Mapping your Approach

Tactical Bassin is pleased to welcome another video from Southern California’s own, Adam Hinkle. As many of you know Adam catches big fish from the boat (as seen in his recent jig video) but he’s also a force to be reckoned with walking the banks of San Diego’s famed fisheries. He was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule and lend some incredibly detailed insights that are going to help you catch more fish.
For the locals, he’s offering you specific locations. For the rest of us he’s offering tips on understanding your topographical maps and how to turn that information into fish. Get a note pad, you’re not going to want to forget any of this.

I hope you all realize how powerful this information is. Adam knows what he’s talking about, I’ve seen the numbers. These are the kinds of details that seperate “average” fisherman from the “untouchables” of the sport. This game we call bass fishing doesn’t involve magic. It requires attention to detail, and most importantly it requires time both ON and OFF the water. No matter where you fish you can apply what Adam just taught you and its going to have a significant impact on your fishing.
Adam, thank you for taking the time to share these insights. We look forward to hearing more in the future.

Paul Elias Discusses the 2011 Bassmaster Classic

Very few anglers have dedicated as much time to the sport of bass fishing as Paul Elias. Paul has left a mark on nearly every bass angler who has picked up a rod since the 1980′s. The next time you pick up a deep diving crankbait take a moment and consider where it came from. That entire genre of lure was born from Paul’s Classic win in 1982. In recent years Paul set the all-time heavyweight record in a BASS event proving that after 30 years in competition, he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Is there anything else Paul could do to gain our respect? How about I let you in on a little secret; he’s a trophy bass angler too. Paul is one of the most well-rounded and universally-respected anglers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.
During a recent discussion with Paul he agreed to share some insights on the upcoming Bassmaster Classic on the Louisiana delta. Its a unique look into the mindset of a champion. Have you ever wondered what it would take to compete at the national level? This clip will shed some light on the preparation that is required to remain competitive.

Now that you’ve seen the video I’d like to lend a few more insights into what Paul is saying. If you watch it once you will hear some great information but I encourage you to go back and view it again. Its staggering just how much information is packed into this clip.
When the average angler prepares for a tournament they come up with the best game plan they can, hopefully with some sort of back up plan, and then wait for the day of the event to see how they rank. Paul is talking about scenarios that you and I would likely never consider. I hear him saying “Yes, I’ve got a plan… but what if my boat breaks down, what if its foggy, what if the fish move, what if, what if, what if.”
For the average guy any one of those scenarios would derail the plan if not completely wipe the angler out mentally. Paul is thinking so far ahead that months before the tournament even arrives he knows what to do if the weather shifts. I’m confident that if something goes wrong on the final day of competition and everything is on the line Paul won’t panic. The reason for this is simple: Preparation. He has already prepared himself for each of those scenarios so that nothing can derail his mind from his ultimate goal. His own words sum it up best, “I’m going to think WIN the whole time. You’ve got to do that if you’re ever going to be a winner.”
What more can be said? Watch the video as many times as you need to until you realize that these elite anglers are not just getting lucky. Things go wrong for them just like they do for us but through constant preparation and planning they are able to regroup and move forward more quickly than everyone else.
Paul, thank you for taking the time to share these insights with the Tactical Bassin community. I look forward to sharing more of your insights in the coming weeks and months. I wish you the best at the Classic and will be following the results closely.

Swimbaits Part 4: Fish Care

The way the breeze felt coming across the water, the angle of the sun in the morning light, and the way that giant bass looked when she jumped next to the boat will be remembered long after your first trophy fish has been released. There is something special about catching a big bass that instantly memorialises the moment in one’s memory.
Years later you’ll look back and remember the experience like it was playing out for the very first time. When replaying those moments that last thing you want to consider is whether or not that fish survived the experience. By treating your catch with respect and care you can virtually insure that she was returned to the water safely.
There is nothing greater than watching the fish of a lifetime swim casually back to deep water and few experiences darker than watching the same fish lose it’s life before it could be set free. If you fish for trophy bass long enough the day will come when one of your catches doesn’t survive the ordeal. Speaking from my own experience, it is a sad day.
Follow these quick tips to ensure that your next bass is able to swim away in the same condition that you first found her in.

Let’s hear your thoughts. Is there something I missed? Now is your chance to chime in and share your own experiences.

Swimbaits part 2: When to Fish

While you may be the exception to the rule, most anglers don’t get a single bite on their first outing with big baits. After surviving a day of drudgery (let’s face it, those first days are tough) a plethora of new questions have probably arisen. Most of those question revolve around doubt and fear that you’re doing it wrong.
Chief among the questions of doubt is whether you’re even fishing when the bass are biting. Let’s get this one out of the way as quickly as possible. First off, there is never a wrong time to throw a swimbait. That said, there are certain times when the odds of you being successful are much higher than other times.

My suggestion to you is to pay attention to the little details as you continue on your journey. Each fish you catch can be a memory soon forgotten or provide you with tidbits and clues that will lead to future success. The difference is simply whether or not you choose to pay attention.
I recommend you begin logging your significant catches. Don’t spend hours journaling but jotting a few lines about a successful (or brutally tough) day can provide insights down the road. You will begin to see patterns develop and soon you will see when the best times to fish your local fisheries really are.