Fall 2022
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HOW TO PICK A COACH
There are plenty of guides and pros advertising “coaching” or “instructional” services these days. They may not have a meaningful approach to instruction, or they may be fantastic but not in your particular field of interest.
For example, a guide on a muddy, shallow, swampy body of water might not be your best choice for learning to operate electronics to find and catch bass on a clear and deep highland reservoir. In addition to finding someone who fits your needs, do some more general investigation.
“Do your research, Morgenthaler advised. “Is the person a competitive angler or solely a guide?
See what their equipment is like. Check out reviews and recommendations. Most importantly, reach out to him and see if you both have the same expectations. There’s a big difference between a coaching trip and going out with someone just to catch fish. The latter may be enjoyable but not instructional.”
KEYS TO BEING A GOOD STUDENT
So, you’ve hired an Elite Series or Bass Pro Tour competitor, or perhaps the top local stick, to instruct you. You want to show that you’re not clueless, so you start describing all of your tournament or on- the-water accomplishments.
That’s OK, Morgenthaler suggested, as long as you don’t cross a line: “Do not misrepresent your abilities,” he said. “If you don’t something, just let us know that you don’t know.” That will set a baseline, allow your instructor to explain all foundational information, and establish a level of trust between the two of you.”
Show up to the lesson with as many of the basics mastered as possible. If you want to learn high-level dropshotting techniques, for example, know how to operate a spinning reel and how to properly tie on a dropshot rig. Be sure that any equipment that you bring is in working order.
“If I have to spend a third or a half of the day teaching you that the spinning reel goes under the rod, or how to pitch a jig, that eats into our productivity,” he explained.
Once you’re in the midst of the lesson, he added that it’s critical to remain 100 percent focused. “My time is valuable, your time is valuable,” he said. “Don’t get ‘squirreled.’”
After the “class,” do your “homework.” That might mean standing on a bucket in the backyard practicing your pitching or getting out on the water and scrolling through your electronics menus. Remember that instructors are busy, but most of them will engage in a quick phone session or exchange of emails if you have focused follow-up questions.
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