ESPN

In all things involving this sport, there are always options. Rarely are the answers to any fishing situation clear-cut and absolute.

The following dilemma is one of them. Say you've found a key spot in the shallows. It's springtime and you may have to go over some fish to reach it. The more traditional approach would be to "fish up to the zone," sampling outlying areas to get a better handle on the bite.

In a perfect world, this may sound like the most reasonable approach. That is, until you see a boatload of crappie fishermen swerve into your key spot and drop anchor, or have another tournament boat come between you and your appointed rounds. Even more likely, the clock may be ticking on a window of opportunity that could slam shut in a few hours. Too often, anglers find themselves opting for the methodical tact only to discover that working up to a spot did nothing but waste time.

Whether the bite is on or off when you get there is not the point. By going directly to your fish, you will answer the most important question of the day: Are your fish where you thought they would be and will they respond? From a strategic standpoint, you've been far more efficient at processing the information at hand.

Mentally, you'll probably be more on your game and exude greater confidence from the anticipation that comes with fishing key water. Some might call this a simple mind game geared for anglers without the willpower to work all the water. Others may say that it's the only way to eliminate those nagging thoughts that can hamper your presentations as you work up to the spot. Either way, it is indeed a mind game. And let's face it, you can always turn around and fish your way out. Unless someone gets there first.

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