Comfort zones?

[John Kerr]

I have a hard time "swiching" lures, and/or techniques. Over the years I
have become comfortable with certain baits, and the practiced techniques
that have yielded good results with them. I am the eternal optimist when
throwing those "comfort" baits....always think I am gonna get a strike
on every presentation <g>. But I just can't seem to give other baits
their just due, the confidence is just not there! My son showed me some
"monster" swim baits that he sometimes uses when "trophy"
fishing...there is no way in God's creation that I could fish one of
those things....well, maybe if I saw a "monster" bass pulled in with one
I might try it:). I reckon it's just that I have spent so many hours
proving certain baits and techniques that I can't break the old habits.
I would like to get more into using some other lures...how do you get
out of the "rut"? <g>
JK

[Dark Knight]

In my duties running Innovative, one of the most fun is to test out new
baits. That said, I often found myself falling in to the "tried & true"
favourites rut you describe...

Now, when I go out to test a new bait or color scheme, I leave everything
but a "control" bag of baits at home. My partner for the day fishes the
controls, whilst I fish the new stuff. We switch back and forth, and I'll
generally take more than one occasion to test a bait before considering it
for inclusion under Innovative's umbrella.

I don't recommend this if you're fishing for money, but if it's just a day
on the water with friends and/or family, I would suggest you give it some
serious thought. The only way I've found to get out of the "rut" is to
leave the "rut" behind.

DK


"John Kerr" > wrote in message
...
> I have a hard time "swiching" lures, and/or techniques. Over the years I
> have become comfortable with certain baits, and the practiced techniques
> that have yielded good results with them. I am the eternal optimist when
> throwing those "comfort" baits....always think I am gonna get a strike
> on every presentation <g>. But I just can't seem to give other baits
> their just due, the confidence is just not there! My son showed me some
> "monster" swim baits that he sometimes uses when "trophy"
> fishing...there is no way in God's creation that I could fish one of
> those things....well, maybe if I saw a "monster" bass pulled in with one
> I might try it:). I reckon it's just that I have spent so many hours
> proving certain baits and techniques that I can't break the old habits.
> I would like to get more into using some other lures...how do you get
> out of the "rut"? <g>
> JK
>

[Chuck Coger]

Just keep chuggin away at what you aren't comfortable with. I was never
comforatable with drop shotting until I kept working at it. I would go to an
area catch fish with methods I was confident in and then start drop
shotting. I knew fish were there because I had caught them. After a few
outings and getting a few fish under your belt, confidence grows and you
start getting comfortable with the knowledge you have.

My next area is spinnerbaits. I can catch bass on spinnerbaits all day long
as long as they are looking for a helicopter presentation over a log or
something, or burned through the hydrilla. Time to get comfortable in other
area.

---
Chuck Coger
http://www.fishin-pro.com


"John Kerr" > wrote in message
...
> I have a hard time "swiching" lures, and/or techniques. Over the years I
> have become comfortable with certain baits, and the practiced techniques
> that have yielded good results with them. I am the eternal optimist when
> throwing those "comfort" baits....always think I am gonna get a strike
> on every presentation <g>. But I just can't seem to give other baits
> their just due, the confidence is just not there! My son showed me some
> "monster" swim baits that he sometimes uses when "trophy"
> fishing...there is no way in God's creation that I could fish one of
> those things....well, maybe if I saw a "monster" bass pulled in with one
> I might try it:). I reckon it's just that I have spent so many hours
> proving certain baits and techniques that I can't break the old habits.
> I would like to get more into using some other lures...how do you get
> out of the "rut"? <g>
> JK
>
>

[RichZ]

John wrote:
> how do you get
> out of the "rut"?
>

If you're catching fish, then the rut ain't really such a bad place to be.



RichZ©
www.richz.com/fishing

[Brad Coovert]

>I would like to get more into using some other lures...how do you get
>out of the "rut"? <g>
>JK

Let's say you are wanting to learn how to fish jigs. Take some rods, jigs and
trailers....and no other baits...out for a day on the lake. Fish all day with
just one bait and you will learn how to fish it better in many different types
of water/cover/structure situations.

Brad
Brad Coovert, 2003 Tournament Director, Greenfield Bassmasters
Please visit our sponsors:
http://www.geocities.com/greenfieldbass/WelcomeToOurSponsorPage.htm

[Craig]

Hey you old dog, want to learn a new trick. . . . . . . no. . . . . Damm old
dog never wants to learn any new tricks! (.¿~)

--
Craig Baugher

[John Kerr]

Great advice....I especialy like the, "leave the (rut) at home"! I'll
try the suggestions!

[Gone Angling]

I don't think there is a rut in regard to the overuse of a lure. The overuse
would no likely exist if the lure was not producing for you.
There is lots of variation in the type of retrieve, speed and placement. The
japanese archer will draw a bow for a year without even shooting. To master the
use of a productive lure you have to use it repetively(sp).
I also like the saying "leave the rut at home". There is another saying "what
happens at fishing says at fishing". I don't talk about fishing to non anglers.

[RichZ]

Gone wrote:
> I don't talk about fishing to non anglers.
>
This is shockingly sound advice, considering the source. It is also why
most of us so rarely respond to your posts.


RichZ©
www.richz.com/fishing

PS: To the rest of the group. I'm sorry. I've gone months without throwing
a barb at the troll. But when he serves up a softball like that, you just
gotta take a swing, doncha?

[Gone Angling]

angler/writer