February 13, 2020

Brandon Cobb: Wind and Spectator Pressure at the 2020 Bassmaster Classic

provided by John Phillips

fishing the wind

I don’t like a substantial wind when I’m fishing. A wind of 5-15 mph won’t bother me that much, but a wind of more than that is one of my biggest weaknesses in fishing successfully. Trying to catch bass in 25-35 mph winds is tough on me, because my bouncing up and down on the front end of a boat doesn’t allow me to work my lures the way I want. Also, I can’t feel the structure or the bite. To be honest, I prefer to fish in monsoon-type rains than winds of 20 mph or more. I realize that all the anglers will have to deal with that kind of wind. Some anglers even like to fish in a roaring wind, but I’m not one of them. I prefer protected waters. In a strong wind, I’ll have a problem casting to targets and not presenting the bait to the bass the way I want.

I think one of the advantages I’ll have is I’ve fished in several Forrest L. Wood Cups, so I’m looking at the 2020 Classic at Lake Guntersville as just another tournament. My sponsors are at these big events to help me - not hurt me - because they want me to focus on winning. My family also understands what my job is, so they’ll not be a distraction. Although the Classic will have a bigger press corps than any other tournament I’ve ever fished, I don’t see that as a negative factor. I want the press to get to know me and me know them. I will do as many interviews as I can.

Now spectator pressure is a different problem. I actually lost the Forrest L. Wood Cup on the FLW circuit because of this. On the last day of the tournament, I had about 100 boats following me. I was running a milk run and only fishing each of my spots for three or four casts. However, when 100 people cranked-up their boats, followed me for a half-mile and then shut their boats down again - that much activity disturbed the bass. In that particular tournament, I was fishing between 50-75 locations each day. Normally, I’d stop well away from the bank I was attempting to fish, but I realized if I did, I’d only be able to fish 20-30 spots. Having said that, I should say that spectator pressure doesn’t bother me when I’m fishing the way I normally fish.

To learn more about Brandon Cobb visit his Facebook page.

Design and Develop Slam-Dunk Hunting Sites

Some hunting sites may be better than others, but even mediocre hunting sites can be improved. Learn strategies for creating a successful hunting site.

Deer, How-To, Mossy Oak Gamekeepers

Latest Content

Waterfowling Tips For Hunting The Mississippi Flyway

Whether a novice to the area or veteran hunter, there are a number of variables that dictate duck movements, and numbers and subsequently can spell success or lack-of-success to waterfowlers.

Waterfowl, How-To

Dealing with the Lockdown Phase

The reference is to the two-to-three-week period when sightings and encounters with bucks in the woods has slowed down dramatically or come to a screeching halt.

Deer, How-To

Make it a Mossy Oak Wild Game Thanksgiving

We asked our friend Jeremiah Doughty from From Field to Plate to write up a couple of Thanksgiving recipes that we’d be proud to hang our hat on, and he’s certainly done just that.

Wild Game Recipes, Ingredient Wild, Mossy Oak Gamekeeper Butchery

Mossy Oak Camo Bows and Bow Hunting Gear

We’ve got a great collection of bows and bow hunting accessories and gear in Mossy Oak camo. Whether you’re looking for a Bottomland or Country Roots bow or a new saddle or climber, this comprehensive list gives you all your options.

Big Game, Deer, Gear

Mossy Oak’s Annual Fox Hole Shootout Hits Record-Breaking Year with $290,000 Raised for St. Jude, Catch-a-Dream, Conservation

This year, the annual Fox Hole Shootout raised an incredible amount of $290,000– the highest amount raised in the event’s history.

Turkey, Fishing, Small Game, Deer, Waterfowl, Conservation, Land Management, News, Mossy Oak Properties

Waterfowl Population Surveys: How Wildlife Managers Assess Waterfowl Populations

Among the most important components involved in calculating how many birds can and will be taken in a given year is the annual waterfowl population surveys.

Waterfowl, Conservation, Land Management

Duck Hunting Rice Fields in Arkansas: The Rich History and Modern Strategies

Although mallards had been descending on the bottomland hardwoods, bayous, and swamps of Arkansas long before the 20th century, the legend of duck hunting in the natural states tends to coincide with the advent of rice farming.

Waterfowl, Mossy Oak Companions, Mossy Oak Gamekeepers

Mossy Oak's 2024 Christmas Gift Guide for Hunters and Anglers

Whether you need Christmas gift ideas for fisherman, Christmas gift ideas for deer hunters, or Christmas gift ideas for camo lovers, there's a great selection of products on our list here.

Fishing, Big Game, Small Game, Deer, Waterfowl, Gear

Duck Confit Garlic Fries

Duck confit is a cooking method that leave the meat insanely silky that just melts in your mouth. So, get in the kitchen and try something new.

Waterfowl, Wild Game Recipes, Ingredient Wild, Mossy Oak Gamekeeper Butchery

Toxey Haas's Tips for Brushing in a Duck Blind

Toxey Haas loves to hunt ducks. In these videos, he takes us through his essential kit for brushing in and repairing a duck blind as well as how he prepares his duck blinds every year.

Waterfowl, How-To

Mossy Oak's Woodsman Series is Back

The Mossy Oak Woodsman Series is Back. Rooted in everything core hunters expected from us in the early days, the Woodsman collection is thoughtfully designed, constructed with quality materials, quiet fabrics, sturdy stitching and of course, our timeless camouflage patterns. We're proud to celebrate the core of hunting, woodsmanship, and with seasonal collections on the horizon, we're excited to open the archives, add a few things and re-introduce these classic designs. The Mossy Oak Woodsman

Turkey, Big Game, Small Game, Deer, Waterfowl, Predator, Conservation, Land Management, Gear, Mossy Oak

From the Archive: Deer Calling Tips from the Pros

Originally published in the 1994 Mossy Oak Bowhunting Magazine, this article talks to professionals like Will Primos on calling in deer.

Deer

Explore All Posts