YOUR ATTITUDE SAYS IT ALL!

By: Mike Hockett

Have you every wondered how do the pro's do it? You know, they always seem to be positive, and are always looking to the bright side of everything. They display this confidence in interviews, on the stage in front of crowds, and also in the presence of other anglers. For the most part, they seem to worry only about the things that are in their immediate control, the first and foremost of it being attitude.

Everyone has always told me that I should try controlling the things that I can, and let God take care of the rest. Some things are always easier said than done. When you are in the heat of battle with a green, slimy, bug eyed fish, you can't always be positive. So how do the pro's do it? How do they remain so vigilante and so darn positive. It seems at time that they have nerves of steel. We as weekend warriors would like to think so, but hey they are just as human as we are. Well maybe not KVD... that guy is a machine.

Well, one thing that I will point out is that it does not matter what you do, your attitude will dictate everything about you. If you let yourself have a bad day, then you will. If when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, then chances are you will stay there. If you go fishing and all you are thinking about is negative thoughts, then you fishing will suffer. Unknowingly, you will not try to make the perfect cast...you will not try to get your boat in the right position...you might not think to retie your line after you have cussed for the last half hour about getting hung up on the stupid willow bushes. Every little thing will set you off, or you will start having doubts about what you are doing.

Do you remember when you first started learning to fish? It seemed that even though you did not know a lot about what lure to use and when, you still managed to catch fish. As time went on, you started to learn more, and try different tactics. Then after time, you get further away from the basics, andget more and more frustrated. That is when your attitude comes in to play. We all need to learn to keep our attitude in check. Remember you are out there fishing in most cases to have fun.

I cannot count how many times I have heard "This game is 90% mental and 10% physical". Sometimes I just cannot get past the physical part because my attitude has already put me out of the game. This year is going to be my breakout year, the year that I control my negative thoughts, put my head down and just fish. Your attitude and confidence are the greatest lures in your tackle box. If you believe that you are a winner, then you are half way to winning.

One more thought to live by… in this world we get one chance to make our mark. I would much rather make it laughing and having fun at what ever I am doing, and not be being known as an individual with a poor disposition and negative attitude. The next time that you are out on the water and the negative gremlins start poking at your brain, shake them out and start smiling, your are fishing. For those that are lucky enough, you could actually be at work.

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