I was in Southwest Florida and was asked to go fishing by one of the pro bass fisherman there. Thinking I would learn a lot that day, I graciously accepted his kind offer.

So, we begin our trip to Lake Okeechobee about 4 hours away. We put this bass boat in and away we went......full throttle! I soon realized these boats don't have a slow or medium speed, when you hit the key, you're on your way as fast as the boat would go. When you stop, you stop completely. Anyway, here we go about 90 miles an hour down Lake Okeechobee.

Then we began fishing. I was so excited, I mean fishing this lake that is known for big bass and in this bass boat that can go a million miles an hour and with a pro too, what a day! Then I started catching fish, then another, then another and my pro friend hasn't caught one. Well, it didn't matter to me if I caught one or not but it apparently did to him. The next thing I know he has this big old frown on his face and mumbling something. I said "what's wrong?" He said something to the effect......"it's really something when a guy is nice enough to take you fishing with him and then you do him the way you are." I said "what in the world are you talking about?" He said "I mean I take you out in my boat and you catch all the fish and out fish me." I thought he was kidding. I soon found out he wasn't kidding at all. So, now, instead of enjoying myself, I made it a point not to catch any more fish.

We got done that afternoon and got home. I told him thank you for taking me fishing with him but please don't ask me again. I said I still considered him a friend but not a good fishing buddy. I wasn't there to compete with him like the other fishermen he fishes with apparently but went just to enjoy myself and have the experience of fishing Lake Okeechobee.

Needless to say, that was one of the worse experiences I have had fishing for bass.

Charles E. White has fished for almost 50 years for bass from California to Florida. In his lifetime, it is estimated that he has caught over 6,000 bass. His biggest bass is a 12 pound 14 ounce that hangs on his wall in his office.

Charles has fished with people who have never fished for bass before and taught them how to become successful anglers and also has fished with the Pros in Florida.

His new website about fishing for bass is at: http://www.bassfishingweekly.com.