This week I have been in the process of preparing for my first elk hunt in Arizona in a few weeks. I will be headed out with fellow Elite Series pro Clifford Pirch. This got me to thinking about all the time I spend preparing for fishing or hunting. The best I can figure I am spending two hours preparing for every hour of actual fishing or hunting that I do. When I think about it like this it sounds like a lot of work, but somehow it never really feels like work. I enjoy the process from start to finish of any hunt, or fishing trip.
Last week I was watching game seven of the World Series, where my hometown Kansas City Royals were taking on the San Francisco Giants with the biggest title in the game on the line. I couldn't help but think of all the preparation these guys have put into their games. I am sure for most of them it started while they were still barely out of diapers, but it continues on a daily basis right up until game time. Like us anglers, they'll have some downtime before spring training, but something tells me even during that downtime most of them are still preparing for their next game, next season, next World Series. The more I think about it the more I think the most successful people do the most preparation. For the Arizona elk hunt, I have been preparing by getting into better shape, working on my long range shooting, and going through all my gear and making sure it is ready to go. I've also been doing a little research on the terrain of where we will be headed. Luckily, for this trip I will be relying on Clifford quite a bit, but that is a rare case for me. For my typical fishing or hunting trips there is quite a bit more I would have to prepare on my own before heading out.
When it comes to tournament fishing I start preparation months before an event with research on the lake, fishing patterns, map study and more. I also spend quite a bit more in the days leading up to the trip. Some of the things I do immediately before an event are; check and replace hooks on baits, inventory and organize my tackle, re-spool my reels with new line, clean my rod guides. I will also go through my boat and make sure everything is in good working order. I check the engine bolts, the battery connections, the oil levels (daily), the trolling motor mount, and just look everything over closely to make sure there won't be any unforeseen issues that can ruin the trip or tournament.
When I look back after a successful fishing trip or hunt I can really appreciate all the preparation that I put into it. I guess what I am trying to get at is no matter what you do, if you put in the time to prepare it will go a long way into leading to your success.
