You are absolutely correct!! Knowledge, time, effort, and luck all play into catching fish, especially the big ones!

I don't look at social media. I look at google maps. It's a lot healthier.

That’s the difference in the content I produce. I fish to have fun - in the moment by myself or with friends. Whatever content I put out is just a byproduct of that. Tournaments are a different animal, but for the most part if you’re looking for success gauge that by being in the moment and take the ego out of it. You will enjoy yourself more, be happier for the success of those around you and bring much more enjoyment to your outings. I’ve said this for years. Good to those who grind for content, but I think that they’re missing the point of being outdoors and the relationships that should be the primary focus. Not views.

KZfaq is a learning tool and a substitution for me being able to fish. I live in northeast PA. Don’t have a boat yet, kayak is now put away for the winter. It’s dark now at 5pm every night. I always carry a rod or two in the truck, rigged with something simple like a grub or a rage swimmer. On my way home from work I’ll stop at local waterways, get a couple casts in from shore for 10-20min. Honestly I mostly get skunked, but when I do get a fish its special. Wife and I did a covered bridge tour a few weeks ago. I saw a small creek with some downed trees in it and decided to throw a small hair jig. Second cast I hooked like a 12” largemouth. It was definitely a 5lb for the water I caught him in, lol. I’m grateful for you and other content creators. I really don’t watch tv besides sports anymore, so sitting down and watching fishing videos is enjoyable. I’ll also go ice fish a few times over the winter, just to scratch the itch. Enjoy that family time. They’ll be grown before you know it. Anyone who’s followed you know what a great fisherman you are. Any content you put out I’m watching, thankful that you’re willing to share your expertise.

Really solid advice. I get FOMO really bad seeing other anglers hit the lake when I have the inability to do so, get bogged down, and yes jealous. Started to reflect every morning one what I’m grateful for. I think a lot of us have done this during this whole social media war, but I like that you hit on it and presented it the way you did.

I agree with you 100%. I've said it here on KZfaq and on Instagram, I'll say it one more time. Many of us need to spend less hours watching others on social media and spend more hours on the water.

A great reminder Ben ~ they are just fish, afterall. I've said it for years; people that at the top of their game in any subject area are sacrificing relationships, their health, home maintenace, etc. That doesn't mean we stop trying to be the best in our area of expertice, just remember to keep balance in your life, and don't take the fun out of it. Share your talents, and teach others.

That’s some good advice Ben. When we constantly are comparing ourselves to others on social media, we always seem to fall short. Your comparsions on what others are doing need to also be balanced with all the other factors of sacrifice they are giving up to make those things possible. It’s kinda like looking at someone who has a beautiful car, house or bass boat but when you peel back the onion, you might find they are up to their eyeballs in debt and extremely unhappy. I believe being thankful for what we have is a much better way of looking at things. 😊👍🏻

Joey's body of water is a freak show factory... and time on the water helps him immensely. I'm hoping to get over there at some point in 2024 now that my boat is more reliable. By the way... I LOVE that Champion you've got! That's an awesome machine!

I coach basketball and I always tell my athletes make sure your expectations match your effort / commitment. If you have a very high expectation level and a low commitment level, your will find yourself constantly disappointed that you're not reaching your expectations. As you say, there is a direct correlation between commitment and what you are able to achieve. So it's important that you make sure your expectations and your commitment are in synch, otherwise you'll be constantly disappointed. Good topic Ben. It's a good life lesson as well as a fishing lesson.

I am super happy seeing everyone be successful and smash big bags and big fish. Location is a big part of the big fish and big bags. I fish the North East, slow growing season, mostly ice fishing. I know there are bigger ice fishing channels that catch much bigger fish, I know if those same fishermen came here they wouldn't be catching the giants they can catch in Manitoba. I'm good with it! Im happy and grateful for the opportunities I have. I do show it all on my channel, from the gas pump to the flat tire to cooking in the morning. It's a tell all. I like your channel Bud, keep it up. Doesn't matter how big of fish or bag you're catching just keep it going!

This went in a different direction than what I was thinking when I read the title. I think social media, especially KZfaq, has hurt fishing just because it has gotten so many more people into fishing. So now there's way more anglers/pressure on the water than there has ever been.

Love that you expanded this beyond fishing. That’s what fishing is to me-a metaphorical activity I can use to reflect on other areas of my life. You’ve got an inspiring perspective Ben. I respect you beyond the bass.

I respect someone who puts family first 💯 🤜🤛

We MUST remind ourselves to reframe our thoughts to keep us in check. I tell myself and others- it’s about APPRECIATION not CONSUMPTION. When we have that mindset and if you got that dawg in you, everything will fall into place. We see the pictures on IG but we don’t see the 7 hours earlier without a bite. Words from the wise, Ben. Awesome video everybody needs to see.

You hit the nail right on the head Ben... Praise the Lord and God bless you and yours!!!

I like the authenticity and Truth behind the video. everyone needs to Sacrifice, learn, and stay in their lane or have an eye on their goals and dreams and then WORK FOR IT! Practice, practice, Practice! Great video like most you post. Interviews of fishing experiences might be a good video/ fishing experience stories. I went bluefin tuna fishing the first time this year crazy how much I learned and the experience. Mostly bass and trout fish regularly. Nature and the peace are always there when out on the water. it's not always about the fish and sometimes we forget that. I had people ask me about fishing and they didn't understand catch and release or why so many different lures. Selective Harvest and Changing up techniques !! always a good time! TIGHT LINES!

❤❤ Ben WOW, it couldn’t be said any better,it’s like you read my mind because I am my worst enemy beating myself up,but I have a tremendous respect for yourself for your success and I love what your saying,thank you Ben 👏👏👏🙏❤️

I chose my family over fish. Every fisherman could be better with more time and effort. Overall, Our time is short. If people are grading themselves strictly on a bag of fish, your life probably doesn’t have much meaning. Fishing is suppose to be fun . It’s to be enjoyed with friends and family.

I appreciate this video. We all get stuck in our own head thinking about what other people are catching. It’s far better for my mental health and far more rewarding if I just focus on my own fishing.

I for one never let social media discourage me. Being a bit older I learned what you point out in this video a long time ago. I watch many different anglers on social media and the main reason I do, is to learn new methods. Seeing guys catch big bags has very little effect on me. I am into fishing, have been all my life for the pure enjoyment of it. I do agree with you that those who get “extremely” jealous will be negatively affected, but only if they don’t consider all the sacrifices others make. Good video that may make a few anglers step back and realize that with the time & effort they can afford to put into it, they are pretty successful anglers. I enjoy the social media content and I for one don’t think it has a negative effect, not on me anyway.

Great video! Thank you for having the Courage to share that! 👍🏾

To me, being a good father and husband is way more important than keeping up with social media and fishing whenever I want. The fish aren’t going anywhere, time is. Maybe I don’t get to fish 20 times a month anymore, but it makes me appreciate the time on the water that I do get even more.

Big facts man. Kudos to you for speaking truth into an issue we’re all faced with but few are willing to discuss.

Preach! Love your videos. Teaching myself to fly fish is really putting successful days in perspective for me. Helps me over all slow down and enjoy the experience

I am in the same boat as you have been! This jealousy made me realize I need to learn more and get better. Seeing everyone catch fish can get discouraging but I have overcame several difficulties in my life to realize I enjoy fishing over catching the bigs. Your videos along with the other guys (Alex & Caleb) make me want to get better. Some days I have difficulty just getting out of the house. It’s getting better for me to get out! I want redemption on Lake St. Clair with you!

So many KZfaq personalities have bought into unrealistic portrayals of what fishing is for the average angler. Either that or they feed the social media conflict culture to gain views. Your channel educates and portrays fishing in a much more relatable manner that makes the average angler like myself watch what you post. Keep up the good work.

I'm 47 and I miss the early 2000s when bass fishing had mystery and magic behind it. Everything needed to be figured out and guarded as valuable secrets. I fly fish for trout and steelhead and find way more satisfaction in it now.

You dropped some serious knowledge Bro. Not only for fishing success but life success. And coming from another content creator, you did it seemless with not much edits which means you are confident and passionate about your message. This video can be used by anyone seeking motivation to follow their dreams. Salute!!!!

Thanks boss. Your priorities are on point.

Great video my friend. Such a great topic. Thanks for sharing!!!

#truth brother

To your very first point, I felt that same way a few years ago man. It got to me, the envy was crazy and I screwed my perspective and focus when I was out there. Stopped looking at what literally everyone was doing for a long time and just focused on myself. I had to remind myself that a LOT of what we see on all social media is outliers. Not taking away the incredible things people have done but it's not normal, and I was comparing myself too hard to these amazing outlier days that a lot of people were doing. They have far more time than I do as well to go out and put in the time to get those insane outlier days. I disconnected from seeing others and that helped me reset my own perspective and focus. I'm with you, there's some sacrifices I just am not willing to make to get into that outlier realm on a semi-regular basis. And from that I made sure to always share everything. The mediocre days and the bad days get just as much highlight as the great days because that's reality. You're never always killing it. No one is. There are plenty of not-so-great days surrounding the great days. But that's where a lot of learning can come from too. On your point of being grateful, that's what it comes down to. Being grateful for ANY time we can put on the water. I'd kill to be able to fish more than I do now but I'm grateful that I still get to go out once a week. I'm grateful that I live in an area that still allows me to open water fish all season, even if it means I'm freezing my ass off some days 😂. And I'm grateful for my family for understanding my passion and need to keep chasing what drives me so much that one day a week. Just very well said all around buddy. Nothing but positive vibes and incredible perspective on the subject, I really enjoyed this.

great stuff Ben also I have found that leaving the film gear at the house and just going fishing is a wonderful way to go even if they aren't biting. any day on the water is a great day.

So true and honest !!! Keep it going !!!

Bravo 🎉 Great take. Enjoyed this one a lot Benjamin. Fish on 🐠

Great video!!! Very well put!!! Like this style of videos!! Keep them coming!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!

I couldn't agree more Ben thats why I kinda have distanced myself from the KZfaq fishing stuff in general. So I think u hit it on the head here there has been a lot negativity and I ain't got time for that. I come to the KZfaq lives or fishing content to escape my daily life and I got enough stuff to deal with then arguing online over fishing ain't gonna help that or just hearing constant whining about every thing just gets old.

Social media especially old school forums and youtube have helped me learn alot about fishing and other hobbies. I don't really get jealous of the guys online. They have top of the line gear and live scope and other tools basic guys don't have. I still caught alot of fish with my kayak and some cheap Walmart special rods. If you're not catching you're probably doing something wrong and some days you can do everything right and still the fish just aren't interested. That's what makes fishing fun to me though. Figuring out what is working and catching the fish! Getting skunked is just part of the process.

Great message Ben. Would make a great livestream/podcast topic “hint hint”. Take care buddy!

Well said, great life advice! I always enjoy your how to videos on bait making.

Great Video and great advice

You got to keep it realistic!

good stuff brother.

Amen brother , wow so well said. Always struggled with the idea that i was a bad angler. But time in the water and and just consuming knowledge has been the key. My goal when i get out on the water is to enjoy the day and remember why im out there. And that is to get away from daily grind and find peace. I do find myself improving every time out and it's satisfying doing at my pace with my set of sacrifices. Keep up the content.

Well said

nailed it Ben!

That video was spot on Ben. Way too many people and I stand guilty of this at time, feel that need to compare. Sure I'd like to swing on DD largemouth bass but in eastern Canada my chances are incredibly slim. A 5+lbs is already rare enough and a 6+ is rarely heard of. But what I can enjoy is getting the most out of all the days I can get out and embrace that luck because I know that way more people don't get to go like I do even if that number ain't that high. I'll keep doing my thing, enjoying those days out and we'll see where that leads to. Tight lines and take care!

Nice take on things. There's alot goin on in the fishing industry, lots of views on things. some truth to alll of it. Most all sports take lots of times away from your families and other commitments. Keep up the good work!

Great video the truth is always good to tell and I have always loved the channel keep them coming. Yes sacrifices you make is what makes you better and yes it’s levels for everyone

Success is different for each person. Me I don’t have any social media besides KZfaq. Anymore KZfaq is to much. I fish to get away. No radio no phone. Just love the outdoors.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Had some fun with the Minnobi today vid coming out soon. They weren’t monsters but still fun to catch. When it’s all said and done it’s about fun.

Couldn't agree more man!! In the end... your kiddos will still think you're the greatest fisherman to ever walk the face of the earth.

Don't compare yourself to someone else today. Compare yourself to how you were yesterday.

Good points all around. We all need to apply ourselves based on priorities. Those priorities change throughout life for sure. I would rather go out and catch forty 3# bass in a morning than five 5# fish. But I understand the pursuit of trophies. It is similar to playing golf. Golfers are always striving to improve, and the gauge of that is number of shots over or under par, how many birdies, etc. In fishing, it is a big fish or trying to exceed your largest bag. My younger self was more impressed with catching a trophy. Now I would rather my fishing partner catch the monster.

With anglers having to have such a large footprint on social media these days to succeed. We are getting bombarded with really sub par content with too many posting. Posting fishing content these days is a dime a dozen. Yes there is really good content out there, but you gotta look for it IMO.

Also the grass is green where you water it. Instead of enviously looking over the fence be grateful for yours and see it as something to work towards

Being able to be independent and be able to provide content and opinion Editorial without having to worry about what a company os going to think especially the cartel that is the fishing industry is.

Oh man, I don't know any of those folks you rattled off! Sharing your knowledge with us is very much appreciated, but i would feel bad if it took time away from your family. Unless it's your passion to make a living on social media, enjoy fishing and don't make it work 😊. Cheers, JJ

Great message Ben. I agree that thankfulness, and positivity are a great way forward. I also believe that acceptance is super important. I have to accept that I will probably never catch a 35.9lb bag of bronze and accepting it makes me ok with it and eliminates the jealousy. These days seeing giant fish in social media platforms motivates me more than anything to go be better in the bodies of water I can be. It also motivates me to plan annual trips to sacred waters like those 😂. You are evolving as a human and making sacrifices now (family for fishing). Your sacrifices will pay off. I appreciate your opinion way more than Randy. I stopped watching his stuff a year ago. I think this would make a great live stream topic. Thanks for the great message! “A rising tide lifts all boats”!

Agreed. Do your own thing. I would like to see a walkthrough on the “new” boat. Champions (I think thats what I am seeing lol)are rock solid boats. I run a ‘92 alumacraft dominator with a 60 johnson. And I slay in it lol. I would guess a majority of your viewers fish an old boat.

Here’s something to think about. I’ve never heard of those other guys you rattled off, but I know your channel. That says something about you and your channel I hope. Love the jig making videos by the way.

Dude if you watch and learn, then that's the ticket!! I've caught watching all you guys!! Now those dudes who catch them via live target, live scope, you still gotta land the fish, and make the fish bite!!

when it comes to my personal fishing successes, the majority was because of something i felt was an improvement or adjustment to fit the specific situation. and on the other hand , when i felt like i should have done much better i always try to identify what i was doing wrong or what i failed to consider. often times when im screwing up, i often realize it much later after the fact. However, sometimes, I can feel i just need to move on sooner than later, but for some reason my body refuses to respond to my plans. where i just get stuck in a loop where i'v subconsciously decided to keep casting, even after I've mentally been telling myself, "Last cast".

Very well said brother. I have the waters and skills to go and do the same. Just haven't had the desire to make the sacrifices this season.

This was a great video and it’s certainly something most of us can relate with. The more work you put into something the more sacrifices you make you will get better that’s with anything in life and I think it’s good to remind people of this from time to time. Again, great video.

Comparison is the theif of joy!!

I deleted IG two years ago. I realized it was a completion for who could get the most clicks. That’s not why I fish. I go out for enjoyment, peace and solitude.

Blowing out ones candle doesn't make your candle shine brighter

As a Midland/Saginaw native. I’ll just follow the locals guys like this on what is good in the fishing world. I don’t need everything else

all these people catching nice bags don't tell you about the 3 months they spent fishing every day to have just a handful of great fishing days, anyone who is willing to do that will achieve that success. Like you mentioned I'm not willing to pay that price, I just go fish for 2 hours go home to my family.

Thank you I have been saying this for 2 or 3 year now on and buy the way ffs is a lot of the problem now

Jmo with no disrespect to Joey or Colbi. Both awesome guys. But success is relative. It's awesome seeing those big catches but they are fishing where they live. Catching a 22-25lb bag of smallies where I live is just as impressive. Again it's all relative. Bass fishing is just like deer hunting you can't harvest trophy whitetail if you don't hunt where they live

Gotta have balance.

Its all based on the individual. There are educators like you who do it out of passion and many who do it because they have to for sponsors. The pros are not content entertainers and the content entertainers for most part are not pros.

Go fishing !

Truth is always welcome. Randy's a good guy. Those who are snarky about him should bring their 40 years to the table. I think we are so competitive sometimes we forget the joy of fishing. I gave up bass fishing and therefore; bass tournaments for this very reason. Getting mad at missed bites, cursing the wind, catching pneumonia was the sacrifice and to top it off, I missed time with my family. After years I have picked it back up but now it's BFS or light tackle. Any fish fishing. I now notice things like deer drinking on the waters edge. Sunrise and sunset colors. The smell of rain right before it starts dropping those small ring shapes drops all over the fishery. In other words, I'm very successful at what I want fishing to be for me and I wake up everyday wanting to go do it again and again. No drama. No hate. No competition. It's by far the best fishing for me and I think others should be shown that you don't have to be a tournament guy to be a great fisherman. IMO of course.

🔥🔥👍👍👍

Ben, your videos are amazing man. Your videos have helped put me on some good Wisconsin smallmouth this fall, when I couldn’t even get hooked up to a 2lber this year. I applied your tips and tricks and found success. I understand what you’re saying in the sacrificing for certain areas of your life, but I genuinely think you are one of the best smallmouth KZfaqrs out there. I really really hope you keep pushing out what you can for the fishing content. And thank you for the stuff you have provided! You’re awesome man.

Honestly, your vids are up there with the best of em. I can relate to not being able to get on the water or achieve as many great catches as I'd like. Hell, these days much of my time on the water is spent with my 7 year old, trying to get him on whatever is biting. I never thought I could be so excited about boating a few bluegill! Yeah, there are opportunity costs, but that goes both ways. Like me, sounds like you made a choice of what really has the most value in your life. And, hey, you have a lot of killer days on the water! As a guy from NJ, I'm a little jealous . . . hahaha. Just keep on keepin it real. It might not seem glamourous, but maybe start incorporating content specific to dads who have limited time and don't necessarily need to catch a state record. For me, I have come to love simplicity with regard to everything from gear, to boating related stuff, to finding fish. Most of the time I get a few hours to drop in, hit a few spots, and get out. I have to maximize that time. My goals have changed and, therefore, so have my victories and failures.

Legend

I know the feeling I have not made a video in like a month I got a hurt back my wife car blew up my trucks transmission went out and my Dad went to the hospital for a week I was not willing to make the sacrifice to get out there and go fishing and I need to work on my ideas of KZfaq but I will get back out there one day I brought my camera with me to the woods the other day to film a hog hunt but my back was hurting so I didn't caring my camera gear but one day soon I will return good luck to you

The sponsors love social media

Social media is a reason you're making money.

👋👋👋👋👋👋🙂🙂🙂

Personally I don't get jealous seeing others have success, I post a lot of nice fish to social media so I hope others aren't jealous, I do have some envy at the amount of time some others get on the water, like , how the hell are some people able to fish every day? lol

Tactical Bassin seem the most genuine for useable info

You’ve been a huge help and a great friend over the past few years! You’re man brother! And randy believes braid to leader is over rated… instantaneously unsubbed from that bone head lol.

Stop giving a shit what other people are doing. Use social media to learn to be better.

Dont be like Randy.... he's a TOOL. Your content has been great in the 2 years I've watched ya. And yes I unsubed Randy over a year ago.

I saw you are selling your boat are you getting out of fishing ? hope not enjoy your video s

Many people watching KZfaq think most of the content is way out of their league in the first place. From the boats, and electronics, to the expensive rods, reels and lures. The whole reason I wrote my book was to help everyone of every ability and financial means to catch bigger bass on accessible water. Nothing fancy. My content shows me holding 4 and 5 pound bass daily, but it shows the little ones in between as well. But most importantly my content reveals exactly how anyone can go out and catch the same fish. Putting in the time gets you the content and following required to make it in social media, but anyone can get out a catch giants to share with their 500 followers and be content with that.

Lmao I thought this was gonna be about Steelhead. We don’t get jealous of people fish. We get annoyed that they are burning spots. This is about ditch pickles. Lmao yea anyone get can get a “giant bag of bass. Just gotta put time in. Bass fisherman are hilarious.😂😂😂😂

Most of them don’t get views No one wants to see livescope fisherman accept BEN FYI BASS FISHERMAN HATE EACH OTHER THERE ARE NO RULES IN BASS FISHING