Every sportsman needs a little time to get the mojo back

With most all of the lakes reopening at some level, I’m sure that many of us feel some sense of relief and normalcy just knowing we can fish again. What I didn’t expect from this time away from the lake was how it affected me when I returned to the water.

As I headed toward San Luis Reservoir for the first time since March, I had to keep reminding myself that I was actually going fishing again and I found myself being optimistically cautious. I didn’t want to be disappointed if I had a flat tire, a boat issue or something that might ruin this special day.

My brain began working again as I drove around the lake to the boat ramp. It’s amazing when you feel “like you” and all your machinery starts taking over.

I launched the boat and headed out for one of my spots. What were the fish doing, where were they, and would they bite? They had to be hungry and not nearly as spooky – or so we had assumed. I immediately caught a 20-inch school fish, followed by another. Wow, might be a great day!

Four hours later, there had been no more runs, hits or bites. I was beginning to suspect the fish were aware the lake had opened and skedaddled to parts unknown. I talked to others finding similar conditions. No one had fished the lake since it closed, so we had no idea what we would find – but we had expected better.

It’s around noon and I’ve noticed that so far I’m not operating at my usual capacity or speed. A little slower, indecisive and off-kilter. My arms, back and neck hurt; I had been out of action for awhile, and no gyms! I feel like I need a nap, but it’s a “never give up!” moment.

I keep scouting, and finally my sonar signals a few fish. I get a hit, a good fish around 30 inches and over 10 pounds that I release. Finally! Something clicks in my brain. In the next couple hours I catch several more nice fish. I can feel the tide has turned and my confidence is back.

The best part of this first trip back wasn’t the catching. The real breakthrough: My mojo was up and working again! The long wait had affected my game and confidence more than I imagined. There’s a fine line between being in the zone or just fishing, one that makes all the difference. It took awhile to get going and keep going. Sure glad I didn’t stop. Never give up! (But the nap still sounds good!)

This story was originally published May 26, 2020 at 12:10 PM with the headline "Every sportsman needs a little time to get the mojo back."