I’m covering Chris Zaldain this morning. I’ve spent several mornings in the past chasing him around. I’m always struck by his ability to just stick with something.
And it’s usually a big swimbait. That’s the case this morning with a glider getting its share of casts.
After an hour there’s not been a sniff of a bite. Quentin Cappo not too far away has caught a keeper, but Zaldain hasn’t appeared to even come close.
I’m sitting here with my boat driver for the week, Shane Fields. Both of us have our share of derby days. We’ve both commented that while Zaldain has basically stayed in one 20 yard circle, fan casting the same area we would have already covered half the lake. Chances are with the same production that Zaldain has had thus far.
But Zaldain is sticking. Obviously he has a lot of confidence in the place and the lures he’s throwing. Obviously he’s hardheaded about it. But what isn’t talked about much is his ability to stay focused on the task at hand waiting for the payoff that he believes will surely come.
The mental part of that is mind-boggling for a fishing hand that thinks that part of the lake looks good over there or over yonder.
It’s easier to pick up and hunt and peck around than to stay ready to pounce when it all of the sudden comes together.
Zaldain is a master of that. While parts of it are frustrating, like the wait, there is excitement brewing for that moment.
There’s a lot of old-school strategy in terms of fishing lessons in that. But most of us don’t have the patience to wait it out.