As athletes, and no matter what sport you play, the day comes when you must ask yourself, “Am I having fun?” For me at the age of 35, softball was a sport I truly enjoyed, and I was fortunate enough to play on two National Championship teams while making friends for life.
But after winning the last championship, I knew my time was up as I walked out the gate of the USSSA Men’s Softball World Series in Shreveport, Louisiana. I knew this because it was no longer fun. Additionally, my kids were now playing sports as well and it became my time to give back and start coaching.
Tournament fishing is very similar in the fact that there comes a day when you are no longer having fun. Once it becomes a grind and more like work, that’s your cue to do something else.
Being competitive on any tournament trail requires commitment and time on the water, otherwise you’re just donating to the rest of the field. In today’s tournament world, the competition is so good it’s ridiculous.
Twenty years ago, out of 100 anglers in a tournament, maybe 15 were a legitimate threat to win. Today, out of 100 anglers there are probably 40 guys who are capable of winning. The competition level has totally changed with young anglers on the rise and having access to so much information while taking advantage of their ability to use their electronics so much better than the older guys.
Then there’s the mental side of bass fishing that can really take a toll on an angler’s ability to compete. Just like any other sport, you have to believe in yourself as much as you believe in the bait you’re throwing in order to catch bass.
There’s so much thought and preparation that goes into a tournament that it can be exhausting. The research it takes to get ready for an event can be overwhelming, especially if it’s a new body of water you’ve never been to.
That’s why for an angler, it’s important to make sure you enjoy what you’re doing. Never take an event for granted no matter how many times you’ve been to a specific body of water. Have fun and enjoy your practice days because the only way to stay focused is if you’re enjoying the process.
When fishing becomes too much like a job, it’s time to get out and do other things with your time like playing golf or going camping. Do something that you enjoy! Do something that you look forward to and not something you dread.
For me, tournament fishing is still fun, and I enjoy the competition probably more today because at the age of 64, it’s pretty satisfying knowing that your beating guys half your age! But most importantly, I enjoy my time with the guys I travel with as we share our times and experiences on the water over a good meal.
Till next time, good luck, good fishing and happy times! Make sure to stop me and say hello the next time you see me at a boat ramp or on the lake.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
