If I could get rid of my first day results, I’d be having a pretty good year. But I can’t. To say that this is frustrating is a serious understatement. It happened at the Classic in Oklahoma. It happened on the Sabine River in Texas and I’ll be darned if it didn’t happen again on Falcon.
Finding a solution is tough. It’s not a lack of preparation, and it’s not a negative attitude. It’s something that’s just happening. The only explanation I can offer is that I’m overthinking things and making them too complicated. I need to stop thinking so much and just go fishing. They’re fish.
No matter about all that, however, this first day curse needs to stop. I need to start fishing like my brother, Bobby. He’s having one heck of a year. In fact, at this point, he’s in contention for the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year award. I wish him well but I’m not going to tell stories, either. I’d love to chase him all the way to the wire, or maybe have him chase me.
Now, you know I’m just messing around when I say that. I love Bobby — actually all my family — to death. He has no bigger fan than me. If I can’t win something, anything, I want him to win it. I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s how our family was raised. It’s a part of our DNA.
And, at the same time, I don’t want to overstate my issues. It’s not like my season has been a disaster. I’m not where I want to be but I’m not out of it by any means. Sitting in 36th place, 64 points out, with six tournaments to go isn’t the end of the world by any means. There’s still plenty of time. I just need to get going.
But that’s enough about fishing for right now. It’s spring break time. That means spending time with the family and resting up for the rest of the season. Maybe some grass mowing, yard work, fishing with the kids, working on my honey-do list and a lot of general relaxation around the house will get rid of that first day curse I’ve been suffering from this year.
I’m hopeful about it. Time with my family always seems to recharge my batteries. I come back from those things with a new attitude and a new sense of determination. We’ll know late in the afternoon on Thursday when we weigh our fish after the first day on Bull Shoals, won’t we?
While I’m taking a little time off, I want to encourage everyone out there to go fishing this spring, and to take someone along with you who couldn’t, or wouldn’t, otherwise go. A child, elderly person or disabled veteran is a perfect choice. I know I’ve said this before but that’s because it’s so important and means so much to them. Let’s all pitch in and make this sport grow.