Fall 2022
A
fter nearly two decades at the top level of
bass fishing, with multiple stints on both the
Bassmaster Elite Series and the FLW Tour, Chad Morgenthaler has taken his talents to coaching.
Noting that professional angling is one of the few major
sports which has historically lacked targeted instruction,
and meaningful feedback for participants at all levels aimed
at making them better, he’s joined up with several other
pros to start FutureCast Academy.
“There are lots of reasons for bass anglers at all levels
to seek out coaching,” he said. “To establish the right skill set
at the earliest possible time, or if you already think you’re a
good angler, to break bad habits as soon as possible.
“Most fishermen don’t have time to spend countless
hours on the water like the pros, and therefore they’re not
remotely close to where they need to be when it comes to
equipment selection, tactics, and efficiency. There are a lot
of people who are way out in left field. I didn’t think so, but
they are.”
Of course, college and high school fishing teams have
filled in some of this gap, but even top-level pros can stand
to sit through objective analysis and training sessions.
For example, all-time great Rick Clunn was open and
honest about seeking out electronics help from Elite Series
rookie Cody Huff. If he can do it, so can you. Fortunately, there
are lots of guides and teachers out there ready to help.
Before you seek out a coach or book a session, however, here are a few things to consider.
SET YOUR OBJECTIVES
Hiring a guide or coach is likely not an inexpensive proposition, either in terms of time or finances. Most of us simply don’t have the resources to have someone on speed dial or retainer. Accordingly, it makes sense to spend your time with a coach wisely.
“Everybody has different objectives,” Morgenthaler said. “Most commonly, they want to become an overall better angler, to understand as much as they can about fishing in general. Or it may be something more specific, like electronics or how to pattern fish. A lot of my coaching comes down to teaching them how to approach a new body of water, or a very large body of water. It’s hard for them to determine where to start. After 19 years as a professional angler, that’s something I’ve become very good at.”
The bottom line, he said, that coaching should in some way help you to “enjoy your time and be more productive on the water.”
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