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