So true Capt.

[Hotrod]

I find myself doing that a lot Ed..  Planing my where, what and how..  then not following thru with it..  Only to say, "Man I should have stuck to the plan"..

[drome]

That dilemma occurs on both the newbie and seasoned captain level.  The newbie thinks that his plan isn't right because the fish bite is slow and the seasoned captains overthink the plan!!!

[Capt. Ed]

Hi Dennis,

Amen!

Let me tell you that as a Captain spending a lot of time out of the Manasquan Inlet lately, it is the worst feeling in the world for me to hit the mouth of the inlet. Not because I worry about the seamanship of navigating the inlet. Nope. It is all about whether turning right or left will be the right strategy. Even though all evidence is that fish will bite in either direction, second guessing happens all day. What if I had gone to fish off Asbury instead of fishing off of Seaside. I still have time to move. Is everyone on board happen with the action? On and on it goes.

This is despite the fact that it is smart to go south of the inlet in the morning when the wind is usually calm and return in the afternoon with the inevitable Southeast breeze at my back instead of quartering my port.

You are right on ...

I will say one thing though. Being prepared and having a plan is more overarching. I want to have equipment, bait, tackle, and locations in mind if something unexpected happens.

Have fun,

Capt. Ed

[technologist]

capt. ed,

 What kind of boat do you have?

[robsrodnreel]

i like having a plan b/c if it works out im a genius.  if it doesnt work out, then oh well, new plan!!!

[catfish hunter]

I always have a plan but most of the time I dont stick to it ,my biggest problem is passing the back bay ,I always want to try out front first but always see my honey holes in the back empty first thing in the morning so I stop and next thing I know it is time to go home