Have you ever wondered why some people are so successful no matter what they do? With some people it seems that everything they touch turns to gold. We all know folks who fall into this category and who seem to have something special that you just can’t put your finger on. You can’t measure it, but it’s something average people just don’t have. We call it the “It” factor!

Of course, there are some physical skills you can develop in a person that will help them to achieve great things. With help from the right mentor or coach, you can develop certain skills that may put you on the path to success by making you faster or stronger. But the “It” factor is something you’re born with. Let’s face it, the good Lord blesses certain people with abilities and skills others will never have.

Now, it’s doesn’t mean you can’t be successful, but those born with “it” just take success to another level. The “it” is the gift that allows people to do things you can’t explain. They do things instinctively while the rest of us wonder why and how they did it. We question what makes them so good? Let’s look at an angler who falls into the “it” category.

In the bass fishing world, it’s the man from Kalamazoo Michigan…. Kevin Van Dam (KVD), the man who many call the greatest bass angler to ever wet a hook. One day while having a conversation with Kevin’s brother, Randy, we talked about Kevin’s instincts and what makes him so good. Randy told me that even as a young kid, Kevin did things that defied explanation.

Kevin, Randy, and their dad fished often when the bites were few and far between. For reasons unknown, Kevin would switch to another bait and start catching fish immediately. This was something, according to Randy, Kevin did frequently. For no apparent reason he would pick up a different rod and just start whacking them while Randy and his dad just stood there in amazement shaking their heads and wondering why. Over his entire career, Kevin would zig when others would zag. These are instincts not all anglers have and is what separates the great anglers from the average ones.

In the bass tournament world, there are certain anglers who seem to always make the right decisions at the right time. It’s because, like Kevin Van Dam, they have the “it” factor on their side. In tournament fishing, this is the difference between those that win tournaments and those that don’t. If you’ll notice and look at tournament standings over the years, there are certain guys who seem to always be at the top.

Obviously they are good anglers, but they also have something special that allows them to win more often than others…. they have ”it!” You can’t teach it or learn it, you must be blessed with it. I’m not sure why God only hands “it” out to a select few. If you’re one of those who has this gift, be thankful. Because if you use it correctly, it will serve you well.

There’s a radio show that’s been on air for over 16 years. The Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show that also has the “it’ factor as they cover all things related to the great outdoors. Rated as the #1 outdoor radio show in the Ark-La-Tex, you can catch this program every Wednesday from 11:00 till 1:00 CST on AM 1130 The Tiger or FM 103.3. You can also catch these guys on Facebook live or their web site at http://www.hutdshow.com. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and even though it’s cooler now, you still need to wear your sunscreen. Melanoma does not discriminate!

Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective