Entry 51-2
Mike Wurm on Consistently Finding Bass
Doing Your Homework, Second Only to Consistency
Editor's Note: Mike Wurm, from Hot Springs, Arkansas, has fished professionally for 12 years. He's fished in six BASS Masters Classics. In seven of the eight tournaments he's fished in this year, he's earned a check, and he's finished in the top 16 in three of those tournaments. Wurm is one of the most-consistent anglers on the B.A.S.S. circuit. This week, Wurm will explain five secrets to his consistent bass fishing.
Wurm: In school we learned that the amount of time you spend on your homework usually determines the type of grades you'll get on your tests. I believe the same is true for a tournament fisherman who puts in a full day of practice every time they practice. When I practice, I start at first light and come in just before dark so that I'll be able to see how to get my boat out of the water, straighten up my tackle and get it ready for the next day. I find a restaurant that's open so that I can get a good supper before I go to bed.
During the day of practice, I'll try and find an area where I can catch bass. Then I look at my lake map to try and locate another section of the lake that's like the spot where I've caught the bass. I try and put together as many different places that are the same when I find a pattern where the fish are biting. I'll put in 10 to 12 hours every practice day I fish.
I may not eat anything all day long, or I may eat an apple or a peanut-butter sandwich. I only drink water. I don't drink soft drinks because they have caffeine and sugar in them. A soft drink with high-sugar content will keep you keyed-up when you're fishing, and I feel that the calmer you can stay, and the less you are affected by what you eat or drink, the more consistently you can fish. If you'll adopt the attitude that the harder you work during practice the better you'll score during the tournament you'll find that your consistency in catching bass and doing well in tournaments will increase.
