It’s a time of year when it is difficult to get anything done at work because you are easily distracted by the fishing that lies ahead. Anticipation runs high and you expect that this year’s run will be better than the last. In fact, you’ve even planned your vacation days around the optimum tides and moon, and should the fishing get really stupid and warrant extra time off, not too worry. You have taken extra precautions and have all the excuses required to convince the boss, along with a note from your sympathetic doctor.
Although many surfcasters suffer through this common illness, what does all this have to do with catching big fish? Have you really sat down and given some thought to preparations for your next trophy hunt? Do you really know what it takes to become a proficient trophy hunter and understand what goes into the mind of every successful trophy cow hunter? Allow me to share a few thoughts on the topic and once you are done with this article, you will understand what I mean.
POSITIVE THINKING
POSITIVE THINKING
Do you really know what it takes to become a trophy hunter? It's not about secret spots.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched good fishermen change their fresh-out-of-the-box lures repeatedly after a few casts, only to realize that the best part of the tide has slipped away before them. This is one of the most common mistakes many surfcasters make. For some ungodly reason, they have this notion that they need to cast everything in their bag and if they haven’t, they feel they haven’t been fishing. Although many folks have gone through this lure-changing phase, a seasoned caster has a good idea as to what works in the area and under what conditions. As a result, they carry a minimal selection which allows them to maximize the prime stages of the tide to the fullest.
How do you get to this point? It is called building lure confidence and “positive thinking.” The obvious solution to this problem is to test your lures beforehand. This allows you to observe the action and adjust your presentation so that when the time is right, you have complete confidence in your offering. This may sound silly to some, but have you ever heard of someone going on a safari hunt without sighting in his gun? Well, testing your lures prior to prime tides is no different. More importantly, you must know exactly what your lure is doing below the water before you can believe in that lure! Once you have that all worked out, you can now apply that positive thinking. I am not just talking about trusting, I am talking about mentally believing that it will catch on every cast. It’s building that positive intuition in you and applying the necessary perseverance that will guide you to that trophy fish on a consistent basis.
Positive thinking is just a part of the equation, but you must also be able to endure the environment and surroundings inhabited by big stripers. Like any well-trained athlete that is able to go great distances, a good surfcaster needs to go through the same motions. You need to build the stamina that will allow you to move around great distances and fish areas that are avoided by other anglers. To restrict the areas you fish because you are physically unable is a compromise that could very well cost you big fish opportunities.
For example, if you located a large school of bait moving in a specific direction and you want to intercept them at some point off in the distance, you need to be able to get there on time. If not, you could easily miss that opportunity. In some cases, you need to be physically and mentally ready to handle being perched on a rock in pounding surf, or landing a big fish from atop a jetty. Times like that can be challenging, but with the proper equipment and being physically capable, your fishing should become safer and more productive.
You know your body’s limitations, but if you are motivated for that trophy fish, you need to be motivated to exercise. I am not talking about training to be in triathlon shape, I am suggesting you do what is needed to remain safe and be able to fish hard in a sometimes unfriendly environment.
THE LUCK FACTORTo some, the word “lucky” is easily mistaken for hard work. This may be one of my pet peeves because envious fishermen dismiss it and cannot grasp the meaning of hard work and dedication. It is easier to label someone lucky (or a cheater) and to discount their successes. With some people, it boosts their self esteem and ego to belittle someone’s effort.
To be proficient at this game requires dedication and unconditional sacrifice. A cow hunter is very much like a sniper on a mission, and that mission is to capture and conquer and do whatever it takes. That calculating mindset is exactly what you need to be successful. It’s not about relying on your friends to tell you where the bite is, nor is it just one spot that you rely on. It’s about the package and the ability to maneuver around, scout new grounds and understanding surrounding structure in terms of cuts, bars, ledges, pockets and rips.
It is also not about “secret spots.” In fact, there are no secret spots! The secret lies in understanding when the fish are biting at a specific time and place. The bottom line is putting yourself in a position to intercept big fish, and understanding their movements. This cannot be achieved by sitting on a couch or by watching TV. This is achieved by preparation, being resourceful and making your own reports. The onus is on you. As I’ve always said, remember that whenever you are dreaming about that truly big fish, there is someone already out there looking to make that dream come true.
COMMITMENTAlthough you may interpret what I’ve written here as being a touch arrogant, the message I am trying to convey is simple. There is a lot more to it than meets the eye. Obviously this is not for everyone and only you know your limitations. There are also social obligations and family responsibilities that need to be met, but that can also compromise your effort. Becoming a proficient cow hunter means committing to a lifestyle filled with sacrifice and compromise at certain times of the year. It’s about pushing the limits and taking it to the next level. There are multiple levels to this surfcasting sport - from a family oriented and friendly pastime to relaxation and enjoying the outdoors. To some, it is the desire to catch as many fish as possible.
To a select few, it is beyond that. It is not only the preparation and the lure of the outdoors. What sets the true cow hunter apart from the rest is their mission and mindset, accompanied by the willpower and desire to push themselves physically and mentally. These casters are persistent and accept any challenge presented before them in an effort to maximize prime stages of the tide. They also tend to leave their massive lure collection behind and carry just a handful of selective lures. They approach the game with impeccable confidence and make every cast count. For the true cow hunter, there is no substitute for time spent on the water. Now that you have a general idea on what’s on a cow hunter’s mind, do you have what it takes to be one?
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