This season has been a struggle for me.  I had high hopes for this year after my 9th place finish at the championship last season.  However, it is fishing...and anything can happen, especially when you are a co-angler.

You know that voice...the one in your head that keeps telling you to look at your watch at noon and reminds you that you aren't going to catch a limit by 3pm.  Its the same voice that says your boater is on the wrong spot and you would never fish in that area if you were driving.  Well guess what?  You aren't driving!  In fact, you aren't in control of anything except your rod and reel, and your attitude.  

There are some days you just won't catch them.   There are some days you won't even be around them.  That's just fishing. 

For me, music is a good diversion.  If the conversation isn't flowing well, and I find that my negativity is getting to me, I try to sing my favorite songs in my head.  It sounds corny, but I do everything I can to remind myself that it only take 1 minute to get a fish in the boat.  As long as I have 5 minutes left, and I have a good relationship with my boater, I have a chance.  If for some reason he and I are not getting along, I most likely will not have good water and he probably won't help me net it when i do get that big bite.  

All you can do is the make the best of the situation at the time, and keep your attitude positive for the next day.  

For me, the season is over and I am ready to be off the road for a while.  I will be at the 2008 Forrest Wood Cup in South Carolina supporting my sponsors and FLW.  I am looking forward to having a stronger season next year on some of the best lakes in the country.  Be sure to watch my website for schedule updates and news.

See ya next year!