My buddy took me down a stretch of bank the other day and he said right up there you can get bit. I pitched my worm in there thinking I was ready to set the hook but the strike was so violent it scared me. LOL. I haven't had a strike like that in years. I didn't get the fish and we both laughed.

Being in constant focus is what separates the men from the boys, IMO. It's taxing, tiring and partly why we call it a sport.

This focus factor is also why some folks can be successful with baits that others may deem a gimmick bait . For instance the recent introduction of UV reflecting baits. While the jury may still be out as to whether this is actually another tool or just a gimmick, as long as it does no harm lots of guys who buy into it will improve their success because they are fishing a bait they have confidence in. Because of this they fully expect to get bit and will be more alert and ready when the bite comes.

It happens just like any other lake. It's just that if you have a slow trip you're less likely to post it. Especially on a lake as hot as Falcon where you might think you were the only one that stunk.

It does help going for more than one day too. Now if I was there today I would try other things and probably would have figured them out.

I hear ya, and expect it. Do you go there often?

I've heard Rick Clunn talk about that. You have to believe you're doing the right thing and have the potential to get bit on every cast. If not, you need to be doing something else (easier said than doen for my part as well).

I've never been a optimist but recently I've been trying to change my way of thinking. I'm not talking about only fishing I'm talking about life in general. It pays to have a postive attitude.

Quite a bit -- 3 to 4 times a month. I've had the bug for about 4 years now. lol

Did you write that last statement for it's irony? That's just funny! An optimist would say someone would agree with your viewpoint! Good stuff.

I think attitude in fishing is just like attitude in anything else. If you believe it, it will happen either way. Where I struggle is when things start to go bad, shaking off those negative thoughts. Once the spiral starts, it's hard to stop.

Maybe I'll be like Lucy in Peanuts; The fishing psychiatrist is in!

The power of the mind and how you think should not be underestimated. This article touches on this subject.

http://fishstrong.com/thinkstrong-an-introduction/

It makes some good points.

Confidence and Focus are key.....but heck we are not all KVD material lol.

Doc, if you're not in a tournament why worry about it? Yes, losing a big fish stinks. But you were able to enjoy the day in beautiful, scenic country with the love of your life. How much better can it get?

Enjoying my surroundings and relaxation are what it's all about for me with bass fishibg, I've done the tournament deal. Had some minor success and major-league failures. Wasn't for me. I fish for fun.

Being distracted by the beauty around you is one of the many pitfalls/bonuses of fishing "for fun."

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Courage
confidence
CONCENTRATION!

I'm always perfect at all 3!!--ok maybe not
Unless we are getting paid we should all remember to enjoy just being out there. That being said, that's tough man , I feel your pain.