Success is Intentional

We’re excited to bring you expert tips and insights to help you become a more confident angler. This month, I want to talk about what I call “Success is Intentional”—the idea that preparation and planning before you ever arrive at the ramp can make all the difference once you’re on the water.

As we move through this transitional time of year, conditions can vary widely depending on your location. Some anglers up north are still facing winter’s chill, while those farther south might already be in pre-spawn mode. No matter where you fish, the key remains the same: be intentional with your approach. Study your maps—whether you’re using Garmin, Lowrance or Humminbird electronics or even an old-school paper map—and pinpoint the structure, cover, and likely feeding areas. Form a plan based on the season, local weather, and how you expect the fish to behave.

Once you’re on the water, having multiple rods rigged for different depths is crucial. If fish are “floating high” in the water column, you’ll want a rod set up with shallow jerk baits, minnow-type baits or shallow-running crankbaits to tempt those roaming predators. If they’re hanging mid-depth, switch to deeper jerkbaits, minnow-type baits, or a finesse swimbait. If they’re locked on the bottom, be prepared with jigs, Texas rigs, or other bottom-contact presentations, but don’t forget A-rigs and big swim baits. By rigging several rods in advance, you can quickly adapt without wasting time tying knots when you should be fishing.

I remember a tough day on Lake Eufaula when the water temperature dropped overnight, pushing bass unexpectedly deeper. Because I had planned ahead and rigged a variety of setups—including deeper crankbaits and bottom-oriented jigs—I pivoted quickly and avoided a slow day. Those simple adjustments helped me land a solid limit by the afternoon. That’s the power of intentional preparation: when you have a clear strategy and the right tools at your fingertips, you’ll be ready for whatever the day brings.

Thanks for joining us for our inaugural newsletter. Stay tuned for more tips, gear insights, and stories from the water. Here’s to fishing with purpose—and remember, success is intentional!

-Scott Palmer