Performance consultant Charles Plott (www.pasprofile.com) has grown to admire the mental strength of top anglers. Plott consults athletes from many sports, and he recently helped Bassmaster Elite Series pro Gerald Swindle out of his bass fishing slump
. “Other athletes have to stay on point for seconds at a time,” he said. “But with these guys, there is no down time. They’re always thinking.” He gives bass anglers the following pointers:
Bad has no value
“The brain doesn’t know good or bad, it only knows stimulus,” said Plott. “Try not to place to much value on things. If you lose a fish, just move on. Give no emotion to it.”
Do nothing special
“Don’t try to outdo yourself, stay at your pace.”
Be really good at something
“Have something that becomes your Performance Identity, not everyone can fish like Gerald, Skeet or KVD. Find your thing and be good at it.”
Keep your mind fresh
“Simplify by planning and putting a few constraints on things. Don’t let your mind become cluttered or stagnant.”
