Question # 1...Chris R ask

Chris R from Oxford, NC ask...
"How long is too long...One of the toughest things for my partner Larry and I to figure out during a tournament is "How long is too long?" that is, how long do you stay with a certain lure, technique, color, when the fish just aren't biting? What's your personal belief regarding switching techniques and baits during a tourney that's proven the most successful for you?"

Chris... This is one of the hardest things that I deal with during a tournament. How I break it down is basically like this...

What season of the year is it?....
If it is spring time I will fish a couple of different patterns in a single day based on water temperature. I may start with secondary points early in the day and then move to bedding areas as the water warms up through the day.
Fall and summer are about the same the fish are either there or they are not. This is my two run and gun seasons.
Winter well let's just say really slow. A good example of that was late last winter I had a friend out on Falls Lake. Water temp in the low 40's I trusted what my electronics was telling me and caught one over 7 lbs. It took over 1 1/2 hrs in the same spot.

How many patterns did I put together in practice?....
I will try to fish as few different patterns as I have to. If I found fish on 3 different patterns in practice I will only use all three if I have to. I set my patterns in order by how good the fish are on that particular pattern and fish them accordingly.

How well do I know the lake?....
If I know the lake well and feel confident that I can run here and there to pick up one fish per spot then that is what I will try the last hour to hour and a half. I have saved my day this way many many times.

Am I only spot fishing?....
If I am on a lake that I was not able to put patterns together and only found certain spots then I am there all day. This is mostly on lakes that I have not spent much time on getting to know. You just have figure what they want or were they went. This one is toughest of all as I have never done well in this situation.

Switching baits....
Chris I try and use the 15 minute rule. If I don't get bit on it in 15 then I pick up another rod. Many times you will be on a school of fish and they quit biting all you have to do is pick up a different rod. He he why do you think I have so many of them? LOL

Chris, thanks for your questions I hope I have helped you in your quest to be a better angler and remember "trust your instincts".

Bill