This is a great topic, Rob.

As it relates to both tournament fishing and targeting big fish, I like to approach the day with a game plan. The game plan I try to develop will have primary patterns and back up patterns. Ideally, especially in a tournament situation, I would like to have back up patterns to my back up patterns. Regardless of how solid I feel my game plan is, I try to keep it very flexible. Any number of variables can throw even the most well thought out game plan right out the window.

I've had game plans pay off very well and other times I completely miss the boat. With the latter, if I remain flexible, I can often connect with the fish and salvage the day. Where I've gotten into trouble is when I choose to ignore what the fish are trying to tell me. I live and die by my initial game plan and go down in a giant ball of flames.

I've participated in a lot of sports over the years. I've yet to find one as humbling as bass fishing....

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