Set-up on Harlan

Finally got the boat back and nice to be on the water.  Spent a couple of hours fishing with my daughter on Harlan County Reservoir.  First time this year, and things are beginning to get started.  Two bass in two hours, a 3 and this 4 1/2. 

Caught both on a custom football jig from McKinney custom tackle (blue pumpkin).  Water temps hovering near 50 with a slight stain to the water.  Harlan is going to be good this year.  Water levels are down, but that is good (historically) for catch rates.

As for the gear, I am throwing two main setups this year. Okuma C3-40x Concept rods paired with either Okuma Serrano or Shimano Curado casting reels and Cabela's new Tournament ZX rods paired with Cabela's ZX or Okuma Krios casting reels.  This particular rod/reel is an Okuma C3-40x heavy Jig rod paired with a Curado and spooled with Seaguar 15lb InvizX flourocarbon.  This is the ideal jig setup as everything is in sync.  Smooth, light, sensitive and a breeze to set the hook and land quality fish.  I also threw a bladed jig on a Tournament ZX paired with a Krios.  That, my friends, is a pairing where 2 manufacturers couldn't have matched any better.  More on that later as I plan a full review after the upcoming Bassmaster Central #2 on the Red River.

Final thoughts, when gearing up with new rods and reels buy as much as you afford.  Not quantity, but quality.  It doesn't matter what brand you prefer, we all have our own preferences.  However, with every brand, you do get what you pay for.  Higher cost items usually have better materials and last much longer.  Having said that, many manufacturers make very good mid range gear.  Just keep in mind, you will need to maintain this gear more often.  I give all my reels a thorough cleaning once a year (complete diss-assembly) and partial cleaning monthly.  If they get especially dirty, like fishing through heavy rainstorms, I'll completely clean them mid-season.  A little TLC goes a long way.

So til next time, God Bless and Good Fishing!

Is it spring yet?

The last month has been particularly difficult.  Not from a performance standpoint nor from expectations.  This is simply from a lifestyle standpoint.  Imagine your life revolves around an activity that provides stability, now imagine that activity being placed just out of reach.  That has been my reality since Amistad.  I dropped my boat off shortly after returning home and I am still without (replacing a gas tank in a boat is not as simple as it sounds).  Yes, this winter has been especially difficult with the extreme cold; however, I have not had the opportunity to escape as my friend (my boat) has been missing.  Fishing (Bass fishing) is my sanity!  My life revolves around the pursuit of a not so little green fish.  This is why I pursue the dream, life as a touring professional. 

Now don't accuse me of wallowing in my sorrows.  I am not, repeat NOT, complaining.  Just providing some insight.  This is a sport that anyone can pursue, anyone can excel, but only a few can obtain.  There are countless anglers across this great country capable of catching big bass.  Many of these anglers can repeat that success on foreign waters and many can win tournaments or guide successfully.  But few have the qualities necessary to succeed at the professional level.

How do you know you possess the right traits?  What does it take?  I have found it takes 3 things.  Not 10, not 1, but THREE!

1)  SKILLSET:  This is more than just the ability to cast, select the right lure or the ability to read water.  This is the complete package.  Yes, you need the raw skills and these anyone can learn.  We live in the information age and anyone can read, listen, research and develop (through experience) the ability to successfully find and catch fish.  You need the "attitude".  You live it, you breathe it, you obsess over it.  You're willing to work extreme hours, endure physical and mental pain, desire to go out in the worst weather (notice I said desire, not willing) and operate on a shoe string budget.  You must be resilient, especially after a bad day, and know (not just believe) that you will get there. 

2)  SUPPORT:  NOT Financial, but rather emotional.  This is the kind of support you get from family, friends and colleagues.  Anglers seeking the highest level will experience the highest of highs and lowest of lows.  The highs are great and they are what sustain us through the difficult times.  However, the lows and how we handle them are what separates the great anglers from the good ones.  If you are a negative person or lack the kind of support network that can carry you, the lows may destroy any chance you have of succeeding.  Gerald Swindle said it best when he stated that "before you can learn how to win, you have to learn how to lose".  He elaborated by saying that you aren't judged by how you act when you win, but rather how you act when you lose.  No one wants to experience the lows, but having a strong support network can make or break you.  For me, I am blessed to have strong support from family (especially my wife), friends, colleagues and God. 

3)  OPPORTUNITY:  This is the most difficult of the three to find.  It is rarely in your control and and even more rarely presents itself.  Opportunity is most often the part where most anglers fail.  You can be good, even great but either pass on the chance, miss it or most importantly, not be prepared for it.  You must have 1 and 2 before you get 3.  When it presents itself, you have to seize it.  For some, this may happen more than for others.  If you are blessed to have good connections through work, friends, family or location, you may get more chances.  If not, you may get 1 or 2 chances or maybe none.  That is the inherent risk we all take.

So that is my take.  Do I have what it takes?  Yes!  Will I get there?  I believe so, otherwise why pursue it?  This is why the last 2 months have been difficult.  Have I fished?  Yes, from the bank.  Have I enjoyed it?  Absolutely!  Any fishing is enjoyable, though I prefer to get out in the boat (especially early when the shallow bite is dicey).  I have organized and re-organized my gear countless times, watched everything I can find on TV, DVD, the internet and so on.  So if your like me, get out and re-establish some sanity.
 
Thank goodness, I pick up my boat in a couple of days.