MIND GAMES
by Terry Brown

Do fishermen embellish a story now and again? Do they maybe "big eye" an area counting on more fish than what live there? How often do bass fishermen tell the truth about techniques or patterns? Not very often according to numerous professional bass fishermen on the BASS Tournament Trail. " I try to stay away from motels where most fishermen stay" quips Triton Professional Gary Klein. "Dock talk can take you completely out of your game plan". Critical tactical mistakes have can be made by listening to the wrong advice. With the large sums of money we are now fishing for, few anglers are going to bear their soul while standing in a parking lot or in a motel room" said Klein. " I have a couple of people that I really can trust and they are the ones I work with. We don't necessarily share spots but many times patterns, concepts, and ideas are shared that maybe will focus me".

Too many times a stable, consistent approach can be altered by hearing someone mention a particular tactic or a special bait only to find out after an event, fish were caught on something entirely different from the stories of pre-fishing discussions. " I strongly believe the last frontier in bass fishing is the mental portion," notes 4-Time Classic Champion Rick Clunn. " I still believe at 54 years old I can compete with 20 year olds. what other sport allows for that? The mind is the final frontier to be conquered in our sport." Physical aspects of the sport are still important but most fishermen now have very few mechanical flaws. The difference is the mental element. "Bass fishing is a sport where I can be challenged by the elements and environment and if my mental approach allows me to succeed over them, this is the ultimate," mentions Clunn.

The elements should not hinder the fisherman but give him clues to unlock potential opportunities for successful days on the water. 'Some of my best days in my career have been when the elements were the worst" said the cerebral Clunn. "There is probably no fisherman competing professionally now that does a better job of blocking out bad weather as a negative factor than Rick Clunn," says Jacksonville Florida Pro Peter Thilveros. Extreme cold, high winds, rain and even snow are elements the professional bass fisherman must compete in. "The ability to figure out bass in these conditions can turn diversity into prosperity. Being in "the zone" can be managed. Many fishermen allow themselves to accept defeat. I have a tough time when I don't execute. Acceptance of defeat and ill-preparation can take you completely out of your game" notes Thliveros.

Who could forget the run two years ago put together by Bass-fishing Superstar Denny Brauer with 3 consecutive wins, one the Bassmaster Classic, or last springs dynamic run of two straight Top 150 victories at Toho and Seminole by 9 Time Classic Qualifier Shaw Grigsby. "Talent gets you to the place where you feel you can compete but the mental part is what gets you in the winners circle" said Shaw. "Confidence can play a key role in success".

Whether you are fishing a local club tournament or the Bassmaster Classic, mental preparation can take you from the outhouse to the clubhouse. The challenge is not letting the "mind games" get in the way.

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