Have you ever seen the movie Dr. Doolittle starring Eddie Murphy? In this movie Eddie plays the role of a doctor who discovers he can communicate with animals. Now we’ve all had a conversation with our own pets, but the difference is they can’t talk back. But deep in our hearts we know, or at least we think, they truly understand what we’re saying. I’ve often wondered what a bass would say to an angler if they could talk. As an experienced angler who has engaged in several conversations with bass, I’ll give you an idea as to what they really think.
Bass are like people; they all have different personalities. Some are quiet and shy, some are aggressive, and some like to be a part of a gang or school (as we call them). The bigger fish called trophies, six pounds or larger, like to isolate themselves and tend to be loners. That’s why you’ll catch larger fish out of brush tops or isolated clumps of hydrilla and stumps.
As an angler growing up, I’ve always heard other anglers say that if you’ll listen, bass will tell you what they want. What anglers are referring to is how to catch them. The first fish you catch can be a clue on what, how and where you need to be fishing that day. For example, if you catch a bass off the very end of a boat dock in 10 feet of water, near a creek channel, you might want to find other boat docks with the same characteristics. This is what we would call a pattern.
So far over my many years of fishing and listening, not a single bass has verbally conveyed anything to me that would help me solve the fishing puzzle….or have they? The key is you have to listen and pay attention. Now it may require some interpretation, but if you’re focused and observant, it will all come together.
One professional angler who is known for his ability to talk to the fish is the legendary pro Rick Clunn. Considered by many as the greatest angler of all time, Rick has won 4 Bassmaster Classics (the Super Bowl of bass fishing). Now Rick is a unique kind of bird as he tends to do things a little different. He’s a guy who likes to stay away from other anglers at an event by camping out and getting as close to nature as he can. In his words, he wants to become one with nature.
Not all anglers take this approach, but it has served Rick Clunn well as he has amassed over $2.6 million in winnings. That means after 496 tournaments fished, he has earned over $5000 per event! Rick has even written articles about what he calls “zenning” which is a form of meditation and mental state of mind. It’s his way of getting what athletes call “in the zone.”
Whether you take Rick’s meditation approach or come up with one of your own, it is important for a tournament angler to be focused. Bass fishing is as much a mental game as it is physical. A lot of anglers are good at many different techniques and can catch fish. But the anglers who are strong mentally are usually the ones who are the most successful.
Till next time, good luck, good fishing and always remember, that if you’re not sure it’s a bite, set the hook anyway. Because it just might be the fish of a lifetime!
Steve Graf Anglers Perspective
