Bertrand’s improvement plans
Oct 10th, 2016 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Oct 10th, 2016 at 12:00 AM
Josh Bertrand had an off year in 2016. Let’s be honest. It was just one of those years where things didn’t click. He finished in the upper half of the field in Angler of the Year (AOY) points, but failed to make the AOY Championship and the Bassmaster Classic.
So, how does this Arizona pro plan to bounce back from this year? Hard work and learning to slow down.
“I started off the year terribly,” said Bertrand. “Then in the middle of the season, I cashed checks. Then I bombed the last two events. It was not an awful year, but it sure wasn’t what I wanted. Next season, I intend on working hard to fix what went wrong this season.”
Tidal terrors.
“My mega-weakness in bass fishing are tidal waters,” said Bertrand. “We had three of those events this year. I bombed in all three. Add the Mississippi River and I really bombed on those four.
“The main thing I did wrong on the tidal waters and the Mississippi River was fishing way too fast. I’d go an hour without catching a fish and instead of being patient, especially in the tidal systems, I’d race around like a chicken with its head cut off.
“I need to slow down my process and be patient. Understanding that sticking around a little longer to make sure the area isn’t worth it or perhaps is worth it. I never gave things the right amount of time.
“I essentially did the absolute opposite of what I needed to do to be successful. The funny thing is, I sort of knew it as it was happening, but I still did it.”
Focus on winning.
“I need to start focusing on figuring out how to win each tournament and not just how to cash checks,” said Bertrand. “Every tournament I’ve ever competed well in or when I fished smaller regional events and won, I focused on winning. I’d figure out what weight I believed I needed to win and would go for it.
“I think I’ve been setting the bar too low lately. I’m not saying I can just flip a switch and win. It doesn’t work that way in this sport. I’m just saying, I intend on giving myself the best shot at winning every event I’m fishing.
“I’m going to slow down. Have the guts to stay put in areas and have faith that the bass are going to show up.”