Do non smokers catch more bass?

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Tue May 27, 2008 9:50 pm

Just had my last cigarette. Wish me luck and will power. I should have my line in the water more now.

StockOption · Post by **StockOption** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:46 pm

Good luck with quitting.

It can be done.

NEVER AGAIN !!!!!

Jason C. · Post by **Jason C.** » Tue May 27, 2008 11:46 pm

Greg,
First off I would like to congratulate you on your decision to better your life and health in quitting smokeing! So...COGRATULATIONS!!!! I wish you all the luck in quitting and with all the cravings you will get, to give ya a little tip on the cravings I hear bananas are supposed to help with the cravings because of all the potassium they have in them. Just dont take any on the boat!

And now to your question on if non-smokes catch more fish, I dont really think it matters. I mean look at how many fish Cooch catches! But also, you never see any of the BASS elite guys(such as Kevin Van Dam, Mike Icconelli, Greg Hackney, Mike Reynolds ect ect...) ever smokeing and look how well they do! LOL Its kinda like how I used to think wearing sunscreen makes the fishing tougher, but I put that to rest when I caught a 7+ a 5 numerous 3's and 4's and a 6 when I was wearing sunscreen. Now I have the superstition out of my head. But you never know, you might think that the fish bite better now that you dont smoke!

Anyways...congratulations again on your big decision and GOOD LUCK!!!

aNNieNsaLTIE · Post by **aNNieNsaLTIE** » Wed May 28, 2008 1:03 am

I can tell you will LIVE LONGER TO STICK ABOUT...........

1000+ 3lbers 1000+ 7lbers
1000+ 4lber 1000+ 8lber
1000+ 5lbers
1000+ 6lbers

You get where i am going with this Greg? Congradulations!!!!! I use to smoke alot on those sleepless nights before fishing. That was untill my wife told me to quit.

now i sleep in until about 5 am, then head out. Now i do not smoke, still fish the same amount of time and sometimes more. i even hooked my PB after quiting!

heck you live close to CLEAR LAKE RIGHT? Even more right not to puff those things.

Steven

bassindon69 · Post by **bassindon69** » Wed May 28, 2008 4:37 am

Now that I quit this year I have done worse

Don.

Larry Douglas · Post by **Larry Douglas** » Wed May 28, 2008 4:45 am

Greg;

The 9th of next month will be my 2d year anniversary of quitting smoking.

Not sure if I catch more fish since quitting, but I no longer have to make sure I'm carrying that extra pack so I don't run out during the day.

Congratulations on your decision to quit. It may well be a life saving decision!

Larry

Hipster · Post by **Hipster** » Wed May 28, 2008 5:56 am

Congratulations on your decision to quit!!! I did it a few years back cold as cold turkey can be. I smoked a pack and a half a day when I made the habit kick.

Now to answer your question I say it makes no difference, in fact I would say I caught more fish as a smoker but and this is the big BUT

I have caught four of my five 10 lb plus fish since I quit

Go Figure!!

Enjoy life with out the Marlboro Man!!

Tin Can · Post by **Tin Can** » Wed May 28, 2008 7:00 am

My buddy who I fish with 99% of the time does not smoke, and I do smoke. I outfish him the majority of the time. I don't think it matters at all.

Good luck Greg, don't fold, it's going to be tough but you can do it if you really want to.

Cooch · Post by **Cooch** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:18 am

Greg_Cornish wrote:Just had my last cigarette. Wish me luck and will power. I should have my line in the water more now.

Congrats and good luck Greg!

I don't believe it makes any difference at all as to the actuall numbers ya do catch. Catching bass is all about understanding their environment, solving the pattern issue, discovering the right bait to trigger strikes and having some fun. None of which relates to smoking.

Yet I do personally believe, that the nicotine and carbon residue left on our hands, is an offensive tasting thing to a bass, much like gas, oil, sunscreen and our own human oils. It certainly is not natural to them. This is where using scents a lot, which I do as I smoke, to hide those offensive smells and tastes we introduce to bass that may cause them to reject out offerings.

Fishn Fighter · Post by **Fishn Fighter** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:27 am

thats awesome.... I have over 2 years myself and who cares about if you catch more fish ... Just the QUALITY of your life over all will be SOOOO much better.... Look at as how many MORE YEARS you will be fishing......

And COOCH??? you smoke I read somewhere you QUIT

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:38 am

Fishn Fighter wrote:And COOCH??? you smoke I read somewhere you QUIT

Hasn't everyone at some point?

I believe if I stop, I'll be healthy longer and live longer, therefore catch more bass. Beside, while seeking encouragement from you guys, I thought I should keep it bass related.

Fishn Fighter · Post by **Fishn Fighter** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:44 am

yeah some guy on here a couple of years ago encouraged a bunch of us to quit... I wonder where he went.... anyway.... YOU can do it ....I smoked 2 packs a day for 20 years... Quit COLD TURKEY.... Keep it up one day at a time ONE HOUR at a time if you have to....

Barry Watson · Post by **Barry Watson** » Wed May 28, 2008 9:14 am

Hang in there Greg....it is worth it, IMO.

I finally quit when my little granddaughter begged me to stop. That was 10 years ago, or more. I am sure my fishing partner of all these years appreciates it. No more ashes, stubs, burned spots on the carpet of his boat plus what he had to endure in the way of smell and smoke in his eyes. Now when I get next to someone that is a smoker, I think, good grief, did I used to smell that bad?

You will be in my thoughts and prayers old buddy. Many of us know what you are going through.

StockOption · Post by **StockOption** » Wed May 28, 2008 9:58 am

Fishn Fighter wrote:yeah some guy on here a couple of years ago encouraged a bunch of us to quit... I wonder where he went.... anyway.... YOU can do it ....I smoked 2 packs a day for 20 years... Quit COLD TURKEY.... Keep it up one day at a time ONE HOUR at a time if you have to....

Bassbones is around and still smoke free

Been just over two years for me.

NEVER AGAIN !!!!!

Greg what worked well for me was that every day I went without a cig I put away the cost of a pack to my tackle fund. Then at the end of each week I spent all my smoke savings on new tackle.

Good-luck !!!!!

FishyDave · Post by **FishyDave** » Wed May 28, 2008 10:05 am

I would think that if you live longer you will catch more fish in the long run :) I don't smoke but I could stand to lose a few pounds.... perhaps another survey? Do heavy guys catch more fish than skinny guys? Both are health issues and we should all strive to be healthy happy fisherman.

rexford · Post by **rexford** » Wed May 28, 2008 10:23 am

If they live longer they sure might.

bubbasuncle · Post by **bubbasuncle** » Wed May 28, 2008 3:57 pm

hell ya non smokers catch more fish first of all they don't have to find their lighter or cigs every 15 minutes. over the course of the day that means more time with your bait in the water

Cooch · Post by **Cooch** » Wed May 28, 2008 4:20 pm

Fishn Fighter wrote:And COOCH??? you smoke I read somewhere you QUIT

Yup, three times now since the first attempt two years ago, which was the longest at 8 months, ARGH!!!!!!!!!. I smoke far less now than I ever did, sometimes going a day or two without. Bottom line is I'm weak, and always finding an excuse to have one, versus an excuse to never pick one up again!

Andy Giannini · Post by **Andy Giannini** » Wed May 28, 2008 4:33 pm

I looked at it this way, every night I quit chewing because I did not do it again until the next morning. If I could go without eight hours or so, what is so tough about going eight more hours? And If I could go ONE DAY, why can't I go TWO DAYS? (Sure wish this would work with my annoying almost everyday posting.

)

As you go, you will feel more empowered over that craving.

With chew, your gums will itch and go nuts wanting the chew. Then you chew, and get this great instant killer bang of nicotine right through the gums and into the bloodstream! When you are hooked on it, nothing tastes better. (Read that last sentance again.)

I convinced myself that the itching/craving was in fact the "hit" of chew, and I would not reward cravings with chew anymore.

Almost two years, I am behind the LLs that kicked it off I think.

Never going back,

You can do it, keep up the good fight!

A.G.

Rich reeser · Post by **Rich reeser** » Wed May 28, 2008 5:26 pm

Greg you've made the best move you could ever make by quiting I did it years ago. This helped me, you might try it. Smoking is a habit and I replaced it with tooth picks. Never go anywhere without them. One habit for another, but the tooth picks aren't as offending to people and they don't take years off my life....that is until I suck one down the wind pipe...

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Wed May 28, 2008 6:13 pm

You went 8 monthes and started again???? Cooch, I'm going to kick your as* next time I see you. Maybe just break your fingers so you can't hold a cigarette. Oops, guess you'll have to watch everyone else fish also.

I've lost several close relatives with lung cancer and my mom went threw hell with it. I hope you get rid of them Cooch, I'd sure miss firing shots across your bow. You're my favorite target.

mac (Doyle McEwen) · Post by **mac (Doyle McEwen)** » Wed May 28, 2008 6:20 pm

Non smokers may not catch more fish, but I can assure you they will have more money to spend trying..

mac

bass smacker · Post by **bass smacker** » Wed May 28, 2008 6:49 pm

Good going buddy stick with it its a pain at first but over time it get's better. I smoked 2-2 1/2 packs a day for 10+ years.
it get easyer over time

Riverdawg · Post by **Riverdawg** » Wed May 28, 2008 7:19 pm

CONGRATS!!!!!

IMHO YES IS THE ANSWER TO YER QUESTION,

I think that stinky ciggrette fingers and all the nicotine is not a known fish attractent!

BUT MY COPENHAGEN SPIT SURE IS!!!!!! LOL

~Riverdawg

speedo · Post by **speedo** » Thu May 29, 2008 12:46 pm

Fishn Fighter wrote:yeah some guy on here a couple of years ago encouraged a bunch of us to quit... I wonder where he went.... anyway.... YOU can do it ....I smoked 2 packs a day for 20 years... Quit COLD TURKEY.... Keep it up one day at a time ONE HOUR at a time if you have to....

I think it was this guy http://westernbass.com/forum/viewtopic. ... highlight=

I'm still a smoker, but I haven't actually had a cigarette for one year, four months, 28 days, 14 hours and 4 minutes, give or take.

Good luck with it Greg!

Hmm, I need to revisit that thread. I think someone "owes" me an adult beverage!

speedo

MIKE TREMONT · Post by **MIKE TREMONT** » Thu May 29, 2008 1:16 pm

Stay with it Greg, it will probably get tough for awhile, but as long as know it's a powerful addiction, and can sweat out the cravings, it will get better, that I can promise.

There was a lot covered here a few years ago when CJ quit. In fact it got a little ugly at one point with all the bravado that some thought was a way of quitting, and that if some choose another route, they were weak. Whatever route you take it boils down to JUST DON'T LIGHT UP, NO MATTER WHAT!

I've given up a few vices(I still got this darn Bass fishing thing hanging off my back

), if I can help let me know.

I'm pulling for you, Cooch and anyone else is going to give it up.

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Thu May 29, 2008 1:37 pm

Day 2 and no smokes. Got to go by my mechanics at 5 who smokes like a fiend. That'll be a tough time not to ask, "Got a smoke?" thinking I can have just 1. But I'll get through it. The urges aren't that bad yet.

bassindon69 · Post by **bassindon69** » Thu May 29, 2008 2:11 pm

I took the pill Chantix to help. The side effect "Bad dreams" was very bad. I think I could have been the next Stephen King

Thats no BS.
Anyway after two weeks of bad dreams, I said no more smokes, pills, bad dreams. I QUIT! Here I am starting my 6th month without smokes.
Every time you want one just say to your self "It's not an option" and go on with your day. I don't think the crave will ever go away but it is nice to breath.
If you are not ready to quit then you wont. You can only quit if YOU are ready.
Are you ready?

Don.

MIKE TREMONT · Post by **MIKE TREMONT** » Thu May 29, 2008 7:31 pm

Those cravings will pass, eventually!

I was off the smokes about 6 mos. and was standing in line at the Kwiky Mart when all of a sudden I had one of those just finished dinner have a smoke craving. Man it was strong. I was so amazed at how strong the urge was that I just kind pondered that for awhile. It was a trip, it also was the last one of those, thankfully.

It's mental as well as physical. Arm yourself with as many tools as you need to beat this thing. There's nothing good about smoking tobacco.

bass smacker · Post by **bass smacker** » Thu May 29, 2008 7:58 pm

with out dout the cravings are bad very bad a first then they mellow out a little then its a few days betwen them then a week then two weeks and so on and so forth... But thouse stray cravings are a killer. My Dad/fishing partner smokes i have to carry gum with me becuse as soon as he lights up i get that craving and have to devert it

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Thu May 29, 2008 8:49 pm

I beat it for two years once. I'm using the same strategy this time. The craving will be strongest for 15 days, but they will gradually become farther apart. After 15 days the craving are not only further apart but start lessening in severity. Last time I quite, I woke up after thirty days and thought, "I never had a thought about cigarettes yesterday." So it took 29 days. Last time my mistake was thinking I could have one a week. That actually worked for 6 months

.

Going to bed soon and 2 days without.

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 5:02 pm

Just wanted to let you guys know, today is day 12 and although I had three cups of coffee today and thought about cigarettes, I didn't have a single urge to pick one up. YEEEEHAAAAW, I think I'm over the hump.

Fishn Fighter · Post by **Fishn Fighter** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 7:01 pm

Great job but DO NOT KID YOURSELF.... you will never be over the hump.. You have to make the decition NOT to smoke every day... as soon as you think your over it , it will bite you in the arse.... ask cooch

... I have well over 2 years and there are some days where I catch myself.. Oh I can just have one.. BS.... Its the same reason I do not drink... One is too many and six aint enough same with cigs....

GREAT JOB and kep it up.. Im with ya....

Iafrate94505 · Post by **Iafrate94505** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 7:04 pm

Fishn Fighter wrote:Great job but DO NOT KID YOURSELF.... you will never be over the hump.. You have to make the decition NOT to smoke every day... as soon as you think your over it , it will bite you in the arse.... ask cooch ... I have well over 2 years and there are some days where I catch myself.. Oh I can just have one.. BS.... Its the same reason I do not drink... One is too many and six aint enough same with cigs....

GREAT JOB and kep it up.. Im with ya....

Man I could use a smoke right now. A double Marbrol Red...mmmmmm