Staying Positive

[Celticav]

Fished my first club tournement saturday, finished fourth place. Although I have never been much of a tourney fisherman unless the prize was $$kicking$$, but I have to say I really enjoyed the experience. We had motor problems coming out of the first hole and only ended up hitting 3 of the 18 places me and my co-angler had aquired gps co-ordinitates to. We had quite a few members who had no fish to wiegh in so I feel fortunate to have done as well as I did. Although no one was throwing any hissy fits about it, I could tell the ones who zipped were disappionted. I know I would have been. I also know many of you guys fish tourneys alot and was wondering what you did to maintain that positive attitude when the going gets rough and you feel like just going home?

I probably should have posted this in The Docks, but I feel like this is a valid tip. Mental discipline is a must have for this type of fishing and maintaining a positive attitude is crucial.

[PaBasser]

First off, congrates on fourth place, even with motor problems. I fish alot of tournys and like you said you must keep that positive attitude. The last cast you make in any tourny could be the winner. It is a known fact that fishing with a positive attitude you fish totally different than if you are mad and not confident. You need to pay attention of what is going on around you, and make adjustments to them. Experence is a big key also. Watch what others are using to catch fish, and where they are catching them. You don`t need to follow people around , just notice what types of structure or open water, weed beds, drop offs, or what they are doing.

When in a club, I found that not all, but alot of the guys will help you out.

It is a learning experence if you let it be. If you own a boat learn from the person fishing with, or against you in your boat. I would suggest going as a rider a few times first , until you learn how tournys work.

Tournys are not for every one, But if you are willing too learn, pay attention, and belong to a good club that will teach and show you the hows and whys. Then you will be hooked for life.

I fished a tourny last year and my motor broke down right after we took off. Had to use trolling motor the rest of the day. I was bummed out at first, then started fishing everything that looked good to us. I came in second and the person in the boat with me came in third with lunker.

So don`t ever give up!

[The Drop Shot Store]

99% of it is your own attitude towards your fishing. I assume that if I'm finding the fishing tough, then so is everyone else. If I blank and another boat wins with 15 lbs., then I didnt fish the right spots or use the correct presentation. So I try and turn it into a learning experience and figure out either what I did wrong or what they did right. Doing this gives me great peace during a tournament. I do my best, try to make the correct adjustments for the conditions presented that day, and catch fish. I always come back to the fact that most often it is the same guys finishing up front, which means it isnt luck, which means all I have to do is my homework and I will end up there with them. Since adopting that attitude I have yet to finish lower than twelfth in a tourney. And I have a ton more fun in the process.

I know everyone harps on confidence, but it's true. Have faith that you will catch fish, and the patience to wait for them to come to you, but most of all, enjoy the day in the sun. It's hard to beat a day on the water, even one with no fish. Take care.