|
What Do I Need for Success
by Bud Fields
I spend a lot of time in booths during boat shows and fishing
seminars. I also conduct a number of fishing seminars at schools, churches
and youth correction centers. I also write a lot of articles for different
hunting and fishing websites.
I get to meet a lot of new people and I also get asked many questions
pertaining to boating and bass fishing. It is always an honor
to be asked
and most of the questions are very simple to answer, some of
them require a lot of thought.
One of the most frequently asked questions I get asked is "What
do I need to be a successful fisherman?" After a lot of thought
process, I can offer what I personally consider mandatory for
success, whether you are just "fishing for fun" or
competing in four bass tournaments each week like I do. You don't
necessarily need a 20 foot bass boat with a 225 hp outboard,
nor is it a necessity to have 20 tackle boxes filled to capacity
with all the latest crankbaits, spinner baits and plastic worms.
Sure, I would be the first to admit that having all these "tools"
definitely helps but...to me, they are NOT the most important
items you need for success. One of the most important things
an angler needs is Patience. While every angler wants to catch
fish every time they go fishing, it just doesn't happen that
way. Sure, it appears like the guys on television catch fish
practically every cast, but it often takes days and sometimes
weeks to film a 30 minute show. There are usually certain times
of the day that produce more fish than other times will. You
must be patient and enjoy other facets of the outing.
Another important necessity is Confidence. You need to have confidence
in the area you are fishing. It must contain fish for you to
catch fish. You will also need confidence in your ability to
select a lure the fish will strike and also the confidence that
your ability to use the chosen lure correctly. You more you fish,
the more confidence you will build in yourself. Most successful
anglers I know have Dedication. These are the individuals that
will often get up at 1:00Am hook up their bas boat and make a
4 hour drive to a lake and hope to catch fish. I have done this
many times and it has often been during rain and sometimes even
snow. When you shut the alarm clock off at 1:00AM and put your
foot on a cold floor and think.."What am I doing this for?"..that
is showing what I describe as Dedication. Like I say, you can
own that big 20 foot bass boat and have all that equipment to
go with it, but if you do not have the Confidence, Patience and
Dedication, you are defeated before you ever get to the boat
ramp. If you don't have confidence in your ability to locate
fish and the confidence to catch them, nor the patience to work
the chosen location correctly, nor the dedication to pre-fish
and be a reliable partner, you will NEVER be successful.
Also, I try to stress to anglers of all ages, NEVER evaluate
your fishing trip as successful only if you catch fish. I have
been fishing for over 50 years and I can honestly tell you I
DO NOT CATCH FISH EVERY TIME I go fishing. BUT..I try to learn
something about the lake I am fishing and I also try to learn
something about the fish I am trying to catch. I also enjoy the
day on the water and the partner I am fishing with. I also enjoy
seeing other forms of wildlife such as deer, birds, squirrel,
etc. Remember, life is short and you are only on this Earth one
time, so enjoy the time you spend with family and friends. I
also like to say "That's why they call it FISHING...not
CATCHING."
Good Luck and Good Fishing,
Bud Fields, Contributing Fishing Editor |
