The biggest failure of my tournament fishing career

After putting up 101’’ for day 1 of the Yak-a-bass Gambler series at Salt springs valley reservoir, we’re in a commanding lead and control our own destiny going into Championship Sunday.
FULL CHATTERBAIT SETUP
Chatterbait (1/2 oz green pumpkin) - bit.ly/2ZMTfHj
Trailer (3.5’’ Green pumpkin) - bit.ly/4ahfaYL
Rod (7’5’’ MH-Fast) - bit.ly/3o2KRhS
Reel (6.7:1) - bit.ly/3Zss2GV
Line(17#) - bit.ly/3sqb6zP
Bobber stop - bit.ly/3kCu0Ru
Other baits that caught fish
Drop shot - amzn.to/4b9uTKC
Wacky worm (5’’) - bit.ly/3uwbi2v
KAYAK TOURNAMENT ESSENTIALS *USE CODE GREG10 FOR 10% OFF
Tool caddy - bit.ly/3JtlG4H
Official measuring board - bit.ly/3L7WF04
Tournament tag ID holder - bit.ly/3l57OEj
360 safety light/flag - bit.ly/3JpJs0j
Portable kayak wheels - bit.ly/3L7VAW9
Paddle holder - bit.ly/3KvlEtx
Dual graph mount (Captains bridge) - bit.ly/46QuKc1
KAYAK ELECTRONICS
Humminbird Helix 9’s - bit.ly/47XYogs
Mega 360 shaft (for kayak) - bit.ly/3RsZYSh
360 deployable mount- bit.ly/3Nfihbf
Battery (code “DARKHORSE” for 15% off) - bit.ly/47NCo8v
Lakemaster Chip (Western States V2) - bit.ly/485ScTF
Dual graph mount (Captains bridge) - bit.ly/46QuKc1
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Music Credit:
www.epidemicsound.com/track/b...
www.epidemicsound.com/track/j...
*above are associate links
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Previously
02:31 - Intro
05:51 - House tour
14:14 - Tournament day 2 begins
17:29 - Easing the tension
19:55 - Hearing voices
21:12 - Sadness
22:44 - Pep talk from O
24:00 - mid day update
26:12 - Glimmer of hope
29:01 - Rock bottom
31:39 - last minute of course
33:54 - Results
34:24 - Outro/recap

[@derekgroom8164]

Full blown epic melt down lol. Even the way you were talking to yourself. Very relatable. I appreciate you not hiding it and posting this video. It hit home for me personally 😂😂

[@drewsims262]

It cracks me up how committed he is to not swearing on his channel. I respect the hell out of it, but I laugh every time he says god dang it all pissed off. Just let it out Greg😂😂

[@andrewjacobson4587]

That was a tough one to watch, but anyone who’s tournament fished knows exactly how you felt throughout Day 2 and at the end. That mild, uncomfortable feeling building to near panic and frustration, then despondency and resignation. It’s so hard to slow down and dead stick when the anxiety meter is pinned, too. You’ll build from this, though. You’re an amazing tournament fisherman and videographer and this was a setback. You’ll recapture that mojo.

[@derekgroom8164]

💯

[@jaredtanaka3554]

You were fishing wayyy too fast for a slow bite kind of day. Take 5, smoke a cigarette, drink a cold soda, and take it down a notch. This was actually a GREAT video dude. Thanks for owning it and sharing it.

[@Yoitzjerry]

“Mrs. Chow, somewhere down the line that’s one of Greg’s ancestors” made me cackle in the office hahaha Tough ending to a tournament GB! Not the first and won’t be the last. Push through, fish on. Congrats to Mike and the rest of Dark Horse! Tight lines y’all! 🎣

[@mikeensign1616]

Hahahhahahha

[@dave_ske2482]

I know my last comment was about how your videos really speak to the “mateship” (to use an Australian term) of tournaments, but they also speak to the heartbreak at times. I think going in with confidence and not living up to your expectations of yourself is killer. Those ones really stick. Either way, good or bad, I love coming along for the ride. Thanks for posting.

[@Flippincz]

I struggle everyday with depression. Fishing is therapy. Better than any medication or doctors chair. We all have good days and bad days, it’s life. Keep the videos coming Greg. Happy Friday everyone. Hope you all “make some time” to go fishing! Tight lines everyone. #flippincz #100bagger

[@scottszczechowicz5699]

Congrats Mike..I love it when the whole gang is together 👏👏👏👏

[@fiddlefishing]

Thanks for keeping it real Greg. The highs and lows of fishing. It happens to all of us. Just a reminder for me about the mental aspect of anything competitive. No apologies necessary. Shake it off, on to the next.

[@Philliefanisback]

If any tournament (Fishing, Pinball, anything) has taught me anything, it's that being able to mentally reset when bad shit happens, whether you're fishing bad or just stuff goes wrong is huge. Gotta be able to reset and not dwell. Like how players in sports say 'Don't get too high, don't get too low'. Always love the videos man, even if they are rough.

[@adrianriley8609]

That mental game on the water can really effect your fishing. I've been there where some days it just feels like every cast is inaccurate or your spinning reel keeps getting wind knots then to lose a fish on top of that will really get in your head. One of the hardest factors on the water is the mental side of it

[@JonGilGonefishing]

When I feel like that on the water I like to pull out the EMERGENCY JOINT. That usually takes the edge off and changes the rest of the day. You're there to have fun, all fun.

[@KhookemB]

Hahaha blessing the water. You have no idea how many times I cast out and spark a cig up pick my rod back up and got one swimming with it.. or when I pack one and blow the smoke on the water always usually catch one after blessing it too

[@JonGilGonefishing]

@@KhookemB haha! I’m taking this! It’s time to bless the water! For sure, taking that moment to take a breath makes a difference. Fish are chilling down there, need to slow down.

[@KhookemB]

@@JonGilGonefishing bro I’m telling you it works.. been calling it that for years now. No bullshit it works so good dudes I fish with are like I hope you brought a bunch. Because we always catch something right after… at a few flws back in the day, I sware a couple of my boys who don’t do it , came by my hotel room in the morning before launch and told me to bless there boats 😂😂

[@fishinthesticks8139]

A lot to learn from this video, thanks for posting it Greg. Congratulations on that century mark, epic 🤙

[@fryeguy9939]

36:32 There is an old saying.... HERE TODAY, BUT GONE TOMORROW... This seems to be the case this tournament... It seemed like you were fishing at about 90 miles an hour.. Some times we just have to slow down... I know... Easy for me to say... Shake it off Buddy... I can't wait for the next video...

[@donkswampey3874]

Love the format of your videos man. So fun to watch even when you’re struggling. I play fishing videos all day while I’m working and most of the time I am only half listening. For your videos I watch them during lunch so I can give them the attention they deserve haha. You the man, keep your head up!

[@mitchellfishingadventures]

This video and the last video are a perfect representation of the highs and lows of tournaments. Sucks that had to happen for you but you'll crush them in the next one!

[@doster59]

Great video, anyone who spends any time on the water knows the frustration of those days when we're in a funk. Love seeing the gang together, congrats to Mike.

[@PiperFishing]

Greg, bro, you need to set the hook. All these fish you lose on a Texas rig drop shot because the hook is still ok the plastic. That spinning rod and light line don't have enough power to drive the hook through by just reeling.

[@johnnysaechao6218]

Gotta love Mike! He’s a character and love his coffee cup, we will get along fine lol 👍

[@markphilippsjr]

Mike always there to lighten the mood😅

[@juliustolentino4091]

Greg’s ancestor on the wall! Greg’s reaction was so good. 😂 as a fellow Asian, that was hilarious!

[@dne3142]

Man I wish I had tournament friends like that! So jealous lol

[@rvfishingyet]

Thanks for sharing the full Monty on both these 2 days. Class act and I felt for you. Keep rolling Greg!

[@gumslinger11]

Im with mike 100% on the rats nest extension cord. Cmon greg, get your act together 😂

[@lizsmith9948]

We understand your despondent mood - I keep a magnet in my boat locker for the times things go overboard. I'm not sure it would have helped retrieve your Go Pro, but it's worth a try. Sorry Day Two didn't work out as we hoped; however, you'll always look back at Day One as a fond memory. Stay in the fight! 😊 Another thing, please don't apologize for being human. Who hasn't experienced the ups and downs in fishing tournaments? This too shall pass 😉 Thanks for the share - keep your lines tight!

[@noobfishing101]

@10:16 the bathroom comment had me dying hahahah

[@bmceowen2]

oh man, what a day. Sorry it didn't turn out the way you hoped, but good job powering through it. Was really nice to see the guys up on the board at the end and great job being happy for them! Get em next time Greg!

[@freeagentangler5159]

Sucks that day 2 didn't go your way but be happy for your bros who did well and made the Dark Horse Division shine.

[@adamcawthon]

Love Mike's mug!!

[@FishingWithFred]

Keep your head up and your lures wet. Always another day. Thanks for bringing us along

[@alexbosinger5507]

Aaron Martins is my favorite all time fisherman. When you pulled over to mess with camera it was a bad sign. 2 of my favorite AM are Havasu black bird jig bite and tidal river Maryland spinner bait bite. Both from elite series. He’s loosing his mind getting short strikes until the tide drops. Thanks Greg and it was great to see the whole team together❤️

[@derekbushnell1309]

Noticed it looks like you were fishing a bit faster than the day before. Not as relaxed. Really enjoy the content.

[@fryeguy9939]

I thought exactly the same thing... Seems like Greg was fishing 80 miles an hour... Maybe even set the hook too soon..

[@Jack-ft8hv]

Great video Greg. Would love to see a video going over your current rod and reel combos!!

[@mattbywater7347]

Hey Greg , keep your head high. It happens to all of us. No matter what happens you had 1 great day. I fished that lake back in 1988..and was full of big bass but the water level was low. Caught a few big ones and had fun. Thanks for all your videos.

[@granvillej3316]

Greg today was by far the toughest day on the lake kits emotions came out today it started early and just compounded what I saw mental fatigue a point of reaching a certain low and not able to bounce from it. You have an amazing audience that really enjoy every part of your fishing journey we love the epic days on the lake, but we understand the low ones on another. We stand with our heels at every corner and watch them shine on the battlefield and feel all the emotions when it doesn’t work out right the way you want it to. I’m a Greg Blanchard fan for life watching every bit of your journey no matter where it takes us. You have to understand you’re an outstanding influencer out there with an amazing character which stands you way above the rest. Keep fighting, keep striving and keep battling to be the best cause you have come along way to be where you are. Continuous and never ending improvement it doesn’t stop after one experience it keeps growing and growing just pick yourself up dust off the dirt and keep moving forward. On a side note Obedie is an amazing friend when situations bring you down he just changes it and brings the positive responses “ keep fishing” a great competitive and great friend and serine job to your crew Mr. Mike Ensign who got second place awesome job!!! Until the next video take care brother and God bless!

[@MarkoMygun]

Wow what a wierd tournament, well I know you'll come back Greg. And yes the mental part plays a big roll. If you go back and study the videos, you can see the change. I know you will learn from this and come back man. Thanks for taking us along bro and good luck to you next time.

[@adstross]

Not sure what power rod you were using for the weedless dropshot, but it looks like the same rod you use for nose hooked dropshot. I used to throw weedless dropshot on a ML and lost a decent percentage of fish. Powered up to a M rod and haven’t had near the issue. Might be something to look into. Love the content.

[@JohnTowell]

Bro no need to apologize, that's why we are here because you are keeping it real.

[@TH-1988]

Bro, gotta get some rest...the eye bag says it all. You did well, nonetheless.💯

[@ronniecarlson4667]

That was so rough I had to watch the first day over again! With my coffee.

[@OPMDS1]

Heck yea buddy this tournament has been the most fun to watch since your 2019 KBF National Championship. Looking forward to seeing you crush it again next video 😎😎. Also, don't beat yourself up brother shit happens, and you can always have a worse day 😉😉.

[@trevorstieger6762]

Fishing can be so good and so brutal. Well done to all the guys.

[@FN_Davey]

Losing that Go Pro even makes me mentally upset :D This was a doosy :/ Keep your head up Greg that day 1 was still something to be proud of!

[@friendlyfishingguy9556]

Lol Greg ancestors, Mike did you dirty 😂

[@mikeensign1616]

Hahahha its all in good fun

[@mckeannaegle5407]

hell yeah greg, amazing job. most guys would have thrown a fit if they had a day like you did. these next tournaments will be just as big.

[@jrussell3873]

Greg when it’s blue bird sky’s the next day, slow down, stay in the same area. They didn’t leave, Carolina would have got em most likely.

[@KenWoodFishing]

"Come up your backside..." Didn't think that one through, did he? 🤣

[@JeffVonH]

Dude, fishermen are superstitious for sure! You let an unlucky break in the morning spin you out. Having your mind get in the way of success is the greatest danger in any competition. Still a cool video to watch. I'm a fan and your general positivity and ability to let the missteps roll off are one your biggest assets. We will be tuning in to your next episode watching for the big turn around. Congrats on the 101 bag day one! That's about a 24 pound sack, big day!

[@FishingWithLardAlmighty]

All I can say is, I've been there. Not in a tournament, but definitely going into a day of fishing with high expectations and completely spinning out. Tomorrow is another day. Looking forward to the next video.

[@tyghtlines]

Awesome, love your content. Tyght lines, brother!

[@claybaitsoutdoorchannel00]

Catching your video before my weekend Kayak tournament starts. (Lunker legends) just small series of weekend tournaments

[@RickStubstad]

Man what a tough day! You’re going to recover because you’re that good at what you do. As the old saying goes; you learn more from your mistakes than your successes.

[@AlexSaeteurn916]

Now that’s my kind of fishing 😅 very relatable and unfortunate after a huge bad the day before!

[@lynnebrown9149]

When you pulled to the bank I thought you had to poop.

[@mcbassinfaas7285]

Whoa. Just seemed like one of those days. Rough one man. Into the next one.

[@CjJones713]

Love Mike’s coffee mug, curious how he ended up with such a Texan cup in California

[@jcann9632]

Those day are tough. It's the F*#kening effect. Too many things going right and then BAM! Not so right. The highs and the lows are what it is all about. Looked like a great time with your friends. Mike with the plaque. 👏 Well done.

[@scottbaldwin5448]

Full blown anxiety attack…. Fishing crazy fast… I’ve been there. I think we all have 😢

[@ronhess3013]

Great job showing the good, bad and the ugly! Tell Coach “it’s always funny’ till someone get an eye poked out” 😆

[@stacenhartland9777]

That looked like the night before program got the best of ya. Can’t blame ya, good fishing and awesome friends! Could be wrong but ya need to Shake it Greg.

[@jacquezghardy]

First 10 minute gang. Just got back from a fire and it’s 3AM where I am. Nice to have something to watch since I’ll be up all night

[@patdavis7786]

I'm at work wht you talking about lol . I know how you feel. Greg, you have a system and when something is out of wack, it effects the whole day. But still like your videos and you're a heck of a stick . Keep a tight line. Luck luck to 🎣 🎣 🎣

[@Frewsfishn]

Greg = still human!

[@michaelbates8355]

Been killing them on the bladed jig up here in NY when you making your yearly trip up here greg?

[@josiahgaza4501]

Long time follower. That was the most relatable tough day on the water can remember seeing in a while. Thanks for posting as always! Might want to dedicate a couple fun trips to trying out a new drop shot setup or 2, maybe a new hook or rod action? Shouldn’t be losing drop shot fish like you have been last couple tournaments.

[@gregellingson7584]

Sorry Greg, you just never know what a day will bring. I still enjoy you videos make me realize all that stuff does not just happen to me, the line caught on everything😂

[@SuperKyang]

So glad you forgave the coach! He looked really beat up at the end! But you’re still the greatest

[@adammead8197]

Tough bites happen. You'll get em next tourney bud. Cheers

[@martinw28703]

Honestly bro….the go-pro incident was total bad luck. It was as much your fault as it was coach’s…..it is completely understandable to want to go fish as quick as possible, especially after the day you had before, but if you would’ve watched your surroundings before full throttle, maybe the go-pro would’ve made it. Anyway…let this day go, and keep your head up brother! ❤❤❤

[@keepemlo]

Shouldn't need to worry about that,bo ramming kayaks, not funny

[@martinw28703]

@@keepemlo That wasn’t a ram….they are friends….it was a light tap at most. Just bad timing on both parts.

[@mouayang9346]

Give thanks to all them haters they no who they r we need people like them to help fuel r burning passion to make positive things happen u have a great team with u to see how u guys enjoy life that's all that matters!!!!!

[@fishingwithjett5373]

Regardless of how the tournament ended your day 1 was amazing as you stated it involved both skill and luck to do that. Day 2 well that's fishing don't be too hard on yourself & Coach sometimes worse days affect more than 1. I'm sure all that day he was beating himself up about what happened. As always I really enjoyed this one Greg.

[@toddolatheks.1328]

Hey brother, love you love you show and commented for a while cause I watch on my Roku anyway Greg Blanchard you’re a good fisherman if you could just remember that and those hard times I think you do a lot better. I think you’re one of the best fisherman that’s out there. You don’t trust yourself, you get upset you speed fish and I don’t know if that’s true because I’m watching a video but I’m trying to help. Awesome videos great productions keep doing it! Thanks 🙏

[@MTWasks]

We all wanted you to win after that epic first day bag. But none of us think you failed in any way. Despite tough circumstances you stuck it out and fought hard. Quitting would have been a failure. Not being perfect, not failure at all. Hanging in there is a great virtue and we can all learn from your perseverance.

[@lisengxiong5408]

Dang, tough day. We have all had those day man. Keep at it tho.

[@nicknackdaddyack]

Well....a boat bash to start out the day kinda set up the mood man. It was all in good fun because we know Dutch wouldn't want to do any damage on purpose....now Mike...he may be different lol😂

[@mikeensign1616]

You know it lol

[@RICKENBOCKEN]

Oof hard to watch the frustration, reminds me of all the hard times on the water when things all seem to go wrong..

[@dylanmcmurrey510]

Why the heck are people so negative in these comments? 1 semi - bad day and they're like "cry baby! Get over it, etc." People love to watch successful people fail. Makes them feel better. I get LOADS of negative comments on my videos. Even about stuff not related to the video itself. Keep grinding bro!

[@WillSelby]

These dorks just need somewhere to type their lame words that's all. They actually think they make a difference but they don't. Greg will always keep grinding I'm sure he's used to this crap by now.

[@dylanmcmurrey510]

@@WillSelby yep!

[@sandybowers5085]

#TeamGreg

[@jeremyjames5368]

Hey Greg. Have you tried strike pro mini buzz bait? Best mini buzz, in my opinion, black color. Great lure to add. I caught sooo many bass with it. Majority of the big bass I catch is with it. In the morning, heat of the day, evening it's definitely a good try man.

[@jdowap13]

Going to discovery bay this upcoming week wish me luck. Can you give me any tips too it’ll be helpful!

[@TylerGibsonFishing]

Hey man you are human like the rest of us! Good to see.

[@Sublux1383]

Let’s go Mike! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@scottbostic6247]

I'm sorry brother. We all go through those unexpected, undeserved hassles sometimes. No need to apologize. Be proud of that 100 inch day. No one can take that from you.

[@damienbanks5945]

It's fishing we all have those days just got to keep grinding 💪

[@sd_pescador619]

Watching while at work.

[@brucepreston3927]

Have you thought about switching to a different style drop shot hook or maybe a different rod type? They really seem to be popping off the hook this year...I know it's heartbreaking to lose a lead that big, but thats just how fishing is sometimes, unfortunately...We will all be here watching either way, so keep the videos coming!

[@kcoutdooractivities1338]

I think your mojo just went down hill, right from the beginning with loosing the GoPro. It threw you off your game. Glad you shared this experience. I enjoy fishing too much to stress about tournament fishing, so I just watch you do it 👍. Keep up the good work.

[@BobbyOfEarth]

That's fishing... But overall, a good day. The crew was in the mix, and you all get to share in that success.

[@hawjfamily321]

Coach gave you come bad juju in the morning. But man you have to start talking to Mike more often.

[@angiespencer4156]

On the back of the jig pack directions say make sure to tighten your drag and set the hook and when things get slow throw a Senko #5ewg and a small carpet screw shoved up its Ars😊

[@wheelb4973]

The storm on day 1 probably had the fishing biting from the falling barometric pressure but the flip side of that is the day after a storm when the bite can be difficult . Better luck next time and keep your head up . The camera was not that big of deal by the way .

[@jackstein5486]

Really felt bad how the day started out with losing the camera. Then the Dow start got you spun out a bit. Tough to slow down but probably needed to do that. Loved the guys and place, not your day on the water. All the best Greg!

[@Bassfishertv]

It happens, luckily that’s the beauty of our sport, the bad days happen so when the good ones come along they are freakin amazing

[@randall964060]

Mikes coffee cup is pretty sweet I must say.

[@FlipNyak]

A 1am treat!!! Sleep

[@Downs719]

Wow!!! Well that’s why fishing is like marriage for better and for worse!!! We love doing it that’s why we’re still here!

[@longthao2810]

It’s okay . Forgive him and can’t wait for more of your fishing videos !

[@poststalone1496]

Wish that lake wasn't a 4hr drive from me. Looks like a fun lake for kayak fishing

[@KEZFishing]

Santa on my backside 😂

[@justintate4340]

I’ve been in a similar situation. Leading day 1 and bomb on day two. I felt this

[@cwg1313]

What was Mike catching them on? Would be cool to see hit setup and gear, he always be rigging up 😎

[@mikeensign1616]

Day one all my fish were hooked one a Rico popper. Day two Drop shot 6" Xzone worm.

[@cwg1313]

@@mikeensign1616 awesome Mike. What a finish in that tournament !

[@HUNT-FISH-REPEAT]

It has always amazed me how much the bite can change from day to day.