How many times are you in the weigh in line at a local, regional or Pro-Am style tournament and hear another angler say “I just couldn’t get that kicker bite”. These words have been uttered and spoken by all of us that have fished competitively.
There are many things you can do to put that kicker in your live well. There are also many things that you can do that will stack the odds against it.
Will 15 pounds win? Will 20 pounds win? If you are fishing a Carolina Rig on main lake points and are consistently catching two pounders and have five in the box for 12 pounds will this win-place or show? If not, you need to change things up. You can start throwing larger bait or go to a different game plan altogether. I have heard you can’t leave fish to find fish. I however disagree with this 100 percent. When you pay your money to compete, you are not simply trying to catch fish. You are then trying to catch the biggest five possible. Nobody cares that you caught 30 fish and the guy that won only caught seven.
Big fish are not the norm or else everyone would catch them. When you have a decent sack and are looking for that kicker fish, don’t be afraid to mix it up and swing for the fences. At this point you are looking for one swing of the rod to win the event. My good friend Boone in the picture came all the way from Kentucky to fish for a few bites a day in hopes of that “kicker” fish. We decided to leave smaller fish and numbers for less fish and more quality bites. It paid off big time as Boone caught his new personal best, this 10.12lber on a Pantone ¾-oz football jig in 22 foot of water. Don’t quit just because you aren’t getting bit, keep the right mindset and be ready when the big bite does come.
In the words of Michael Iaconelli “Never Give Up”!
Shane Smith
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