

I understand that bass fishing is not an exact science

I establish what I believe to be truths & the bass prove its all lies

About the time I think I have the bass figured out the bass prove I don't

All this talk about color, rods, reels, boats, moon phases, can a bass see my line ect is just interesting information

So I simply go fishing any time I can, using the techniques I have confidence in, & I let the chips fall where they may.

[Gotta Love It]

Amen to that!  

[alhuff]

I second that AMEN!!!!!

Alfred

[Cajun1977]

exactly  ive got a couple guys im gettin into bassin  and they are always asking me if this and that will work,and i just tell em  ahything will work anytime  and can possibly catch anything   theres no rules in bass fishing.   just theories, which are always proven to be untrue

[ValleyBoy]

Just when you feel as though you have the game figured out, they change the rules on you don't they?   Conversely. just when it seems as though you outta sell your gear and start accordian lessons...you catch your limit.  ;D  Bass.......the crack of the outdoors!  

[Alpster]

I understand that bass fishing is not an exact science

I establish what I believe to be truths & the bass prove its all lies

About the time I think I have the bass figured out the bass prove I don't

All this talk about color, rods, reels, boats, moon phases, can a bass see my line ect is just interesting information

So I simply go fishing any time I can, using the techniques I have confidence in, & I let the chips fall where they may.

That's about the size of it.  

Ronnie

[-badhabit-]

I'm just a Florida Cracker that's been set my own ways pretty well for a long time.

All of this dropshot that, finesse this, & swimbait culture crap may work fine for some people. But just give me a bag of worms with a few hooks and I'll bring back big fish.

Like my bumper sticker says = "We don't care how you do it up north!"

;D

[Needemp]

I have to take the other side on this one. I do agree what you are saying if you just fish for fun. I disagree if you truly want to be the best. Can't tell me that Rick Clunn, KVD, Bill Dance, etc. are just really lucky. There is a lot more to it than just being interesting.

[jdw174]

I gotta agree with the original poster.  Although I have a couple of small boxes in the boat with the proper gear for dropshotting and shakeyheadin', I've had limited success with the first and none with the second.  My time on water is limited so I don't really want to experiment.....I just wanna catch FISH 8-)  Soooo, I normally tie on what works for me and just leave it at that.  I might change colors, but that's about it.

[Catt]

Ok here we go Rick Clunn, KVD, Bill Dance, etc. are not gods they have bad days just like the rest of us. They go fishing any time they can, using the techniques they have confidence in, fish area they believe hold fish & they let the chips fall where they may.

It's like when a customer comes in to Academy asking to see a Fish Finder, I tell them they are on aisle 3, they say no the are not they are behind me on the self. I then say no sir that's depth finders; a fish finder is what you tie to the end of your line.

You can't turn one of those on and it'll go find a fish; but that worm, spinner bait, or jig can  

[Guest avid]

I want to compliment Catt for posting a thread with "thoughts" in it.

Seriously  

[captbob]

You guys that are having so much fun fishing the simple "chips" way are spoiling all the fun Tackle Advertisers are having trying to catch Fishermen.

CB-FL Keys & N.Y.

[Needemp]

Ok here we go Rick Clunn, KVD, Bill Dance, etc. are not gods they have bad days just like the rest of us. They go fishing any time they can, using the techniques they have confidence in, fish area they believe hold fish & they let the chips fall where they may.

It's like when a customer comes in to Academy asking to see a Fish Finder, I tell them they are on aisle 3, they say no the are not they are behind me on the self. I then say no sir that's depth finders; a fish finder is what you tie to the end of your line.

You can't turn one of those on and it'll go find a fish; but that worm, spinner bait, or jig can

To say they have bad days is very misleading. Of course they have bad days. The difference is that all their bad days in a year don't equal as many bad days as we have in a year. And they fish a lot more than us. Your statement implies that these guys have more luck than skill. Statements like "All this talk about color, rods, reels, boats, moon phases, can a bass see my line ect is JUST interesting information". Implying that it has no bearing on success. And your quote "You can't turn one of those on and it'll go find a fish..." Brother, take a look at some of these 'gods' and listen to them tell you how vital their electronics are at helping them find FISH at times. It takes a level of intelligence that is above most people. Just because we don't have the ability to analyse at their level doesn't mean we have to try to bring them down to our level. I can't say that Albert Pujols is just getting out there and swinging for the fences and "letting the chips fall where they may!" That guy works hard, has more intelligence than most, and knows what it takes. So it is with Clunn, KVD, Dance, etc. We just disagree and there is nothing wrong with that. Have a good day Catt

[-badhabit-]

The majority of the "stars" you mentioned are what I would call "schooler" fishermen which is way different from big bass fishermen. They depend on catching mass numbers of fish first and size second (or a bonus).

Most of the people I grew up respecting were local FL fishermen who's name you prob never heard. But most of them prob caught and thew back more double digit fish in 1 year than most of those named will catch in their lifetimes.

A tournament fisherman and a big bass fisherman is a different breed. Although a few have crossed that line.

I would rather catch 1 double digit fish than 20 - 5 lb'ers. Of course you would have to adjust the weights to your location. There are some very good big bass fishermen up north where in some places a 7 lb'er = a 12 lb'er here in FL. I respect & salute those big bass fishermen for their abilities in fishing wherever they may be and for being one of the odds beaters.

[Catt]

KVD's life time stats on the Bass Master tournament trail

Total Entries: 190

Total Weight: 6,453 lbs 11 ozs

190 events times three days per event equals 570 days; divide total weight of 6454 lbs by 570 days equals 11.32 lbs per day. 11.32 lbs per day divided by 5 fish limit equals a 2.264 lb average.

Catt's stats for 2007

Total days on the water: 17

Big Bass caught 9 lbs 11 oz, 9 lbs 14 oz, 10.061 lbs, 10.37 lbs, 11 lbs 3 oz, & 12 lbs 8 oz

Catt's Stats for 2006

Total Bass Caught: 1056

Total days on the water: 66

Average daily catch: 16

Yea I simply go fishing any time I can, using the techniques I have confidence in, & I let the chips fall where they may.

[The Largemouth Herald]

I've been fishing club tournaments and local tournaments for over 20 years in Florida. I like to try new things, but what I found to be the most important thing in catching bass is the time you spend on the water. If I fish the same lake every weekend, I will likely do well on that lake if I fish a tournament. Again, the more time you spend on a lake, the more successful you will be. That goes not only fishing there often on weekends, but fishing it regularly through the seasons from year to year. So my experience is that the more time you spend on a particular body of water, the better you will do!  

[-badhabit-]

KVD's life time stats on the Bass Master tournament trail

Total Entries: 190

Total Weight: 6,453 lbs 11 ozs

190 events times three days per event equals 570 days; divide total weight of 6454 lbs by 570 days equals 11.32 lbs per day. 11.32 lbs per day divided by 5 fish limit equals a 2.264 lb average.

Catt's stats for 2007

Total days on the water: 17

Big Bass caught 9 lbs 11 oz, 9 lbs 14 oz, 10.061 lbs, 10.37 lbs, 11 lbs 3 oz, & 12 lbs 8 oz

Catt's Stats for 2006

Total Bass Caught: 1056

Total days on the water: 66

Average daily catch: 16

Yea I simply go fishing any time I can, using the techniques I have confidence in, & I let the chips fall where they may.

Salute to you for a Great year! (so far and more to go)

I've caught 17 over 8 lbs in April and May (so far) this year myself. The number keeps going up but may end there because I play another pro sport and have an event next weekend I have to get ready for

I use the KISS method and do the best I can with what I have. I'm not a great fisherman but I do put my heart in it.

(KISS - keep it simple stupid)

[Needemp]

KVD's life time stats on the Bass Master tournament trail

Total Entries: 190

Total Weight: 6,453 lbs 11 ozs

190 events times three days per event equals 570 days; divide total weight of 6454 lbs by 570 days equals 11.32 lbs per day. 11.32 lbs per day divided by 5 fish limit equals a 2.264 lb average.

Catt's stats for 2007

Total days on the water: 17

Big Bass caught 9 lbs 11 oz, 9 lbs 14 oz, 10.061 lbs, 10.37 lbs, 11 lbs 3 oz, & 12 lbs 8 oz

Catt's Stats for 2006

Total Bass Caught: 1056

Total days on the water: 66

Average daily catch: 16

Yea I simply go fishing any time I can, using the techniques I have confidence in, & I let the chips fall where they may.

Catt, I respect you are a good fisherman. But i have to say that I am disappointed you would leave so many facts out of your argument when you are trying to prove your point(unless you are not trying to prove a point). First off, all you have is KVDs 5 keepers per tournament day. That does not count all that he has culled. It does not count the practice time put on the water. It does not count the non-keepers(which I suspect you figured in your totals). KVD's career stats do not compare well with your 2006 stats. I also noticed that you did not state any of the big bass KVD has caught, but you listed yours from this year. I fail to see the argument you are making.  

Also, and most people might not agree, I do not think that big bass hunters are as skilled as a tourney fisherman. It's just my opinion, but I respect the guys on tour more than any other fisherman. That does not mean that big bass hunters are not skilled. It's just a different type of fishing. I compare it to baseball. Anybody can say their buddy in the minor leagues is a better baseball player than someone that is in the major leagues, but if it were true, then they would be in the majors. The same as fisherman. A lot of fisherman are supposedly "better than those so-called pros". But if that were true, then they would be there. There are a lot of fisherman that can fish a lake or two, or even three or four in their own region very very very well. But take them and put them on a lake in a different part of the country that they have never fished and say, "you got less than a week to figure it out, go due as well in three or four days like the best of the best can". I bet it wouldn't happen. There are good "LAKE" fisherman, those that figure a couple of lakes out and that's it, and there are good "BASS" fisherman, those that can catch bass anywhere anytime. Just my opinion

PS This is my last possible post till Monday night CATT, so I won't be able to post. Have a good Memorial day weekend.

[Stringjam]

Interesting............

Colors, boats, moon phases, line diameters, and lure mojo are just another facet of the sport that (for some) add another level of enjoyment (the tinkerers, if you will) - and (for others) detract from it.

Both groups dig their approach, I'm sure.   I dig mine.    

National tournament fishermen, local tournament fishermen, weekend anglers, big bass hunters, guys who like Moon Pies and RC Cola, etc.etc.  

I do, however, don't see any need for one group to condecend the other.......there's more than one way to enjoy the pursuit.  

FWIW.....I'm sure KVD, Denny Brauer, etc would have substantially different "statistics" if they were fishing the home waters they knew like the back of their hands, as opposed to a spread of lakes they may or may not have much familiarity with.......but I digress.  

Interesting post, Catt ....  I dig "thought" posts.  

 

[-badhabit-]

Needemp - Most of that arguement doesn't hold much water.

1) Most people do not desire or could spend 200+ days a year fishing the tournament trail.

2) Most people probably make more money working than the average person on the trail.

3) 99% of the tournament trail fishermen either hire a guide (or local) to show them around a new lake, spend time with locals finding out what's working & where, or they have spent time on the lake before. Very few have gone to lakes without some type of info. WE now live in the internet age where info on any subject or place is just a click away.

Fishing for big fish is an art all to itself and takes a lot more time on any lake to master. But I have faith in myself and believe I have the experience to fish any body of water in FL (and have fished hundreds of lakes, ponds, and rivers) very effectively. The only tournament I ever entered I won (only 40 boats though).

I have all of the respect in the world for the ones who have made it to the big shows on the tournament trail and had the drive to do so. But like I said before it is a "different breed" of fishermen and saying one is better than the other is not possible. Guides are pros that have to produce a lot of fish to even establish a name and have to keep doing so to keep it.

There is no apples & oranges to this because the goals are not the same. The only thing the two have in common is the prey they seek & the water.

20 years ago before bass fishing became the "cool" thing to do the fishermen on the trail were way better rounded in my opinion. When I watch now it's like a bunch of "Inspector Gadgets" running around the lakes....lol

But this is just the .02 of a hick that loves to fish and as long as you are enjoying what you do it's all good

[Needemp]

Needemp - Most of that argument doesn't hold much water.

1) Most people do not desire or could spend 200+ days a year fishing the tournament trail.

2) Most people probably make more money working than the average person on the trail.

3) 99% of the tournament trail fishermen either hire a guide (or local) to show them around a new lake, spend time with locals finding out what's working & where, or they have spent time on the lake before. Very few have gone to lakes without some type of info. WE now live in the Internet age where info on any subject or place is just a click away...

If you don't think my argument holds water, then lets look at your reasons why you think that. 1) You don't have to desire to be on the water 200+ days. If you are that good at figuring out bass on any lake, you will know it and more than likely give a shot at Federation or something like that. In this sport, if you are that good, you can advance based on success. You just work your way up the ladder based on performance. 2) I never implied anything about money. You can't put those words in my mouth. To me it's about the glory. It's about being the best. 3) I guess believing that locals and guides are what the pros rely on brings them closer to our level in our minds. That's BS!  They have an uncanny ability to put the pieces of the puzzle together. It's their gut that they use for success. On-the-water adjustments. An educated-instinct. Are they successful all the time, no. But they are successful more times than those competing against them. I do agree they get info from the Internet, but they can't rely on it for their success.

[Catt]

Actually I did leave out some stats

KVD stat are for 18 yrs

Catt's stats are for only 17 months

Another point you're missing is I have fished against many of these Pros, in 1974 I belonged two bass clubs whose members included John Torian, John Hall, John Dean, Villis P "Bo" Dowden SR, Harold Allen, Lonnie Stanley, Larry Nixon, Tommy Martin, & Zell Roland.

Since then I've fished in & won tournament against the likes of George Jeane Sr & George Jeane Jr of Evans, LA; David Truax of Beaumont, TX; Mike Metcalf of Center, TX; Mike Bono Sr and Mike Bono Jr of Lake Charles, La; Dickey Newberry Houston, TX; John Gunnels from Kingwood, Tx

Yea I only fish Toledo Bend but I know far a fact the Bass Master & FLW fish the same lake over & over. The pros don't just go into a new lake cold, example in 2001 the first year KVD ever seen Toledo Bend he was on the lake for over a month prior to the tournament start. Give me a month pre-fishing a lake and I can compete with any body.

Why aint I fishing Pro will I'll use your comparison to baseball, you can't get drafted in Pro Bass Fishing. Back in 1974 nobody had sponsors like the millions of dollars available to today's pros.

The point to this whole post is simply go fishing any time you can, using the techniques you have confidence in, & let the chips fall where they may.

That's it in a nut shell

[cart7t]

I always thought the ultimate challenge for any bassfishermen(woman) was the original Bassmasters Classic format.

Stick the top tourney pro's on a plane with a unknown destination, announce the destination in the middle of the flight and then hand out lake maps, allow 1 day to practice and familiarize themselves with the lake and then shoot the flare gun off and let'em have at it.

Obviously you can't do this anymore but those guys did remarkedly well during those first few classics run like that.

If you spend enough time on the water you're going to get in-tuned to what bass are doing.

If you spend enough time on any single body of water you'll do the same.

If you prepare yourself for fishing a new or nearly to (to you) body of water by studying maps, talking to locals or baitshop owners, checking the internet,  you've cut the odds of you having a bad day on the water.

Take the time to read Bassmasters "A day on the Water" series with the pro's.  These guys are quite adept at putting fish in the boat.  They're very methodical though they do have bad days.

Big Bass fishermen and tournament anglers are about as different as the guys in the home run derby shows and guys playing a regular game of baseball.

If you saw the amount of tape on the cutting room floor of the average fishing TV show, you'd quickly realize those TV show hosts WEREN'T catching a fish on virtually every cast.

Everyday I'm on the water, I start to realize there are more exceptions to just about any rule in bass fishing.  Take nothing for granted and never think you've got it figured out.  The fish will always prove you wrong.

[-badhabit-]

If you don't think my argument holds water, then lets look at your reasons why you think that. 1) You don't have to desire to be on the water 200+ days. If you are that good at figuring out bass on any lake, you will know it and more than likely give a shot at Federation or something like that. In this sport, if you are that good, you can advance based on success. You just work your way up the ladder based on performance. 2) I never implied anything about money. You can't put those words in my mouth. To me it's about the glory. It's about being the best. 3) I guess believing that locals and guides are what the pros rely on brings them closer to our level in our minds. That's BS! They have an uncanny ability to put the pieces of the puzzle together. It's their gut that they use for success. On-the-water adjustments. An educated-instinct. Are they successful all the time, no. But they are successful more times than those competing against them. I do agree they get info from the Internet, but they can't rely on it for their success.

I am a Pro Pool player and have been most of my adult life, so I am pretty well known already..... attention or travel are things I don't crave. (so that shoots that theory)

I am 46, basicaly retired from everything, and God has blessed me well enough that I'm comfortable. (I do own a company but it runs itself and I still play pool events 6 - 10 times a year.)

After fishing only for bass since the 70's and living in the "True" BIG bass capital of the world my all of my life my instincts are pretty accurate most of the time on finding bass. I have no interest in any fish on earth but big FL bass in FL.

I also never said I was a great fisherman anywhere, but I do fairly well some of the time. I just love to fish and I do have the time to do it whenever I please to (No deadlines, clocks to punch, or wife pulling my strings.)

By your theory Boyd Ducket (sp?) is a one hit wonder for winning the classic on his home waters. I believe he is prob as good as anyone else going. (only reason I know his name is his story on the Airrus rods site )

All of my heros have gone on to that big Lake Toho in the sky and I couldn't name 10 pro bass fishermen to save my own life.

I can't dance or sing worth a ..... so I fish. Run Forrest run! = <---- me and fishing.

:

[-badhabit-]

I also agree with what Catt and cart7 said above

But will add that if you take away the internet, electronics, and 70 mph boats that nurse the new breed of tournament anglers along. Then just give them an old depth flasher to use it would seperate the best from the rest.