My worst enemy; lack of confidence in my fishing

[sh03z]

You know, I was going to write some questions, but as I wrote them, I answered them myself. However, there is one thing I am in constant fear of, and try to not think about.

When I get out on the lake, I don't have as much confidence as I know I have potentially.
I can feel when I WILL or WON'T catch fish by the WAY I FEEL, not by my worm color, lure choice, or whatever.

Now, I know if you guys are making 70k+ a year, you must of overcome this feeling yourselves.

The days I do worst are when it's windy, because I feel I'll never get my cast right, and I'll never get my boat at the right angle, or I can't cast straight. You know what I mean?

Any suggestions before I launch my boat in 6.5 hours?

Thanks,

-Mike

[catt951]

Maybe you need to take up golf! You're beat before you hit the water. About the time you think you got them figured out you don't! That's why it's called fishing and not catching.

[johnnie crain outdoors]

Mike,
Confidence comes with experience. You really need to concentrate on your attributes not your short-comings. Think positive. Okay, the wind is blowing. Big deal, use it to your advantage. Fish are much easier to catch along wind swept points and banks. Wind stirs up the algae, minnows feed on the algae, crawfish feed on the algae and minnows, bass feed on the crawfish and minnows. Keep the boat headed into the wind at a slight angle. Boat control is important but not as important as keeping a bait in the water. The pros often rely on the wind to improve fishing, I know I do. You need to take a note from one of my articles, "Take A Time Out". When things seem against you, stop fishing, sit down have a beverage and snack and think about what you've tried and not tried. Ask yourself, have I tried shade, sunny banks, windy points, rock bluffs, weed lines, fallen trees, stumps. Think like you are going to figure out the pattern for the day. Rain, wind, colds fronts, bright skies often affect us more than it does the fish. We all have little doubts on some days, but with a defeatist attitude, you'll NEVER succeed. Now think about what I've said and go get 'em. Johnnie

[sh03z]

Ya, that's true. Thanks Johnnie.

I have noticed I have a slight (not much) negative attitude when I fish.