Not joining a tournament on the spur of the moment at the ramp when asked if I wanted to compete, new lake also new to me and only me in the boat. I passed and when I watched weigh in I had the heaviest stringer. 1st prize was a bass boat....

I have two that haunt me.
1. Not moving after a few hours from where I caught fish all weekend, on day two in a individual championship
2. Moving from an area that I had caught fish all weekend, on day two in the following years individual championship.

Sticking with a plan too long , not willing to change to plan B .

culling the wrong fish

Showing up to fish it!

This! I always try to have a plan when I launch, at times I need to realize the plan isn't working and do something else, but have a hard time going to plan B.

My partner and I brought SIX fish to the dock just prior to weigh in. Culled the smallest at the dock not knowing I was breaking the rules. Went to weigh in and won the tourney and passed poly. The TD was informed I was culling at the dock and asked me if I would forfeit my catch - which I did.

My DUMB mistake not knowing I couldn't have more than five in my livewell at any time in the tourney. That's how I got my nickname, Six Fish.....

Who was your partner, Junior Samples ? Tempted to ask how much $$$$ it cost you but don't want to sound like I'm rubbing it in.

This is hilarious! Junior Samples from Hee Haw!

Giving up halfway through the day... I don't anymore. I've caught many,many fish in the last 30 minutes of a tournament that made a big difference! Never give up!

Another thing I've learned this year is to scrap your plan of attack rapidly if they aren't responding! They will still be nearby, so you just gotta work a little harder to find them again. Then figure out what they want to bite!

1.) Never ever doubt yourself and your abilities.
2.) In your mind, each fish should accumulate to your sack. Never throw something back thinking that lady luck is on your side.
3.) Fish YOUR game and work your game plan to its limit but never be afraid to think outside the box.
4.) Always know that in order to win, you have to be motivated to win. Stay positive with a clear head.
5.) Never get to over confident.
6.) Stay humble. Competition will always be with wise and drive will always be with the youth.
7. Pray to fish to the best of your ability and understand what's most important

Fail to go congratulate the guy that beat me even though what he did was somewhat unethical.

Junior Samples.. Ha! You are showing your age!

It cost us about $1,500 and a lot of embarrassment.

I thought he was in Minnesota waters and if he kept it he would have 5 and in Mn you can't cull?

Also not really a mental mistake. He thought it through, it just didn't work out. It was a calculated risk.....low risk he thought.