THANK YOU for all the positive messages and comments. I feel like I had a higher purpose for getting sent home early and don't question His destiny for why things happen.
FFS is not new. It's been in the hands of the pros since 2018. Many didn't realize what they had and did not utilize to it's full potential. Once the public got their hands on it, and started putting many hours behind it, the real power of it showed. the pros slacked on the learning curve and it shows. Now, they are on the most level playing field there is.
Did you listen to the video??????? John freely admits he made mistakes. Finishing that low isn't because anyone else did well. FFS is such a stupid thing to blame. Thanks user-sd7cs1zx4r (Randy) for adding nothing to the conversation.
@@jimoconnor8597 Livescope derangement syndrome. For these afflicted types, they are so consumed by Randy’s sermons of negativity that every fishing video is the apocalypse and ffs is the root cause. Why? “Trust me bro”- Randy
John, you know you are a better angler than these last 2 tournaments have shown. There's no doubt that the young anglers coming in have figured out how to use FFS, but I think it also has the heads spinning of a lot of the experienced guys, which causes them to second guess themselves. Just go to Florida and fish the way you know how, and you'll be successful. We are all rooting for you!
If you're referring to viewership growth of course viewership grows in everything with the population, more people more viewers it isn't rocket science
Keep your head up man, keep grinding and it will work out! I actually saw you out on the water on Thursday on Fork, you were across the cove from a spot I was fishing.
I’m praying for you my friend. You are not alone in the season struggles and many other pros are having to readjust. Keep your head up, and have the faith you have the skills and knowledge to do this. KISS- start with your confidence baits
Ok John , you got this! I appreciate everything you do and everything you’re saying. I understand, fishing has changed. I don’t like it! With that being said , everything in life changes and you just have to adapt, adjust, and overcome. You are a winner! I believe in you and you will get it back on track! Never give up Crews
FFS has ruined bass tournaments. It Will eventually affect the fisheries for recreational anglers. Youre a hammer...keep plugging away and dont give up.
It’s more that people who make these comments on every fishing video that’s running fishing. You people will twist and turn every video into something about ffs. It’s truly an insane phenomenon. Livescooe derangement syndrome
I hope all goes better for you with the rest of your tournaments this year. I hate to say it but scoping is the new tidal wave to tournament bass fishing success. I don't like it being used in bass tournaments. I believe it's going to ruin some great bass fishermens careers, and cause some to retire early. Thanks for making this video to let us other fishermen understand some of the reality of tournament fishing and its impact on the fishermen. I wish you GOOD LUCK in your next tournaments. Remember, Preparation + Opportunity + Faith = Success
J crews I so wanted to catch u in fork an just tell you yes sir sucks when we don’t perform at the level we striving for but I want u to know your mark you made and continue to make isn’t in how well you fish but the character of how u as. Man are! I still in amazement of how generous genuine and gracious u are an have been with us as fans customers and avid fishermen that admire the sport! Real man of God and ambassador for the sport ! Love u brother!
Well, I certainly needed to hear that this am, I bombed yesterday in my local club at the place that I usually do the best at and now I find myself in an early hole and a good bit behind some fairly consistent people. I’m going to shake it off and focus on my strengths for the next couple to make up some ground. Thanks
Your a very honest man!! Been watching you for years! Your a very strong jig n' pig fisherman! Go back to the basics! If thats not working go out deeper and cast a stickbait or minnow style bait maybe even a slow rolling spinnerbait. If you can't beat em' join em'. Lol.. Hope you turn things around bud! I'm routing for ya! Fish on!!
I wouldnt even buy a baitcaster if i was just starting out in pro angling. Just spend all your money on FFS and get a few spinning rods with baby baits.
@@JanoyCresva How stupid. Dude that finished 3rd had a baitcaster, 25lb flouro and only just threw jigs. Boat flipped everything he caught. Pay attention Randy. John even states all he is learning about fish with FFS and their habits. He banked fished and that was his mistake. Had nothing to do with FFS or spinning rods.
You’re an awesome pro and the funk will definitely go away. Positive thinking and go out there and fish your strengths. You got this! Love your videos and I know what you have taught me has helped me a ton. Thank you!
Appreciate you putting yourself out there, In the words of GMAN just keep a PMA. Love it or hate it FFS isn't going anywhere, if anglers want to stay competitive they're just going to need to learn it, the "scopers" have been fishing long before FFS was a thing, they just embraced it, learned it and got good at it. GL in the next 7 derby's.
To help myself to stop overthinking everything. On my way to the ramp instead of listening to info and keeping my mind on that. I went back to jamming out my favorite music on the way. Sounds simple and dull. But was the difference for me to get back to a clear head and have my mind in a better place to start
@@JohnCrews So simple. But is so good to just get back level. Puts me back in neutral. Hopefully it helps. Ill be rooting for ya. Plz plz keep making sweet d bombs for me to keep pulling hawgs. Thanks in advance
Is FFS IS THE WAY MOST TOURNAMENTS WILL BE WON IN THE FUTURE. I AM TRYING TO LEARN HOW TO USE IT. AND ITS NOT EASY WHEN UR 57 YRS OLD. HANG IN THERE YOU WILL BE OK GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Sounds like you got the poison out on the long ride back home. I agree with you on not chasing the points. It's a distraction you don't need. You got the adjustment plan in place so as a former co-worker used to say nothin to it but to do it. Good Luck
Matt Stefan just put out a video on this subject. You might want to watch it. I'm not worth a crap with my electronics, and I no longer fish tournaments. However, if I did still tournament fish, I would concentrate on the FFS after looking at the standings of the last couple of tournaments. The shallow water anglers were down the list. The young anglers are good. Don't worry, you will figure it out.
As the song goes when you hot your hot, when your not your not. The main thing is not to let that crap get in your head. Eventually the tables will turn and victory will be very sweet. Keep me at it man, you know what you’re doing out there just get the practice in and trust the process. And when it’s your turn embellish in the moment then keep pressing forward. Good luck bro.
Someone needs to start a professional tour with 2D sonar only. We need to get back to real bass fishing. Slamming monsters in shallow water , that’s bass fishing.
I haven’t had forward facing very long but one CZcams video I watched brought up where your transducer was mounted. I have been simply throwing the bait where the arrow is pointing on my trolling motor. Then I thought my transducer is on the right side of the shaft. Once I started casting a little bit more to the right of the arrow is actually were my transducer is mounted it made a difference. I think I could be a lot more accurate if I had the NBT. Scott Martin has a killer bracket for his graphs and they telescope up about 2ft making it easier to see the screen. You might already have that.
I love Livescope as well! It's soooo fun and so good to learn fish behavior... But you're right- them young guys are not taking vacations. They're not going hunting in the off season. If you're not hungry you will be left behind 👍
I think you learn about yourself and about what you can improve with these bad days. There are more good days than bad days. Keep your head up Buddy and you will get out of this slump.
As a really old guy, I've had my ffs for a year now. If you take a pole out of the box on 1st days practice, you will be out of the top 20, and if you shut off your big motor 1st or 2nd day you will be out of the top 50. Drop the trolling motor and start pulling rods only on day 3 of practice. As you will know where the 5 top spots for a 30lb bag is living and your experience will guide you how to catch them to the top 10. And those are the facts we are facing. Your electronics is your only edge to compete
Keep grinding! I like to run when I get all discombobulated. You're a fantastic angler, and you fish against the best anglers in bass fishing. There are going to be times when you slip some. Trust your work and your equipment, and try going for a run! Or a few! Clemente Gutierrez MGySgt USMC
I can't see how those tournaments are not going to be dominated by ffs too. I'd be shocked if we see more than a handful of guys break the top ten this year without scoping.
In the past when I've been in a slump, I pick a lake I love to fish, and just go wack on them for a while. Piercing some lips helps me get back into the swing of things and helps me shake it off and get my confidence back.
I listen to the Vets saying ( I have to start using or getting better with FFS !) It’s at least 2 years of TOTAL dedication to that technology! You just can’t say I’m going to start using it ! The young guys are total subject matter experts in the technology! Right now it will be hard for you to compete!!! Even if they limit transducers it won’t help ! One of the best FFS hammers only uses 1 ! To catch up you will need to use it every minute the rest of the year and use it fun fishing every minute! It’s just reality !!! Sometimes even the best need to hear and face the truth head on ! Those young guys are spending every minute of their life improving their tech game ! You can’t go at it half way !!! All in or all out !!!
When I get in a fishing rut and Im struggling like that, I put down the bass equipment and go catch some crappie. If its in May or June, I will go try to catch some big bluegill on the nest. After that, its usually a little easier to get my mind back to where it needs to be to catch some bass.
Thanks for your honesty. I think you have the right attitude. Remember the past but don’t dwell on it. You can only impact the future. Good luck the rest of the season. 👍🏻🎣🙏🏻
John, just saw your post. You are too good a fisherman to be beating yourself up. I still keep up with y'all and I pull for all of you I know. I do like the see some of the young guies
I think a lot of you John! Things have changed since FFS came a long.The guys that are the oldest, usually have the hardest time adjusting. Good luck to you!
John you are good just keep live scooping it is the way too go you find them you will catch them you can go on any lake in the USA for a day or two with live scoop you will find them milt go get them man
John, we appreciate your honesty and humility. Continue to embrace technology as it is the future. You are a young veteran who has the ability to adapt unlike some who will find it to difficult. Just like all high school athletes in other sports these kids are at another level and are skilled and well schooled at how to find fish with FFS. Will be pulling for you the rest of the way sir.
Thank you for not using your platform to belittle the rookies or blame FFS. I think a lot of the veterans have taken being a pro for granted and are flat out getting out worked by the rookie class. Best of luck for the rest of the year!
FFS needs to be removed from competition. Pros need to be able to be pros. Experience. Knowledge. Being able to pattern a lake. Variety of lure skills. These have all been removed as a necessity to be a pro. It’s like the PGA Tour… every pro is a great ball striker from tee to green. It’s putting the ball great for four days that makes the difference. It’s why laser slope and laser levelers are banned in competition. Heck they even banned pre-made green reading books. It’s so that experience, knowledge, practice rounds, hard work and the talent ability to read the green, in the moment really matters.
Never further from the truth... If this was true, the experienced anglers like Lee Livesey, would have been in the top 10 with no question. He fishes Fork religiously. He shouldn't need FFS to catch a big limit every single day from all his past experience and his win last year on Fork. Stating these younger guys have no experience is BS also. They had to fish their way through the Opens to get to the Elite series. They have taken all the experience these other pros have, and shortened their learning curves. Were you against Kobe coming into the league right out of HS? They said that would ruin basketball. Nope. FFS helps you locate the fish but you still have to be experienced enough to know where that location is, then make pinpoint casts, with the right bait, and try to make the fish bite. If FFS was so simple as you see it, all these pros would have had 100lbs too. If you ever used it, you would be shocked at how difficult it is unless you spend time with it. Did you see all the lures Trey used to catch his fish, yeah a variety. He even talks about how he switched to flipping docks based on what he was seeing and feeling out on the water. He is a pro, sorry. He is an Elite Series angler and just went out and caught fish like he knows how and won. FFS isn't going away whether you or I like it. Many more tournaments will be won using it. Just like when flipping first came out.
@@jimoconnor8597 good comments and I have no criticisms whatsoever for the younger anglers but your analogy is not correct. The rules of basketball weren't changed in the NBA when Kobe, LeBron and other out of high schoolers joined - unlike in BASS, MLF and all other tournaments. The NBA didn't allow spring assisted shoes to let them jump higher nor did they allow shooting gloves to be used (which is an actual thing) to let the athletes help them shoot more consistently in games and make more baskets. No, they had to perform under the same rules & conditions, without the aid of technology/tools during competition. That is not what is happening in fishing right now, with technologically assisted tools like FFS helping anglers find fish, find the correct species of fish, observe fish reactions to lures live, catch more fish and catch higher weight limits. Live underwater video cameras are banned from competition... why?... because they offer an advantage that does not rely on talent, decision making and execution to help catch fish. It is a tool that enhances the capability of the person using it to catch. That defeats the entire purpose of having a sport? Technology tools are banned for use by the athletes in nearly every single pro sport - Golf (can't ride in carts, driver length 45", anchored putters, golf ball distance, driver club head size, club face MOI spring, laser rangefinders, laser slope tools, laser levelers, etc.), archery (laser range finders, laser sighting), baseball (bats), football (sticky gloves), cricket (bats), swimming (suits), running (Nike Vapor Fly & other "springy" shoes), cycling (recumbent designs, motors in bikes, frame design limitations, aero socks/helmets/suits) examples galore. It's sad that their is not enough non-endemic money in the fishing sport, necessary to sustain the sport, to allow the organizers to make a good sound decision in the best interest of the participants and sport. It's all economics at this point and the longer it goes unchecked, the harder it will be to make changes. Debate is good, conversation is healthy but my opinion is that FFS is bad for the sport, bad for the tournaments, bad for co-angler participation, and the one thing that may actually cause a change... bad for TV ratings. But most importantly, I believe it to be bad for the overall health of our fisheries. The sad thing is we won't know until it's too late and the sport fish population gets pressured beyond recovery. There are already too many tournaments, people taking fish from lakes and high fish mortality caused by anglers.
@@TylerKTanaka Lake Falcon happened forever ago and no FFS. How did they do it? Steve Kennedy got lucky and then Paul Elias even luckier. You do know that these pro anglers have been using FFS since 2018 right? Where have all the big bags been? Why isn't every single pro catching 100lbs every single tourney? There are also studies from various lakes proving that a very small population (less than 6%) are ever caught. How will FFS destroy the lakes? Look at homes being built on lakes and farm fertilizer run off if you want a villain, its not FFS. I'll push back on the ratings deal too. Seems there are more people tuning in than ever. Who actually watches TV anymore?? Pretty sure BASS said 25% increase in viewership and hundreds of thousands of viewers/subs on CZcams. Ever think the younger generation amy actually like seeing this style of fishing? Just like with the anglers, its a changing of the guard. Like it or not, change happens with everything. I'm 60, I know. PS I'm a marathon runner and Nike's shoes were not banned. I just ran a major marathon in the "springy things" LOL Vaporfly V3. Yep, 3 versions in and not banned. Nice try attempting to prove your point but you are completely wrong on the shoes... I don't know about the other things but I'll guess from the "shoe fact" that there may be glaring inaccuracies as well. If you ever use FFS or are in a boat that has it, you will quickly find it is the furthest thing from shooting fish in a barrel. John readily admits this and he is "one of those pros".
When I’m at the bottom looking up, the main question may not be ‘how do I get out of this hole?’ In reality, the main question might be ‘how do I get rid of the shovel that I used to dig it ? I believe that if you fish 'for you', the rest will take are of itself. Good Luck ~
I relate pro bass fishing now to the steroid era in baseball. Everyone wants to see the big home runs at any cost and it's hard to get away from that. I get it but there will always be an asterisk by it unless they figure it out or have a separate tour for ffs🤷♥️🐟
I fish in the little league's of bass fishing. We have livescope but to be honest we are shallow water fisherman. That's where we shine. So we been ignoring livescope. These late winter tournaments I seen first hand huge bags coming in. It won't be long and ffs will dominate the little league's as well. I hate ffs, for me it takes the magic out of fishing. We will see how this season goes.
Downsize your baits and go natural colors. No crazy colors. Fished a tourney this weekend, sluggo w/ chart tipped tail wasn’t getting it done. Switched to all black and blue, caught em back to back. Where I messed up, sky went overcast, and I didn’t switch to white charterbait bc I was too dialed in on my sluggo. Lesson: Adjust to the conditions as they are happening
When you drive away pissed at yourself, friends, partners.... Blaming people... That's a loss. To identify and SEE? Literally ascend and see? F'n win, brutha man. See ya at the next.
Unfortunately, yours is a common story amongst the established pros. I've heard that mentioned a fair bit, except most of them want to piss and moan about the lack of ability with FFS. I think that plays a part, but as much as anything it boils down to the old TOW. I think your honesty with your self will serve you well going forward.
when I lose confidence in a confidence bait, I pretend I'm teaching someone who has never fished, exactly what I do... the speed I'm turning the reel handle (quantify it... 1 revolution every 3 seconds or whatever you use) where I expect the bite (as bait is falling or just as I lift off bottom), what a subtle bite is going to feel like, and when I set the hook.. its the fastest way I know how to get my confidence back and usually it is because I have been fishing too fast. Only takes one bite where you expect it to get things back on track.
This might not be the place but I'd like to spread this idea. In golf, the pros can use a rangefinder in practice but not in the tournament. This seems like the compromise that livescope would be. Use it to practice only.
John, you'll bounce back. Like you said you learned something so it wasn't a total loss. Just go back to the basics & take 1 tournament at a time & adapt......stay positive, stay focused & dial it in!
Hey you got this big dog. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking time away. It’s a slow start, but you’ve got your mind in the right place. It’s gonna start falling in place.
You’re gonna turn it around I really like watching your videos put your trust in the creator and not the created and you’ll be fine hang in there buddy it’s gonna be great
Brother just keep looking up! Never drop your head because the fish will come. I’ve had FFS for two years and I’m still learning it. I get to the point I just want to rip it off my boat. But in the last two tournaments I have seen a lot of the elites scratching their heads. The fish just didn’t bite for many of you guys.
Its not fishing now its hunting.. i like the new format its actually funner to watch . I noticed the same thing locally. I came back to fishing and I'm getting beat by guys. I used to beat all the time. It's because they have f. F. S
To change the narrative of bass fishing today for the veteran anglers it is gonna take a group/majority of anglers to say this is enough. Do not get me wrong I think ffs is an awesome tool. It just seems to me technology has become far more important than technique.
John said it himself. He did not execute and only caught 3 Fish. Before FFS, 3 Fish is not going to place or move you to day 3. You can not blame FFS for him only catching 3 fish. The young guy who came in 2nd or 3rd, threw jigs in only 2 colors for 4 days, on docks and trees. The tourneys start with 103 anglers, not everyone gets to continue onto the next day. Wishing you the best in the upcoming tournaments.
A 19 year old not only won but blew it away…..FFS JUST PROVED YOU DON’T NEED ANY BASS SKILLS TO CATCH FISH….THIS WILL DEFINITELY RUIN THE SPORT…..FIX IT BEFORE ITS TO LATE
Just hang in there buddy!! keep it simple and just take it one fish at a time. I have never tournament fished and I don't think it would be much fun due to the stress. I just fish for fun and food. I still am routing for you. I haven't done so well on Fantasy Bass at all when you don't do good neither do I.
Sorry to hear it. You all have got to return to traditional bass, fishing techniques, and ethics. By then I mean, eliminating the use of Ford facing sonar during tournament competition days. It is not Fairchase it’s no different than using drones to hunt deer in real time.best of luck to you.
Haven't you guys had years and multiple offseasons to learn the forward facing sonar offshore deal? It's not like this is something that just snuck up on everybody.
I think the best thing for a fishing funk is to just relax. It’s just fishing, enjoy yourself without being so worried about catching. Then the catching will happen.
You can't change the past only the future. This next tournament, look at it as the beginning of the season. I hope to see you at the Harris Chain tournament. You must have drove your rig down the road like a Missile to already get home. LOL!!!
What about some of these people that were foul hooking the fish and still counting them as a catch.I always thought that they had to be hooked in the mouth.
John keep on live scoop you will come out of the hole you got know how it is done I think if they have a turnament in California lakes where the twenty pounders are think you will see a two hundred pound bag or two live scop
Here is a view not spoken. I have fished local and state trnys off and on since the mid 80's. I even fished against Blaukat back in the day. I got away from it for short spurts but always came back. Last trnys I fished were about 3 yrs ago. Learned pretty damn quick that even though I was as good as I had always been without side scan and or 360 and now ffs I was not a factor anymore. I could still catch what I had always been able to catch which was enough back in the day to pay for a boat or two and have a lot of fun. That weight simply was not cutting rhe mustard anymore. Instead of having a couple of good anchor fish to get you paid you now gotta have all anchors. I am too old and just dont give a shit about learning another way to use a damn computer. So I fish for fun and still get a hard on when a giant gets on. My pb is 14-5 so I am a blessed boy....final thought. There was a time I would give up eatin to fish a trny. I would never give up a second of my life to video fish.....but then I do not make a living at it. I like watching you fish Mr Crews. You got the right stuff to play the game. You dont and cant lose that ability. Dont let a damn piece of crap computer steal that from you. Never doubt your abilities. Just adjust accordingly as the newness of ffs will wear off and that fad will pass. And I am starting to see the backlash of ai intrusion into a once pure sport. May not end well for the bots.....
THANK YOU for all the positive messages and comments. I feel like I had a higher purpose for getting sent home early and don't question His destiny for why things happen.
Awesome video. I hope you can find your groove and finish well the rest of the season. You are a great guy John
It’s sad that so many highly skilled angers are finding their skills no longer matter because of FF sonar.
And those anglers even defend FFS, like wtf?
FFS is not new. It's been in the hands of the pros since 2018. Many didn't realize what they had and did not utilize to it's full potential. Once the public got their hands on it, and started putting many hours behind it, the real power of it showed. the pros slacked on the learning curve and it shows. Now, they are on the most level playing field there is.
You are wrong. Those same skills are what the guys that hide ffs use to find fish. You have been propagandized
Did you listen to the video??????? John freely admits he made mistakes. Finishing that low isn't because anyone else did well. FFS is such a stupid thing to blame. Thanks user-sd7cs1zx4r (Randy) for adding nothing to the conversation.
@@jimoconnor8597 Livescope derangement syndrome. For these afflicted types, they are so consumed by Randy’s sermons of negativity that every fishing video is the apocalypse and ffs is the root cause. Why? “Trust me bro”- Randy
You’re a straight-forward, honest, class act! That is why I respect you so much. All the best the rest of the year.
Good luck man. Tough start but look forward to seeing how you do the rest of the way.
I am so sorry for what has happened. I feel for you. I am confident that you can make a run during the rest of the season.
you usually do great in Florida, especially St Johns!! You got this.
John, you know you are a better angler than these last 2 tournaments have shown. There's no doubt that the young anglers coming in have figured out how to use FFS, but I think it also has the heads spinning of a lot of the experienced guys, which causes them to second guess themselves. Just go to Florida and fish the way you know how, and you'll be successful. We are all rooting for you!
I’ve always liked your videos…thx for sharing your recent tournament (FFS) struggles and your drive to do better…best of luck…
B.A.S.S. Is a nightmare right now due to the almighty dollar and power of electronic companies. So sad to witness.
Obviously you’re not at the tournaments and not seeing the numbers from viewers
If you're referring to viewership growth of course viewership grows in everything with the population, more people more viewers it isn't rocket science
Sounds like someone is getting influenced by Randy’s conspiracy theories
@@muthafukajones1513 lol no we just have a brain and don't need ffs
@@Theburningseason ok Randy blockhead. I was at Lake Fork were you?
Keep your head up man, keep grinding and it will work out! I actually saw you out on the water on Thursday on Fork, you were across the cove from a spot I was fishing.
I think all the older pros need to evaluate what’s going on. When your top 8 of your top 10 is rookies what do you think it is ? Scoping
100% this is just the start of the nightmare.
yeah everyone on the tour level better learn how to use ffs or its gonna be a long year.
Oh they are fully aware. Sadly all the years of hard work veteran anglers have put into the sport just doesn’t apply anymore. It’s sad.
Oh Crews is now worrying ? You guys are the worst , now open ur mouth
I told this to Jason Christie’s face at a seminar in WA state this year. Awsome guy, but he didnt seem to get what i was saying.
You said it right, those 2 are over and done with. Just keep grinding and get after the next one!! Good luck!!
Good luck buddy! You got this!
I’m praying for you my friend. You are not alone in the season struggles and many other pros are having to readjust. Keep your head up, and have the faith you have the skills and knowledge to do this. KISS- start with your confidence baits
John your one of the best on tour. We all have bad days and a we have no doubt, your gonna turn your year around.
I love the honesty. You’ll be ok. 👍🏼
Stay focused we all hit a funk keep pushing I have learned so much from you big fan put head down go d brother
Ok John , you got this! I appreciate everything you do and everything you’re saying. I understand, fishing has changed. I don’t like it! With that being said , everything in life changes and you just have to adapt, adjust, and overcome. You are a winner! I believe in you and you will get it back on track! Never give up Crews
FFS has ruined bass tournaments. It Will eventually affect the fisheries for recreational anglers. Youre a hammer...keep plugging away and dont give up.
Agreed agreed agreed 👍🏻
It’s more that people who make these comments on every fishing video that’s running fishing. You people will twist and turn every video into something about ffs. It’s truly an insane phenomenon. Livescooe derangement syndrome
I hope all goes better for you with the rest of your tournaments this year. I hate to say it but scoping is the new tidal wave to tournament bass fishing success. I don't like it being used in bass tournaments.
I believe it's going to ruin some great bass fishermens careers, and cause some to retire early.
Thanks for making this video to let us other fishermen understand some of the reality of tournament fishing and its impact on the fishermen. I wish you GOOD LUCK in your next tournaments. Remember, Preparation + Opportunity + Faith = Success
Faith first
I’m rooting for you man. I think a lot of pros got a kick in the pants realizing the change that has happened
J crews I so wanted to catch u in fork an just tell you yes sir sucks when we don’t perform at the level we striving for but I want u to know your mark you made and continue to make isn’t in how well you fish but the character of how u as. Man are! I still in amazement of how generous genuine and gracious u are an have been with us as fans customers and avid fishermen that admire the sport! Real man of God and ambassador for the sport ! Love u brother!
Well, I certainly needed to hear that this am, I bombed yesterday in my local club at the place that I usually do the best at and now I find myself in an early hole and a good bit behind some fairly consistent people. I’m going to shake it off and focus on my strengths for the next couple to make up some ground. Thanks
Love your mind set....can't win em all man. Control what you can control and don't fret about the rest man. Still a great role model for the sport
Your a very honest man!! Been watching you for years! Your a very strong jig n' pig fisherman! Go back to the basics! If thats not working go out deeper and cast a stickbait or minnow style bait maybe even a slow rolling spinnerbait. If you can't beat em' join em'. Lol.. Hope you turn things around bud! I'm routing for ya! Fish on!!
Seems like FFS is going to rule Pre and Post-spawn going forward... Will even play in certain spawning situations like Scott Martin proved.
I wouldnt even buy a baitcaster if i was just starting out in pro angling. Just spend all your money on FFS and get a few spinning rods with baby baits.
@@JanoyCresva How stupid. Dude that finished 3rd had a baitcaster, 25lb flouro and only just threw jigs. Boat flipped everything he caught. Pay attention Randy. John even states all he is learning about fish with FFS and their habits. He banked fished and that was his mistake. Had nothing to do with FFS or spinning rods.
You’re an awesome pro and the funk will definitely go away. Positive thinking and go out there and fish your strengths. You got this! Love your videos and I know what you have taught me has helped me a ton. Thank you!
Appreciate you putting yourself out there, In the words of GMAN just keep a PMA. Love it or hate it FFS isn't going anywhere, if anglers want to stay competitive they're just going to need to learn it, the "scopers" have been fishing long before FFS was a thing, they just embraced it, learned it and got good at it. GL in the next 7 derby's.
You got this bro, no doubt 💯
To help myself to stop overthinking everything. On my way to the ramp instead of listening to info and keeping my mind on that. I went back to jamming out my favorite music on the way. Sounds simple and dull. But was the difference for me to get back to a clear head and have my mind in a better place to start
That is my deal too!
@@JohnCrews So simple. But is so good to just get back level. Puts me back in neutral. Hopefully it helps. Ill be rooting for ya. Plz plz keep making sweet d bombs for me to keep pulling hawgs. Thanks in advance
Best of luck John! You are a class act.
I'm with you on everything you said, and I am there now.
Stay focused!! You can better yourself before the northern swing. Good luck JC
Is FFS IS THE WAY MOST TOURNAMENTS WILL BE WON IN THE FUTURE. I AM TRYING TO LEARN HOW TO USE IT. AND ITS NOT EASY WHEN UR 57 YRS OLD. HANG IN THERE YOU WILL BE OK GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Stay positive. You got this.
Sounds like you got the poison out on the long ride back home. I agree with you on not chasing the points. It's a distraction you don't need. You got the adjustment plan in place so as a former co-worker used to say nothin to it but to do it. Good Luck
Do not doubt yourself sir. STAY POSITIVE AND PROUD!!
I heard a guy at the tackle shop say, “If you ain’t scoping you’re hoping”. 😅
😂
Thanks!
Matt Stefan just put out a video on this subject. You might want to watch it. I'm not worth a crap with my electronics, and I no longer fish tournaments. However, if I did still tournament fish, I would concentrate on the FFS after looking at the standings of the last couple of tournaments. The shallow water anglers were down the list. The young anglers are good. Don't worry, you will figure it out.
John you are one of the best , don’t keep donating ur money you put out , this is no longer fair bro
I just need to take my money back by catching them.
I think Rick Clunn said it best when he said he chooses to fish for the 20% of the fish he knows how to catch. Just do you John
As the song goes when you hot your hot, when your not your not. The main thing is not to let that crap get in your head. Eventually the tables will turn and victory will be very sweet. Keep me at it man, you know what you’re doing out there just get the practice in and trust the process. And when it’s your turn embellish in the moment then keep pressing forward. Good luck bro.
Someone needs to start a professional tour with 2D sonar only. We need to get back to real bass fishing. Slamming monsters in shallow water , that’s bass fishing.
A twist on what you said is coming.
The key is to be as good as others with FFS and also do what you do better than them. With that, you will be a consistent competitor.
I haven’t had forward facing very long but one CZcams video I watched brought up where your transducer was mounted. I have been simply throwing the bait where the arrow is pointing on my trolling motor. Then I thought my transducer is on the right side of the shaft. Once I started casting a little bit more to the right of the arrow is actually were my transducer is mounted it made a difference. I think I could be a lot more accurate if I had the NBT. Scott Martin has a killer bracket for his graphs and they telescope up about 2ft making it easier to see the screen. You might already have that.
I love Livescope as well! It's soooo fun and so good to learn fish behavior... But you're right- them young guys are not taking vacations. They're not going hunting in the off season. If you're not hungry you will be left behind 👍
I think you learn about yourself and about what you can improve with these bad days. There are more good days than bad days. Keep your head up Buddy and you will get out of this slump.
As a really old guy, I've had my ffs for a year now. If you take a pole out of the box on 1st days practice, you will be out of the top 20, and if you shut off your big motor 1st or 2nd day you will be out of the top 50. Drop the trolling motor and start pulling rods only on day 3 of practice. As you will know where the 5 top spots for a 30lb bag is living and your experience will guide you how to catch them to the top 10. And those are the facts we are facing. Your electronics is your only edge to compete
Mastering ffs and "mid strolling" is the only way to win right now, maybe we will see a new series without ffs eventually come along...
It wins when it is a player. Correct.
Keep grinding! I like to run when I get all discombobulated. You're a fantastic angler, and you fish against the best anglers in bass fishing. There are going to be times when you slip some. Trust your work and your equipment, and try going for a run! Or a few!
Clemente Gutierrez
MGySgt USMC
The Florida swing, South Carolina & the Bama swing - I see you righting the ship before you head north. Keep choppin’!
I can't see how those tournaments are not going to be dominated by ffs too. I'd be shocked if we see more than a handful of guys break the top ten this year without scoping.
In the past when I've been in a slump, I pick a lake I love to fish, and just go wack on them for a while. Piercing some lips helps me get back into the swing of things and helps me shake it off and get my confidence back.
I listen to the Vets saying ( I have to start using or getting better with FFS !) It’s at least 2 years of TOTAL dedication to that technology! You just can’t say I’m going to start using it ! The young guys are total subject matter experts in the technology! Right now it will be hard for you to compete!!! Even if they limit transducers it won’t help ! One of the best FFS hammers only uses 1 ! To catch up you will need to use it every minute the rest of the year and use it fun fishing every minute! It’s just reality !!! Sometimes even the best need to hear and face the truth head on ! Those young guys are spending every minute of their life improving their tech game ! You can’t go at it half way !!! All in or all out !!!
When I get in a fishing rut and Im struggling like that, I put down the bass equipment and go catch some crappie. If its in May or June, I will go try to catch some big bluegill on the nest. After that, its usually a little easier to get my mind back to where it needs to be to catch some bass.
Facts good advice
I’m pulling for you! Stay pumped up and remain positive!!! You will crackem!!!!!!!
Thanks for your honesty. I think you have the right attitude. Remember the past but don’t dwell on it. You can only impact the future. Good luck the rest of the season. 👍🏻🎣🙏🏻
John, just saw your post. You are too good a fisherman to be beating yourself up. I still keep up with y'all and I pull for all of you I know. I do like the see some of the young guies
I think a lot of you John! Things have changed since FFS came a long.The guys that are the oldest, usually have the hardest time adjusting. Good luck to you!
John you are good just keep live scooping it is the way too go you find them you will catch them you can go on any lake in the USA for a day or two with live scoop you will find them milt go get them man
John, we appreciate your honesty and humility. Continue to embrace technology as it is the future. You are a young veteran who has the ability to adapt unlike some who will find it to difficult. Just like all high school athletes in other sports these kids are at another level and are skilled and well schooled at how to find fish with FFS. Will be pulling for you the rest of the way sir.
Thank you for not using your platform to belittle the rookies or blame FFS. I think a lot of the veterans have taken being a pro for granted and are flat out getting out worked by the rookie class. Best of luck for the rest of the year!
It had to be a long two weeks for sure!!! I know the Bend & Fork can be extremely cruel at times!!! Good luck going forward “Trust the process”
You can do it Buddy!
FFS needs to be removed from competition. Pros need to be able to be pros. Experience. Knowledge. Being able to pattern a lake. Variety of lure skills. These have all been removed as a necessity to be a pro. It’s like the PGA Tour… every pro is a great ball striker from tee to green. It’s putting the ball great for four days that makes the difference. It’s why laser slope and laser levelers are banned in competition. Heck they even banned pre-made green reading books. It’s so that experience, knowledge, practice rounds, hard work and the talent ability to read the green, in the moment really matters.
Never further from the truth... If this was true, the experienced anglers like Lee Livesey, would have been in the top 10 with no question. He fishes Fork religiously. He shouldn't need FFS to catch a big limit every single day from all his past experience and his win last year on Fork. Stating these younger guys have no experience is BS also. They had to fish their way through the Opens to get to the Elite series. They have taken all the experience these other pros have, and shortened their learning curves. Were you against Kobe coming into the league right out of HS? They said that would ruin basketball. Nope. FFS helps you locate the fish but you still have to be experienced enough to know where that location is, then make pinpoint casts, with the right bait, and try to make the fish bite. If FFS was so simple as you see it, all these pros would have had 100lbs too. If you ever used it, you would be shocked at how difficult it is unless you spend time with it. Did you see all the lures Trey used to catch his fish, yeah a variety. He even talks about how he switched to flipping docks based on what he was seeing and feeling out on the water. He is a pro, sorry. He is an Elite Series angler and just went out and caught fish like he knows how and won.
FFS isn't going away whether you or I like it. Many more tournaments will be won using it. Just like when flipping first came out.
@@jimoconnor8597 good comments and I have no criticisms whatsoever for the younger anglers but your analogy is not correct. The rules of basketball weren't changed in the NBA when Kobe, LeBron and other out of high schoolers joined - unlike in BASS, MLF and all other tournaments. The NBA didn't allow spring assisted shoes to let them jump higher nor did they allow shooting gloves to be used (which is an actual thing) to let the athletes help them shoot more consistently in games and make more baskets. No, they had to perform under the same rules & conditions, without the aid of technology/tools during competition.
That is not what is happening in fishing right now, with technologically assisted tools like FFS helping anglers find fish, find the correct species of fish, observe fish reactions to lures live, catch more fish and catch higher weight limits. Live underwater video cameras are banned from competition... why?... because they offer an advantage that does not rely on talent, decision making and execution to help catch fish. It is a tool that enhances the capability of the person using it to catch. That defeats the entire purpose of having a sport?
Technology tools are banned for use by the athletes in nearly every single pro sport - Golf (can't ride in carts, driver length 45", anchored putters, golf ball distance, driver club head size, club face MOI spring, laser rangefinders, laser slope tools, laser levelers, etc.), archery (laser range finders, laser sighting), baseball (bats), football (sticky gloves), cricket (bats), swimming (suits), running (Nike Vapor Fly & other "springy" shoes), cycling (recumbent designs, motors in bikes, frame design limitations, aero socks/helmets/suits) examples galore. It's sad that their is not enough non-endemic money in the fishing sport, necessary to sustain the sport, to allow the organizers to make a good sound decision in the best interest of the participants and sport. It's all economics at this point and the longer it goes unchecked, the harder it will be to make changes.
Debate is good, conversation is healthy but my opinion is that FFS is bad for the sport, bad for the tournaments, bad for co-angler participation, and the one thing that may actually cause a change... bad for TV ratings. But most importantly, I believe it to be bad for the overall health of our fisheries. The sad thing is we won't know until it's too late and the sport fish population gets pressured beyond recovery. There are already too many tournaments, people taking fish from lakes and high fish mortality caused by anglers.
@@TylerKTanaka Lake Falcon happened forever ago and no FFS. How did they do it? Steve Kennedy got lucky and then Paul Elias even luckier. You do know that these pro anglers have been using FFS since 2018 right? Where have all the big bags been? Why isn't every single pro catching 100lbs every single tourney?
There are also studies from various lakes proving that a very small population (less than 6%) are ever caught. How will FFS destroy the lakes? Look at homes being built on lakes and farm fertilizer run off if you want a villain, its not FFS.
I'll push back on the ratings deal too. Seems there are more people tuning in than ever. Who actually watches TV anymore?? Pretty sure BASS said 25% increase in viewership and hundreds of thousands of viewers/subs on CZcams. Ever think the younger generation amy actually like seeing this style of fishing? Just like with the anglers, its a changing of the guard. Like it or not, change happens with everything. I'm 60, I know.
PS I'm a marathon runner and Nike's shoes were not banned. I just ran a major marathon in the "springy things" LOL Vaporfly V3. Yep, 3 versions in and not banned. Nice try attempting to prove your point but you are completely wrong on the shoes... I don't know about the other things but I'll guess from the "shoe fact" that there may be glaring inaccuracies as well.
If you ever use FFS or are in a boat that has it, you will quickly find it is the furthest thing from shooting fish in a barrel. John readily admits this and he is "one of those pros".
When I’m at the bottom looking up, the main question may not be ‘how do I get out of this hole?’ In reality, the main question might be ‘how do I get rid of the shovel that I used to dig it ? I believe that if you fish 'for you', the rest will take are of itself. Good Luck ~
I love that! Thanks for the tip.
@JohnCrews You're Welcome. Good Luck.
I relate pro bass fishing now to the steroid era in baseball. Everyone wants to see the big home runs at any cost and it's hard to get away from that. I get it but there will always be an asterisk by it unless they figure it out or have a separate tour for ffs🤷♥️🐟
Head down keep fishing hard lets go bro
Just go fishing John... its what you know and are good at. Stay strong, stay positive!
Keep your head up brother. Personally I believe ffs is hurting our sport in MANY ways.
I fish in the little league's of bass fishing. We have livescope but to be honest we are shallow water fisherman. That's where we shine. So we been ignoring livescope. These late winter tournaments I seen first hand huge bags coming in. It won't be long and ffs will dominate the little league's as well.
I hate ffs, for me it takes the magic out of fishing.
We will see how this season goes.
Keep your head up. You're a great angler. You'll turn it around.
Downsize your baits and go natural colors. No crazy colors. Fished a tourney this weekend, sluggo w/ chart tipped tail wasn’t getting it done. Switched to all black and blue, caught em back to back. Where I messed up, sky went overcast, and I didn’t switch to white charterbait bc I was too dialed in on my sluggo. Lesson: Adjust to the conditions as they are happening
When you drive away pissed at yourself, friends, partners.... Blaming people... That's a loss. To identify and SEE? Literally ascend and see? F'n win, brutha man. See ya at the next.
Unfortunately, yours is a common story amongst the established pros. I've heard that mentioned a fair bit, except most of them want to piss and moan about the lack of ability with FFS. I think that plays a part, but as much as anything it boils down to the old TOW. I think your honesty with your self will serve you well going forward.
when I lose confidence in a confidence bait, I pretend I'm teaching someone who has never fished, exactly what I do... the speed I'm turning the reel handle (quantify it... 1 revolution every 3 seconds or whatever you use) where I expect the bite (as bait is falling or just as I lift off bottom), what a subtle bite is going to feel like, and when I set the hook.. its the fastest way I know how to get my confidence back and usually it is because I have been fishing too fast. Only takes one bite where you expect it to get things back on track.
This might not be the place but I'd like to spread this idea. In golf, the pros can use a rangefinder in practice but not in the tournament. This seems like the compromise that livescope would be. Use it to practice only.
John, you'll bounce back. Like you said you learned something so it wasn't a total loss. Just go back to the basics & take 1 tournament at a time & adapt......stay positive, stay focused & dial it in!
He’s done
Not quite dead yet.
@@JohnCrews F**k FFS
Best of luck John just take it one tournament day at a time
Hey you got this big dog. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking time away. It’s a slow start, but you’ve got your mind in the right place. It’s gonna start falling in place.
You’re gonna turn it around I really like watching your videos put your trust in the creator and not the created and you’ll be fine hang in there buddy it’s gonna be great
Ffs is ruining fishing
Brother just keep looking up! Never drop your head because the fish will come. I’ve had FFS for two years and I’m still learning it. I get to the point I just want to rip it off my boat. But in the last two tournaments I have seen a lot of the elites scratching their heads. The fish just didn’t bite for many of you guys.
Brother, sit down at the start of every day you start fishing. Pray to the good Lord, and just fish. Hang in there.
Great advice.
Its not fishing now its hunting.. i like the new format its actually funner to watch . I noticed the same thing locally. I came back to fishing and I'm getting beat by guys. I used to beat all the time. It's because they have f. F. S
To change the narrative of bass fishing today for the veteran anglers it is gonna take a group/majority of anglers to say this is enough. Do not get me wrong I think ffs is an awesome tool. It just seems to me technology has become far more important than technique.
😂 this is great. Looks like Randy is making you all brave these days. You’re all alone, I hate to break it to you.
Thank You. Your name fits.@@muthafukajones1513
Don’t look at this as a nightmare look at it as a learning experience. Lee your head up and rock on
John said it himself. He did not execute and only caught 3 Fish. Before FFS, 3 Fish is not going to place or move you to day 3. You can not blame FFS for him only catching 3 fish. The young guy who came in 2nd or 3rd, threw jigs in only 2 colors for 4 days, on docks and trees. The tourneys start with 103 anglers, not everyone gets to continue onto the next day. Wishing you the best in the upcoming tournaments.
Bingo! Thanks man.
A 19 year old not only won but blew it away…..FFS JUST PROVED YOU DON’T NEED ANY BASS SKILLS TO CATCH FISH….THIS WILL DEFINITELY RUIN THE SPORT…..FIX IT BEFORE ITS TO LATE
Trey was winning big tournaments as a 12, 13, 14, 15 year old without FFS. He is special. I have known him for a while.
Self reflection is good for the soul. Stay positive, fishing is not easy. You have won before and will win again.
Just hang in there buddy!! keep it simple and just take it one fish at a time. I have never tournament fished and I don't think it would be much fun due to the stress. I just fish for fun and food. I still am routing for you. I haven't done so well on Fantasy Bass at all when you don't do good neither do I.
Sorry to hear it. You all have got to return to traditional bass, fishing techniques, and ethics. By then I mean, eliminating the use of Ford facing sonar during tournament competition days. It is not Fairchase it’s no different than using drones to hunt deer in real time.best of luck to you.
Haven't you guys had years and multiple offseasons to learn the forward facing sonar offshore deal? It's not like this is something that just snuck up on everybody.
I think the best thing for a fishing funk is to just relax. It’s just fishing, enjoy yourself without being so worried about catching. Then the catching will happen.
You can't change the past only the future. This next tournament, look at it as the beginning of the season. I hope to see you at the Harris Chain tournament. You must have drove your rig down the road like a Missile to already get home. LOL!!!
What about some of these people that were foul hooking the fish and still counting them as a catch.I always thought that they had to be hooked in the mouth.
John keep on live scoop you will come out of the hole you got know how it is done I think if they have a turnament in California lakes where the twenty pounders are think you will see a two hundred pound bag or two live scop
This guy has it going on in and out of the water!
Here is a view not spoken. I have fished local and state trnys off and on since the mid 80's. I even fished against Blaukat back in the day. I got away from it for short spurts but always came back. Last trnys I fished were about 3 yrs ago. Learned pretty damn quick that even though I was as good as I had always been without side scan and or 360 and now ffs I was not a factor anymore. I could still catch what I had always been able to catch which was enough back in the day to pay for a boat or two and have a lot of fun. That weight simply was not cutting rhe mustard anymore. Instead of having a couple of good anchor fish to get you paid you now gotta have all anchors. I am too old and just dont give a shit about learning another way to use a damn computer. So I fish for fun and still get a hard on when a giant gets on. My pb is 14-5 so I am a blessed boy....final thought. There was a time I would give up eatin to fish a trny. I would never give up a second of my life to video fish.....but then I do not make a living at it. I like watching you fish Mr Crews. You got the right stuff to play the game. You dont and cant lose that ability. Dont let a damn piece of crap computer steal that from you. Never doubt your abilities. Just adjust accordingly as the newness of ffs will wear off and that fad will pass. And I am starting to see the backlash of ai intrusion into a once pure sport. May not end well for the bots.....