Should post in general fishing, but interested in the opinion of some of the regulars in here-

[mixermarkb]

I think if I ever marshal a tournament, one of the things I'd like to do most is start a timer on each spot, and just see how the different fishermen use the clock. I heard lots of guys at the classic weigh in say "if I only had one more hour..." I bet even Christie as amazing as he is, at some level is kicking himself for not changing up at some point and catching one more keeper. Fishing is a game of mental decisions, and it helps me to get a window into how others think- especially when I'm sitting in STL on a cloudy day in the spring when I know I could be grinding the lips off warts and catching bass!

[TRRANGER]

I can tell you being a marshal is a unique deal. It is a real learning experience, I spent 3 days on Bull Shoals the 2nd time they came here. I was paired with Hank Cherry, Keith Poche, and Greg Vinson. The tournament was delayed the first day due to a terrible storm. I watched Hank Cherry put on a clinic on how to fish a jerkbait, he had over 100 fish that day, He caught everything that swims in Bull Shoals that day. The guys I was with were super and willing to answer all questions and explain the whys and hows. They would show you the screen shots of there graphs and tell what ever you wanted to know. I think it would be fun anywhere to get to the marshal thing but on waters you fish it was an amazing learning weekend. Your right they just seem to sense the changes. I cant remember who said it but, they felt weekend guys would be better off practicing accuracy and presentation, it was unbelievable how accurate and how precise they could place lures. under limbs and bushes and docks.     

[JF660R]

Really enjoying this topic. I often have a hard day on the lake, and then I'll check this forum that evening and see that others had great days.

Time on the water is definitely my main issue. I'm starting to realize I'm fishing vicariously via forum threads and youtube. Which, when I actually get on the water, influences me to pursue something I read about last week. Or watched a youtuber do on a lake that's nothing like TRL. But, short of getting more time on the water, it's all I really know to do.

[Old plug]

I will be honest I do not seen to want to follow the crowd. I will experiment with different ways. I hope to get out Thursday. One rod will be set up with a drops shot type rig. The distance from the lure hook to the weight will about 6"to 8'  It will be weighted with 3/4  or 1oz weight. This I will throw to the bank and retrieve it very slow stopping it sometimes and keeping it off the bottom maybe jiggle it a bit while it is sitting there off the bottom.  Will be using one of those fat PBS magnum trick worms or something else It worked last fall in cold water and this water is cold out on LOZ I do not think I have ev er seen it 43-45 degrees this late in march.

[Old plug]

This concept of fishing time. That is another concept that can  lead you astray. I know someone that That won $ 100,000 bucks and the ever start national National Walmart tournament Title. He fished the same spot with the same lure for 2 days. How many of you could sit there for 5-6 hours with no bite. He was certain he found a bunch and they were going to do their thing sometime or the other. 

Myself I am not out to impress anyone. Most of my fishing is done outside tournament hours I like to fish feeding periods because I am old and lazy. Sometimes I like to follow the sun other times the shade. That answers to questions right there for me about the triangle. Where And when 

[MOPanfisher]

My usual "problem" is I have a preconceived idea of how/where/on what I am going to catch fish.  If it doesn't pan out I am often slow to adjust, really wanting it my way.  Occasionally it works out by sticking it out (usually walleye fishing) other times I make a change or two or ten and finally get it ging, and as you say kicking myself for not adjusting sooner.  

[Basfis]

4 minutes ago, MOPanfisher said:

My usual "problem" is I have a preconceived idea of how/where/on what I am going to catch fish.  If it doesn't pan out I am often slow to adjust, really wanting it my way.  Occasionally it works out by sticking it out (usually walleye fishing) other times I make a change or two or ten and finally get it ging, and as you say kicking myself for not adjusting sooner.  

IMO a plan to start that aligns seasonally and for the weather is important. Tweaking from there is where it’s at. There is no one size or lure solution... at least I think tats why we have rod boxes and copious tackle 🙂

confidence in an area (not a “spot”) can help get things rolling. 

[fishinwrench]

3 minutes ago, Basfis said:

IMO a plan to start that aligns seasonally and for the weather is important. Tweaking from there is where it’s at. There is no one size or lure solution... at least I think tats why we have rod boxes and copious tackle 🙂

confidence in an area (not a “spot”) can help get things rolling. 

Absolutely!   What good is having experience if you can't fall back on it.  

I kept journals for 17 years. I can look back thru those and find identical conditions 98° of the time, and it may not result in a win but if I get all my bites in the boat it will absolutely result in a respectable finish.  It's a starting point that always works and I understand it.

I don't care anything about tournament fishing anymore but my goal anytime I go out is 12#.  I consider 15# better than average, and anything above 15# is kickin' butt.  I'll typically have 2-3 20#+ days per year, and I'm plenty happy with that, especially since a usual day on the water for me is only 5-6 hours.

[mixermarkb]

Anyone write their game plan down and take it with them? I'm actually thinking about taping some notes to my graphs to help remind me about some key things I tend to forget in the moment. 

How about fishing apps? Anything out there that can help with game planning, maybe store waypoints with notes about what is there? I've messed with a few, but haven't seen anything yet that stored fish pics, notes, and waypoints fast enough to not get in the way of the bite, and allow for editing and filling in the details later. 

[DADAKOTA]

A lot of fishing techniques and finding fish can be learned.  Much easier with today's electronics, mapping, and social media.  But just like any other sport/activity there are those with an innate sense about finding fish, sticking to or abandoning a plan, etc. that I do not believe can be learned or taught.  Some folks just have it and I believe a lot has to do with experience, time on the water, history on a given lake, etc. combined with the way their brain processes information.  The best teacher, bar none, is time on the water.  Second is having a network of good fishermen that you actually fish with, learn from,  and discuss various techniques, theories, etc.  Don't ever be afraid to experiment.  Many times I have been on a solid pattern (not in a derby) and I'll change baits to see what I can catch them on in addition to the primary bait.  Or I'll change locations/structure/type of bank/depth and see if they will bite my primary bait.  Paying attention to patterns within a pattern are key as well.  Fishing water willow you need to know are they on the outside edge, one opening inside of buried up further in.  Is the willow on flat banks, steep banks, points, pockets, back ends, etc.  Sometimes the type of water willow big bladed leaves or thin leaves can be a difference maker.  Usually the thin leafed version is far more productive.  More than once I have found fish on boat docks that are related to the ladders and no where else.  Have you ever been pitching a jig and noticed that you get hit while retrieving your jig for another cast?  Maybe they want a swimming jig over a normal jig retrieve?  Maybe a chatterbait would be better?  So many variables to process.  Usually it is better to go spot to spot than pull long stretches of bank or fishing entire coves.  The more variables one can isolate the better.