Learning To Fish

What is the best way to learn about bass fishing? Should I fish tournaments? I have been asked these questions of late by both younger fishermen and older ones wanting to know more about the sport of bass fishing. Ray Scott is to be given the credit for putting bass fishing where it is today. His vision that men would pay to fish in events where the total weight of bass caught during a certain time period would determine who was the best of the best. This idea was the start of bass fishing as we know it today. Along with this idea he set the format for forming bass clubs for the education and enjoyment of men who love to fish.

If you are starting out bass fishing you will find that there are many others who have already taken to the waters fishing for those elusive bass. My feeling is that there is a difference between the sport of bass fishing and club or tournament fishing. The sport of bass fishing is when you and a buddy take to the water for a day away from life’s pressures and to enjoy the great outdoors. It is a day when the numbers of fish caught does not rival the pure pleasure of being outdoors enjoying the relaxing time on the water. Tournament bass fishing takes on a different game even if it starts out to be fun it can turn into plain hard work. If you club fish there are many members looking to be named the best at the end of the year and they work hard to reach that point. Today’s bass clubs offer little in the way of teaching new members how to fish and how to enjoy the sport. The competition for top honors has gotten in the way of fun. Gone are the days when a club would just go fishing making the time on the water a lot of fun. Gone are the days when putting good food on the grill at lunch time was for all members to set and enjoy tales of that early morning strike and the big one that got away.

I would say if you are looking to learn to bass fish to find someone who has experience but does not tournament fish and ask them to take you and show you. Be prepared to pay for gas and expenses for the trip and listen and learn when you are on the water. Before you go on the water try to find out what type equipment you will need so you can be ready when the day starts. Learn to help with getting the boat in and out of the water and when the day is over help clean the equipment up before you jump in your car and drive away. Remember if you enjoyed the day you want to be asked back.

As time evolves you may want to try your hand at tournament fishing where you can enter as a no boater and be drawn out with someone that has a boat. Again do you part to pay for gas and today with prices as they are $25 to $30 dollars is about right for a non boater. Don’t insult the person with the boat by offering $10 to $15 for a days fishing. Remember at days end you don’t have to make payments on a boat or keep it in good shape for another day on the water you can get in your car and drive home. I hope this gives you a little insight into the sport of bass fishing. If you have any questions you can email me at lk2020@msn.com and I will try to answer them for you. Keep in mind that if you display sportsmanship no matter what type fishing you do you will be a winner. Till next week I’ve gone fishing.

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