How do you plan your day?

Sometimes when you read about a tournament and how it was won, you hear guys talk about having a gameplan. I understand the concept, and have certainly had trips and tournament days where I've plotted out my first moves in my mind. But when it comes down to it, I can't say I ever really fish with a "gameplan" all day.

Since I moved back to the Bay I've been to the Delta 3 times, and had my butt handed to me every time. When you get the beat down like that, it always begs the question of - how can I do it better next time. This got me to thinking about trip planning and having a gameplan. I'm really wondering if I need to be more strategic at the Delta about tide and timing.

My question is, do you fish with a gameplan in mind? Do you always adhere to it? How does your plan differ when trophy fishing vs. tournament fishing?

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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