What is it they say, "When the tough get going...."? Well, when the fishing gets tougher....... go buy some golf clubs!

Not really, just kidding! But if you're like most of the bass anglers of the Sooner State this year, you've had a year like most have never seen before - tough! The fish, besides the pressure of the tournament crowds, have had to struggle to ward off LMBV and not much rain. The watery world in which they live has become a dangerous place; low dissolved oxygen from lack of rain; a virus that only affects bass between 14 inches and Lunker size; and anglers that just won't leave them alone, day or night.

But when conditions get tough like this, I figure the better anglers will still place well in competition. The problem is, how can YOU become one of those better anglers?

My experience has been my savior when it comes to this question. After more than forty years fishing for bass, I have more experiences on which to draw than most guys (When the old brain works right!), but at times, they don't even seem to help. So then, what else can you do?

I find it helpful to stay concentrated, focused if you will. We have all, at one time or another, let our attention slip after a long time between bites, only to get a "rod jerker" when we least expect it. Then you cuss yourself for missing that bite, maybe the only one you get that day.

Even the pros have problems catching fish at times. What do they do? They try something different; a strange color combination that no one else is throwing; a different approach or bait - if everyone is throwing spinnerbaits, they'll switch to cranks, or jigs. Just something to give the fish a different look.

But above all, when it gets tough like it has been this year, concentrate, visualize, stay focused and be alert to what is happening around you. Mother Nature will sometimes give you a hint if you just watch what is happening above the waterline.

I said visualize. Do you know what I mean? To visualize, you must have a vivid imagination. Try to "see" what your bait is doing when you present it to the fish. Try to picture in your head, the jig or worm crawling over a limb and falling to the bottom or the next limb or rock. Give it the most natural action you can by twitching your rod tip as it falls. Pause your crank baits as you retrieve them and give them a few quick jerks, then start your retrieve again. If you bump an object with your bait, give it an erratic action for a few seconds. At times this is all that is needed to get a big ol' bass off its duff and take action on the "invader".

One of the best ways to perfect your fishing is in the swimming pool. (No, not you stupid! Cast your LURE in!) If you ask a pro how many days he's spent at the pool, you might be surprised. Many take their lures with them to the pool in order to evaluate how they should best be retrieved and what action the pro takes to give the lure the desired action. Try it. You may learn something.

But hint after hint will only spawn new ideas. The ability to think may be the only difference between you and a fish, but it is your edge over them. Put it to good use. Try something new and see if you can get out of the tough days on the water. THINK!