Performance Based Angling?

[YaknVa]

I have an interesting observation that I would like to share. I am also wondering if anyone else has experienced this or something of the sort. It began last year when I would go out to enjoy a day of fishing with the guys. Of course in natural instincts we are a little competitive and always have a friendly wager on the line, big fish, most fish, most weight ..etc. Loser buys lunch kind of thing. And time after time I always ate free. However, on those days where it was just I enjoying a day on the water I would always end up skunked or with one or two dinks. Granted I would spend some time testing new waters or scouting new areas of usual waters with the depth finder. Even when I would hit the honey holes where maybe 2 weeks prior I had caught a limit out of, yet fishing alone not so much as a bite. This pattern unfortunately has continued into this year as well. I am beginning to believe that I may suffer from something I’m calling Performance Based Angling. Has anyone else had this and will a tablespoon of honey a day take care of this? In all seriousness It is very strange to me as I feel I am fishing the same way and able to find the bite pattern when in a competitive setting, but alone I struggle. That being said, who wants to go fishing sometime?

[59Bassman]

It's incredibly rare that I will fish with anyone else. I normally enjoy being alone on the water. However, I've noticed that I catch more fish when I'm really concentrated on fishing. If I'm just out enjoying the day, I'm more willing to accept a cast that's a foot off target. When you fish with purpose, you tend to hit your targets, and fish more effectively. Could that be what you're experiencing?

[diamondback]

If you are not already, maybe you should sign up for the challenges .That way you are competing every time you are on the water. I think it will definately up your fishing skills when your competitive side takes over.I know it forces me to go when I should stay home ,makes me think out situations and focus more on the water.

[HookUp]

I'm not a competitive angler. I fish to relieve stress and not find it.

With that said, when I'm in big fish water, I try to maintain my A-game as much as I can & focus on the environment in order to determine where Walter lives and how to get him to bite.

[jfrancho]

I'm super competitive. I don't mind the stress or pressure, in fact I like it. Overcoming that pressure through fishing is so much easier than dealing with everyday pressure and stress.

Set personal goals... catch a fish on a new lure, break 5 lbs., learn to skip with a baitcaster.

Just refine your goals from beating your buds, to something more constructive.

[CB Kayak 02]

If you are not already, maybe you should sign up for the challenges .That way you are competing every time you are on the water. I think it will definately up your fishing skills when your competitive side takes over.I know it forces me to go when I should stay home ,makes me think out situations and focus more on the water.

Agreed, and in essence your competing with yourself at all times to improve on what you've done before, largest fish, etc. I enjoy catching any fish, but larger fish is much more fun!!

[YaknVa]

It's incredibly rare this that I will fish with anyone else. I normally enjoy b
eing alone on the water. However, I've noticed that I catch more fish when I'm really concentrated on fishing. If I'm just out enjoying the day, I'm more willing to accept a cast that's a foot off target. When you fish with purpose, you tend to hit your targets, and fish more effectively. Could that be what you're experiencing?

this could be likely. I've often thought to myself that i seem more confident in my skills when in competition and maybe when i'm alone i defeat myself before i get started. interesting. to answer another comment posted i have signed up for the regional challenges this summer. so maybe this will give me that edge i need when i hit the water again.

[mattbowers01]

Also don't forget, that it far easier to get on a pattern when you are fishing with others. Unless you and your pals are so secretive that you don't tell each other what you are using, 3 or 4 different baits being used at the same time sure shortens the learning curve.

[YaknVa]

Also don't forget, that it far easier to get on a pattern when you are fishing with others. Unless you and your pals are so secretive that you don't tell each other what you are using, 3 or 4 different baits being used at the same time sure shortens the learning curve.

Most of the time this is true . I will however from time to time completely abandon the way they catch dinks and throw on something much larger like say a 1/2 ounce rattle trap or 7-10 inch plastic and secure a slower pattern of larger fish to their quick pattern of much smaller. Its interesting to see how sometimes a bass' size determines how the reaction strike occures.

[CrX970]

If you over think it and think you are going to do bad every time you go out, you will. Don't over think it, calm down, and focus on your technique. You'll be just fine! Good luck.