Wellman – Mental Preparations Lead to Success

Here’s a good pre-season article for all you muskie-nutz that will help you get focused for the approaching season.

Wellman – Being Mentally Prepared Leads to Success

Nice article G, makes me want to fling some wood.

Oooohhhh…I just gotta respond!!

As the person responsible for indtroducing the “G-man” to muskies, I can honestly and accuratley verify the “confidence” part about losing focus and interest. As a matter of fact, I can use Gary as the example:

Ive caught my 2 biggest muskies (50″ & 47″) under extremely trying conditions– At the end of a 12 hour day of running & gunning & casting and all worn out; the other under extreme wind conditions (35mph+ with 45 gusts) where boat control plus casting wore you within a few hours. In both situations, and I do not exaggerate when I say this, but the giant Gar-Bear had all but given up in frustration on muskies and wasnt even casting– instead flopping his 30th bait in the water at the side of the boat like a 5 year old bored to tears. (He WILL admit to this too!…He has to in order to confirm his accurate point about confidence.) Do I blame him?? No way!! I was in the same mentality and mind set–almost ready to call her quits–when on the next cast…..WHAMMMM!!!! My advice is to not get all worked up about it and be consumed with precision perfect musky fishing (i.e. perfect weather, polished baits hanging neatly in order, etc.) Have fun! And cover water! Cast cast cast! Lighter baits the better! less wear & tear!

Regarding the “follow up” approach after a follow—

separate rod with slow sub-surface is my favorite, like a Phantom, large plastic like a bull dog or 12″ plastic minnow with single hook. work slow with twitches and pause, and hang on!!

Good Article Gary
I’ve never fished for muskie, and at this point don’t plan to, at least not soon. However, there is a lot of good information in what you wrote, I would say I’ll use it to my best advantage. Thanks!

dave

Great article!! I couldn’t agree with your insights more. I spend a lot of time and energy chasing the elusive Musky and I’ve caught, lost, and screwed up my share of fish. If there’s one thing I could add to your thoughts it would be this: When you are “losing focus” on the water do something different to get it back. My favorite example of this is being out on the water on a windy day. We’ve all fought these days and before long, you’re beginning to wonder why you’re there. The most important thing to do is “something different”. In my case I go find a place to “hide” from the wind and just sit down and relax. It doesn’t take long before my desire to fish overcomes my lack of focus and I’m up and casting in my “hiding place”. After a few casts I’m thinking of my next place to try, how to attack it, and I’m back on my game. One last thing. I can’t count how many times I’ve been “recharging” and a nice Musky desides to show up to completely recharge my batteries! You will lose focus on the water, you’re only human. Be smart enough to realize it and do something about it. It’s easier than you think.