This Week @ Bass Edge

Should I Stay or Should I Go

Fishing provides unlimited opportunities for showcasing decision making skills.  Beginning with pre-trip planning of map study, lodging accommodations and navigation of your travel route, to choosing a starting point on the water and selecting effective baits are all factored into the mix.

Even with well thought out plans, feelings of uneasiness and apprehension about future occurrences can overcome anglers.  When the fish are not responding favorably, anxiety suddenly creeps in and doubt begins eroding confidence leaving nothing sacred.  Areas that were previously holding active fish, have suddenly turned dormant.  Lures formerly yielding hefty limits are now out of vogue.

These dilemmas haunt most whom venture out in search of the most popular fresh-water fish but their effects can be minimized by adopting some basic applications. Dr. Jay McNamara, L.P., author of “The Psychology of Exceptional Fishing” and B.A.S.S. Elite Pro, Pete Ponds make a living from tackling these very issues.


Interpret What You Have
“One of the most common mistakes made by beginning anglers is an unrealistic assessment of the potential of a particular spot,” states Dr. McNamara.  “Don’t overestimate what you have.”   He notes that too often, anglers choose to stay in one area attempting to force the fish into biting.  Areas that offered plentiful catches historically can be adversely affected by a multitude of conditions.

Often by leaving an unproductive area to investigate new territory, anglers achieve maximum efficiency.  He suggests in doing so, it allows both the fish and the angler a mental break.  In addition, by moving to a new water the anglers anticipation is often increased helping improve focus and confidence.

 “Many times professional basketball players will step off of the line after missing their first free-throw in order to clear their mind,” said Dr. McNamara.  “Fishing is no different.  By allowing fear and anxiety to control our thinking we begin making poor presentations or rushing to make the next cast producing only missed opportunities.”

For Pete Ponds, timing is critical as success on the tournament trail demands keen decision-making.  “If suddenly a spot is not producing I will quickly evaluate the situation” said Ponds.  Paying close attention to factors such as weather shifts, time of day and fishing pressure, he will compare current conditions with his results in practice. “If I am getting the majority of my bites from a spot in the morning, I will normally leave once the bite slows as the day progresses.” states Ponds.

Recently at the Pride of Georgia Tournament on Clarks Hill, he was faced with a similar situation.  He had found two areas holding large concentrations of fish in practice.  On day 4, the final day of the tournament his primary spot quit producing bites.  “With the tournament on the line, I had to determine how long to spend there,” Pete said.  Catching two nice limits in previous tournament days off of that spot told him his time might be better spent on his secondary spot that had not received as much pressure and it paid off.

Understand Yourself
By nature we are creatures of habit and anglers often rely on past experiences to dictate upcoming actions.  Although historical results serve as a foundation, they certainly do not guarantee future results. 

“Anglers can benefit by having a clear understanding of actions they normally take,” said Dr. McNamara.  When fish are extremely active and receptive to current presentations, change perhaps is not warranted.  But as the bite erodes and conditions deteriorate, he recommends breaking away from the usual in order to achieve different results.

“For instance, if an angler’s normal reaction to non-responsive fish is to use a crankbait, then try using a jig. Or if an hour is the usual time allotted to each spot try reducing the time to 15 minutes, forcing you to identify the high-percentage areas as well as cover more water,” explained Dr. McNamara.  Regardless of what the usual is, he encourages anglers to make a conscious effort to try the opposite.

During the Clarks Hill Tournament, Pete did exactly that.  “Having pulled numerous keepers from my primary areas I began wondering how long they would hold up but I knew the areas were loaded with fish,” stated Ponds.  Instead of trying to force the fish into biting the same lure that had produced 20 lbs. on day one, he constantly changed lures to continue catching quality fish.


Becoming a better bass fisherman requires sound decision-making.  By interpreting what you have as well as remaining aware of actions taken out of habit you no doubt be well on your way!