Well, the bass season has ended, and for some, it's time to go hunting; for others, cabin fever sets in. You can do many things to improve your fishing instead of sitting around dreaming of the bass season to come. One thing to do is to practice flipping and pitching. I mean intense practice, not just going through the motions. These practice sessions will improve your physical aspect of the sport and your mental aspect. I will explain how.
What I mean by intense practice is that the old saying "Practice makes perfect" is not valid, but "Perfect practice makes perfect." You need to set a time to practice every day - even if it is only 10-15 minutes - but make sure it is a time when you can devote 100% effort to do it. Don't just go through the motions.
I suggest using the rods and reels that you use most often, not only your baitcast tackle but spinning tackle as well. To become versatile, you need to know how to flip and pitch with both.
One mistake anglers make using the same rod, reel, line, and weight when they practice. Use all of your equipment. This will prepare you for any situation you may face. I suggest buying some bass casting sinkers - the kind with the swivel. Sizes 1/8-1 oz. Tie a snap swivel on each rod. You can then switch weights easily while practicing.
Also, make sure you practice using different size lines to feel all weights on different size lines.
I have set up a practice course using the containers whipped topping. They are a perfect size. Fill about ¾ with water and place each one on newspaper. The whole object is to pitch and flip the bait into the container without splashing water on the paper. When you can do this, it is time to try a different weight and continue this procedure until you have practiced using all of your rod and reel combinations.
One essential point is to practice flipping and pitching with both hands. Most do not do this, and this is a critical mistake. You want to be prepared for all situations you may encounter, and practicing with your right and then left hand improves your confidence.
How can practice prepare you mentally? Once you have perfected your skill, you now know what it takes to make a perfect flip or pitch. As you proceed, you can now visualize the perfect flip and pitch. A visualization is a potent tool. Use it in all aspects of your angling. You'll be glad you did.
One other tip: It is critical that your bait falls straight to the bottom and not pendulum back toward you. The easiest way to do this is "Bowing to the bass." Once your bait hits the water, immediately bow toward your bait, this will throw enough slack in your line so that your bait falls straight to the bottom.
Well, I hope this helps cure your cabin fever and remember, "Perfect practice makes perfect."
