So, what about this Texan is so special that he can consistently perform at or near the top of his game? Well, Combs has decided to share his three main ingredients for success. Read on and learn from one of the best.

A little studying and extra financial investment goes a long way toward achieving success in Combs’ world.

Keith Combs (Joel Shangle/BassFIRST)“I’m really big on gathering as much data as possible before fishing an event,” said Combs. “I like to make the effort and visit an area before I fish it. Even if I don’t fish the body of water. Actually, I seldom fish anything before the official tournament practice.

"I do like to ride the water, though. Understand the layout. Find out where the launches are. Distances, restaurants, stores, etc. Get all of the logistics down.

"It can get expensive to get all of the work done ahead of time, but it’s worth the investment to just be able to come to the tournament and fish during practice and the event and not worry about trying to find things.”

Instead of working with a team of anglers to share strategy ideas, Combs prefers to stay to himself.

“After my first year on the FLW Tour, I pretty much stay to myself,” said Combs. “I don’t want to hear about the fishing techniques, etc., from anybody else at an event.

"Whenever outside information gets in, often it can alter your strategy. Not a good idea in my opinion.

"Now, I do have a crew of anglers that I run with, but we never talk strategy or techniques. We’ll talk about things like what weight we think it will take to win or make the cut or if the fishing was good or bad. Never strategy or technique.”

Fish a lot, then fish even more frequently.

“My only hobby is fishing,” said Combs. “I fish and fish and fish. I hunt a little bit, but I fish a lot.

"For me, I believe the more you fish, the more opportunity you have to perfect your game. The better you will learn the nuance of techniques, etc.

"The first time I knew I needed to fish a drop-shot rig, I fished and fished and fished a drop-shot on my home waters to learn it. Same goes for the vibrating jig. Actually, any new technique I want to learn. I will fish on familiar water where I know there are fish and work a technique until I have it down. Spend the time to master things and it will pay off with your fish catching results.”